Session VI Day 3

The end of another week is upon us and with it another opportunity for personal reflection.  Find a quiet, distraction free area and get ready to reflect on your walk with God.

ASSIGNMENT

Personal Reflection

Get out your notebook and turn to a fresh page.  Create a column for “Trials” on the left side and a column for “Blessings” on the right side.  Jot down some hardships from your life in the Trials column and list corresponding blessings that have emerged in the Blessings column.  Not every one of your past hardships will have obvious blessings yet.

If Boaz is a human model for our Chief Kinsman-Redeemer (God), what could Naomi’s reply to Ruth in 3:18 say to us regarding what God has in mind for our lives?  Reword this into an affirmation of faith regarding what God plans for your life.

We have not reached the conclusion of Naomi and Ruth’s story – but we continue to see our Sovereign Lord at work.  Keep in mind that your story is not yet finished either.  Pray that our Lord will open the eyes of your heart so that you will see the work He is doing in your daily life & have the faith to know that He Who calls you is faithful and is not finished with you yet.

Session VI Day 2

I hope you've been able to stay warm this week!  What happened to the wonderful weather we had on Sunday? On Monday we looked at Ruth’s actions toward and request of Boaz.  Today we get to see his response.  Can you imagine how nervous/anxious Ruth might have felt about this time?

ASSIGNMENT

READ Ruth 3:10-18.

3:10-15.

1.   Looking closely at this, can you detect any immoral actions on the part of Boaz and Ruth?  Is there anything in their conversation that leads us to believe their intentions were anything other than honorable?

2.  What reason does Boaz give for his willingness to redeem Ruth?

3.  What did Boaz give Ruth to take home to Naomi?  What does this gift tell us about his intentions at this point?

3:16-18.  Some have concluded that Ruth felt rebuffed by Boaz when he responded to her requests with nothing more than 6 measures of barley.  If this is true, Naomi’s reply in verse 18 could be taken as reassuring.  How is our situation similar to Ruth’s in verse 18?

Session VI Day 1

Welcome back to week six of our study of Ruth.  Last week we came to a turning point in the story where hardships and trials turned into blessings and hope.  A kinsman-redeemer has entered the narrative and in chapters 3 & 4 we will see what that means for Ruth and Naomi.  Before we begin this week’s in depth study of Ruth chapter 3, you might find it helpful to read the entire chapter in one sitting to get an idea of where we are headed this week.

ASSIGNMENT

As we come to chapter 3, the barley and wheat harvests were finished (see 2:23).  Here’s an historical note on activities taking place at this time: After the ripened grain had been cut and gathered into sheaves, it was then threshed (the grain was loosened from the straw) by the treading of cattle, the wheels of carts or by the use of sledges.  When the afternoon winds came up, the grain was tossed into the air with winnowing forks and the wind blew away the straw and chaff, and the grain fell to the threshing floor.  At night someone had to guard the threshing floor to prevent damage or theft of the grain.

READ Ruth 3:1-9.

1.       :1-4 – Here we see Naomi take the initiative, where Ruth had taken the initiative in chapter 2.  Why do you think there is a shift here?  Naomi’s instructions to Ruth may sound strange to us, but they were consistent with the customs of the day.  Naomi’s instructions likely indicate that Ruth’s period of mourning is over and it is time to return to the normal activities of life – including marriage.  What are some of the dangers with Naomi’s plan?

2.       :9 – “Spread the corner of your garment over me…” – In 2:12c, the word “wings” is translated from the Hebrew knap/knaf.  That word can also be translated “corners” (as of a garment) – which is what we find in 3:9.  This word is found frequently in the Old and New Testaments.

From Thomas Nelson’s Impact Bible Study Series:

At the close of an ancient Hebrew wedding ceremony, the man would draw the corners of his outer garment over the bride’s head, symbolically covering her with his protection.  The outer garment or prayer shawl (as it was sometimes translated from the Hebrew, tallit), had an additional meaning beyond functioning as clothing.  The four corners of the garment with fringe/tassels are described in Num. 15:37-41.

READ Num. 15:37-41. What was the purpose of the tassels?

Let’s Discuss!

With the historical information provided here, what are some of the possible deeper meanings behind Ruth’s actions and request?

Session V Day 3

We've come to the end of another week.  Today we'll reflect back on Ruth 2 and have a time of personal reflection, so find a quiet place and get started exploring God's word.

ASSIGNMENT

Read through Ruth 2 again.  What evidences of God’s sovereignty do you see in Ruth 2?

Read Romans 8:28-29.  What can we glean from vs. 29 about the “good” referred to in vs. 28?  How do these verses tie in to our previous discussion on the goals God has for us? (See the post from Feb. 5 and the discussion board)

For personal reflection:

Read and meditate upon Psalm 130.

“What the world attributes to chance or fate – the eyes of faith perceive as the hand of God.”

Session V Day 2

Happy Wednesday!  I hope this mid-week post finds you all well.  In today’s study we will come across what many consider to be the turning point of the narrative.  Pay attention as you read and see if you can guess which verses make up this turning point.  Once you’ve completed today’s assignment use the discussion board to share your thoughts about this turning point.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ Ruth 2: 13-23

• Look back at verse 2, what was Ruth’s hope?
• Given the bitterness we saw in Naomi in chapter 1, why do you think she was so quick to see God’s hand in the bounty Ruth brought home?  (See 2:19-20 – These are the verses considered to be the turning point of the narrative)
• What words would you use to describe Ruth’s character in chapters 1 and 2?

Let’s Discuss!

