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The Background of Ruth
The book of Ruth demonstrates how God is involved in the everyday events of our lives. This story occurred in a time of history that was very difficult. An Israelite named Naomi had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons because of a famine in Israel. First, her husband died. Then her two sons died, leaving behind their wives. Naomi decided to return to Israel. She knew that the life of an unmarried foreign widow would be hard so she encourages her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Ruth was loyal to Naomi and insisted on going with her. Ruth said to Naomi, “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Naomi and Ruth returned to Israel where Naomi changed her name to reflect the pain and bitterness in her heart.
Ruth and Boaz
In order to survive, Naomi sent Ruth to the field of one of her relatives. Ruth gathers what grain might have been left after the harvesters have passed through. Boaz sees Ruth and has compassion upon her. He learns of her character and loyalty. He is also obeying the law of God that requires people to have compassion on the poor. Naomi encourages Ruth to let Boaz know, in the way that is appropriate in that culture, that she is available. If a woman was left without a husband, a close male relative could marry her and thus “redeem” her life. Boaz was that family redeemer and chose to marry Ruth. Ruth had a baby named Obed, which returned joy to Naomi’s life.
God Behind the Scenes
The opening tragedy of Naomi’s life is followed by loyalty from both Ruth and Boaz. Each chapter of this book starts by the person making a plan, God orchestrating a provincial meeting and then concludes with rejoicing. God is working behind the scenes throughout the story. At the beginning of the story, Naomi feels that God is punishing her but he is actually blessing and restoring her through Ruth and Boaz. This book explores God’s purposes and human will working together. The amazing conclusion of this book is the genealogy which traces Obed’s descendants to King David. God was at work in seemingly mundane events, yet he was working all of them into his grand plan.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you believe that God is involved in the “every day” details of your life? Explain why or why not.
- Read Ruth 1:20-21. Have you ever blamed God for the difficulties in your life? Have there been times when bitterness reigned in your heart? Explain
- Can you describe a time of great disappointment in your life, when you later learned that God was working behind the scenes?
- Ruth demonstrated great loyalty and selflessness to Naomi by her willingness to return with her to Israel. What do you think may have enabled her to make such a difficult choice?
- Do you consider yourself a loyal person?
- Boaz noticed the difficult situation of Ruth and Naomi and chose to become involved. When was the last time you stepped out to meet the needs of someone else?
- Boaz was the family redeemer for Ruth. Compare this to how Jesus is the true redeemer of the world.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
