Ruth 1-4: Day 066: Journey Through the Bible in a Year

March 8, 2022

Ruth 1-4
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Day 066: Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Focus Verses for Today: Ruth 1:16-18

Take some time with the Lord, sharing things with Him and seeking His direction on all things in your life, while asking for His understanding of the book of Ruth. Read Ruth 1-4. Let’s journey!

Commentary: The book of Ruth takes place during the time of Judges, which was a time of declining morals and ethics among the Israelites. So what is the purpose of such a book? We already have a book that shows the degrading state of Israel during the time of Judges. In Ruth, we follow her as she leaves her land to travel with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, in hopes of finding family. We learn the story of David’s roots, and by extent, Jesus. Through Naomi, we see the theme of God taking one from a full life to an empty life, and returning it to fullness. Even in times of crisis and despair, we can live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.

Ruth was committed. Ruth, widowed from a son of Naomi, fully engaged herself in her relationship to being the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Naomi released her from those obligations, suggesting that Ruth remain with her people and marry a Moabite, one of Ruth’s people, so she may have children. Ruth understood obligation does not cease when hardship arises and refused to abandon her mother-in-law, traveling to Bethlehem with her to care for her. Once in Bethlehem, Ruth works to support herself and Naomi. Ruth meets Boaz, who noticed she was a woman of action. Ruth tells Boaz he is Naomi’s guardian-redeemer. Boaz looks into the matter immediately, discovering another is more closely related. When the other man was unwilling to fulfill his obligation, Boaz took Ruth for his wife, redeeming Naomi. A guardian-redeemer purchases the land of the widow’s wife, leaving her without land but with money to support herself. Because Naomi had a daughter-in-law, Ruth, children had by Ruth would share in Boaz’s estate (inheritance). Boaz and Ruth have a child, Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David.

Focus Verses: Ruth 1:16-18 – Ruth left her home to care for Naomi and to follow her God. How is God asking you to follow Him? Does Ruth’s story challenge you? How can Ruth’s story inspire you?

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