Ruth

An outsiders’ loyalty shapes the destiny of future generations.

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader                                                                                                                      

SIB p. 336 it says in the introduction to this book that it is written to the Israel people.

Like Crystal taught in class today, it may have been important for the people of Israel that they knew more about the heritage of David, their King, because Ruth was a Moabites – but she made a faith statement in ch.1.6.

The story is from time of the judges, ch.1.1, and all the deceiving we see there, there is this group of people living their life that shows in action and speech, that they know the Lord and the law.

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                                         

Jewish tradition points to Samuel – but it can also be an unknown (SIB p. 337)

Has to been written during or after David because he is mentioned in the last verse, ch.4.22.

It is as said in the introduction to the book in SVB (337), interesting how any writer was inspired by God to write this love story in between the other, in a way cruel books.  Also the idea of including all these woman and giving them a voice at this time in history is really remarkable.

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?                                                                                            

We read about relationships and responsibilities in a family, keeping together through hard times, loyalty, knowing the Law and having faith in Gods provision and kindness. How these people kept the rules of the Lord, even Ruth who was a foreigner did what was right.

God Provision in leading Ruth to the right field – and a good husband to restor the family is a main theme.

One sentence: It is a book mainly about Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, and can be summed into: Outsiders in the common community can become important key persons when they obey God!

4. What is the primary reason for this book was written

In SVB p.337 it quotes: “to retell an important story, and perhaps to encourage the Israelites to include foreigners in their nations ( Isa 56.1-8)”

I think also in telling this story about kindness and following Gods laws and instructions and how God rewards this will be important for the readers. I can imagine how this story would be a great oral moral story shared in family partiesJ handed down generations by generations.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                         

He loves women J in NT it said in this verse Gal.3.28

A timeless truth is: He gives new life – like in this book – from poverty to wealth, from death to life, from foreigner to Israelite, from barren to fertile, from widower to married.

Isaiah 43.19 and Rev. 21.5

He includes people who believe in Him – as written above, and He did so permanent through Jesus – were all were alike. Gal 3.28

God shows his providing and he guides: as it happened ch.2.3, she got more than she expected, ch.2.18.

6.What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                                                 

In this book we read about Boaz acts as a redeemer by buying back the land of Naomi’s husband/sons and marrying Ruth. Jesus is our ultimate redeemer by giving His life. In Titus 2.14 we read, “ That He might redeem us form every lawless deed”.

Ruth in the choices she did in believing Lord she was podded into the family tree that Jesus came from. And this divine family line of Perez – I have earlier been told that name means “break through” –ends in Gods final BREAK THROUGH  - JESUS CHRIST.

They even came back to the ancestral Home land of Judah, the town of Bethlehem which both was prophesized in Mika 5.1 about a rulers  (Messiah) birthplace and also written about in Matt 2.5 when Jesus is born there.

The restoring and redeeming of Naomi and their family name, may be a foreshadow of how the name of Israel and all Gods chosen people are being redeemed through Jesus –our redeemer.                                                                                                                                                       

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:

I enjoyed reading this story – I always have. The way Ruth decides to stay together with here mother -in- law, and how she seemed to work hard to feed them and had a willingness to do what would be best for Naomi and the family property both in land and pride.

I am also are fascinated of the kindness that is pictured when we read – both in between the woman, and Boaz himself is described as a kind and gentle man.

I was reminded of on part in the verse in Acts 10.38 – “Jesus went around doing good…” not just went around as we often do, but did good. This will be my application these days!                     

8.Point of passion: “Right to make a reservation for doctors”

Today I signed an email to all the members in Parliament today, supporting the right to reserve. I don’t really know how to fit that into something in the book of Ruth, but I feel that it is an important point of passion I have – and it makes me so much more aware and involved.