Ruth – a portrait of devotion
I. The decision. 1:1-22
A. Ruth’s marriage. 1:1-5
1. The family History
a. Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chilion, of the tribe of Judah and the town of Bethlehem
b. Daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, from the land of Moab.
2. The family relocated to Moab due to a famine in their homeland.
3. The family tragedy. The father and both sons died leaving only the mother in a new country with her daughters-in-law.
B. Ruth’s decision. 1:6-18
1. Naomi decided to return to Judah. 1:6,7
2. Naomi encouraged the daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. 1:8-13
3. Naomi could not discourage Ruth from accompanying her to Judah. 1:14-18
Ruth’s trust in God “..thy God my God:”
C. Ruth’s testimony. 1:19-22
1. Her decision was not for personal gain. 1:20,21
2. Her decision was based on her good character. refer to 2:11 and 3:11
“…for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
II. The dedication. 2:1-23
Ruth trusted in God and she submitted to His Word! She became part of His people!
A. She worked the field that was at hand. 2:1-3
Gleaning: Refer to Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; 24:19
B. She worked with diligence that gained notice. 2:4-16
1. Boaz noticed her presence. 2:4,5
2. Boaz noticed her perseverance. 2:6-9
3. Boaz noticed her humility. 2:10-13
Note verse 13: Boaz was a respecter of righteousness, not of persons!
4. Boaz provided for her abundantly. 2:14-17 He went much futher than the law required!
C. She worked and shared with Naomi. 2:18-23
III. The desire. 3:1-18
A. The advice from Naomi. 3:1-5
B. The approach of Ruth. 3:6,7
Ruth, still yet a stranger (not a Hebrew, but a proselyte Jew) living among the people, trusted in truth, righteousness, and virtue, and that her actions would not be misinterpreted –
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
C. The approval of Boaz. 3:8-18
1. The proposal. 3:8,9 (From Ruth)
2. The privilege. 3:10-13 (belongs to another) Deuteronomy 25:6,7
3. The propriety. 3:14-18
a. The discreet departure. 3:14
b. The disclosure of events. 3:15-18
IV. The dividends. 4:1-22
A. Redemption of the land. 4:1-8
B. Ruth taken in marriage. 4:9-12 Ruth: a foreigner (Leah and Rachel) a widow (Tamar)
C. Restoration of a good name. 4:13-17
1. Naomi: she is called ‘Pleasant”.
2. Mara: she is called ‘Bitter’.
3. She is called ‘Blessed’.
D. Record of the family. 4:18-22
Ruth the Moabitess-
Put behind her the influences of the false gods worshipped by the Moabites.
Looked beyond the struggles in Israel due to famine in the land.
Saw a future with and married a young man of Israel.
Refused to be discouraged upon the death of her husband.
Dedicated herself to her mother in law.
Devoted herself to the God of Israel, even though Naomi could only speak bitterly of Him.
Diligent in her labour to provide for their needs.
Followed the instruction of Naomi trusting that her actions would not be misinterpreted.