Why do you think 2:19-20 is considered to be the turning point in the Ruth narrative?  Is this what you would consider the turning point of the narrative?  If not, what would you consider to be the turning point of the narrative?

Just for fun:  The approximate time of the barley and wheat harvest season is 7 weeks.  On Ruth’s first day of gleaning in the fields, she gathered about an ephah of barley (see 2:17).  If Ruth kept up this rate of gathering grain for all seven weeks of the harvest, how much would she have gathered?

Session V Day 1

We’ve come to week five of our study of Ruth.  I hope you have been blessed by our study thus far and will continue to grow as we continue our journey with Ruth.  Before we start this week’s study, I encourage you to read Ruth chapter 2 in its entirety in one sitting.

We’ve previously covered two major themes throughout the Ruth narrative: hesed and kinsman-redeemer.  These two terms might be defined as follows (thanks to the ladies able to meet at the building):

Hesed (Hebrew; usually translated loving kindness) – recognizes and meets recipient’s needs, based on covenant loyalty to God and to each other.

Kinsman-redeemer – the nearest adult male blood-relative who served as an advocate for any vulnerable/impoverished clan member.

Keep these concepts in mind as we continue our study.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ Ruth 2: 5-12

1.  :5-6  Boaz’s question in verse 5 indicates he knew the workers in his field & recognized a new face.  How does the foreman identify Ruth?

2.  :7-9  Note: verse 7 has caused some difficulty in translation.  The foreman volunteers information about Ruth’s request (and also her work habits in the NIV).  The NASB translates this way: Thus she came and has remained from the morning until now

The last clause of verse 7, which the NIV translates, except for a short rest in the shelter, and the NASB – she has been sitting in the house for a little while, is difficult in any translation. In the original Hebrew, it reads, “this her sitting the house (a) little.” (and, no, this is not a typo)
Most commentators have formed their understanding of verse 7 from Boaz’s response to Ruth in verses 8 &9. His 7 statements are as follows:
       1. Don’t go and glean in another field
       2. And don’t go away from here
       3. Stay here with my servant girls
       4. Watch the field where the men (and girls) are harvesting
       5. And follow along after the girls
       6. I have told the men not to touch you
       7. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled
From these statements, some say it is possible to conclude:
       That Ruth was leaving the field as Boaz arrived (statements 1-3)
       That something done to her by the male reapers has made her uncomfortable enough to leave (statements 4-6)
       That Ruth’s attempt to get a drink of water had resulted in some sort of harassment by a male reaper (statement 7)
Using this rationale, we conclude that the foreman’s words in the last clause of verse 7 could actually be something like this, “This fellow…ah, she’s just going home for a bit.” The foreman starts his explanation, becomes embarrassed and then just says that Ruth is headed home or perhaps leaving to go to another field.

3.  :10-11  Ruth bows down and asks why Boaz has been so kind to her, a foreigner.  What reason does Boaz give for his kindness?

4.  :11-12  At this point, what does Boaz know that we assume Ruth does not?

5.  From what we’ve read (thru Ruth 2:12), is there evidence of anything more than hesed in Boaz’s treatment of Ruth?

Session IV, Day 3

Sun is in the forecast and love is in the air.  Have a wonderful weekend!


ASSIGNMENT:

For Personal Reflection

We have learned some about the role of the kinsman-redeemer in this week’s lesson. 

In the study of the old testament, we frequently encountered the phrase, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

  God has been active in redeeming His people throughout history.  Look up and read Deut. 7:8.  Then t

ake some time and explore all the ways the Lord has rescued/redeemed you personally and praise Him for the great things He has done!

How should the realization that God has redeemed us from “slavery” affect the way we extend grace/hesed to others?  Look for ways to do just that this week!

Session IV, Day 2

As Valentines Day approaches many of us begin to think of how we can show those we love just how much we care.  When I think of this tradition in the context of Ruth and Naomi's time showing love came in much more practical and life sustaining ways than flowers or a box of chocolates.  We will read on in the next few weeks about the provision Boaz showed Ruth and Naomi by redeeming them.  What a exceptional way to show he cared!

ASSIGNMENT:
Without looking back to yesterday's post, see if you can fill in the blanks to the following questions...
1)  redeem ____________  once owned by an impoverished relative.

2)  redeem impoverished relatives who had been forced to sell themselves           into_________________ .

3)  avenge the _____________ of a relative.

4)  act as the recipient of restitution paid for a __________ committed against a _________________ relative.

5)  assist relative in a  __________________ so that justice would be served.

6)  redeem a ______________ facing old age alone without anyone to care for her.

Let's Discuss!

Do we have any New Testament instruction similar to the kinsman-redeemer tradition in the Old Testament?  Why do you think this is was so important?  Is it still important today?

Session IV, Day 1

Happy Monday!  Today we will start our study of Ruth, chapter 2, but before we begin we are going to look more in depth at the role of the kinsman-redeemer.  This is an important relationship for us to understand in the context of the book of Ruth.  Almost everything that happens from chapter 2 – 4 is related to this concept.  

Here is what we found out about how the kinsman-redeemer could function...

1)  redeem property once owned by an impoverished relative which might have been sold out of economic necessity

2)  redeem impoverished relatives who were forced to sell themselves into servitude

3)  avenge the murder of a relative

4)  act as recipient of money/property paid for a wrong committed against a deceased relative

5)  assist relative in a lawsuit so that justice could be served

6)  redeem a clan widow facing old age along without anyone to care for her

To Make a Connection... Look up Lev. 25:47ff to read the first time the general concept of the kinsman-redeemer is introduced in the Bible

ASSIGNMENT:

Read Ruth 2:1-6.

Grab your notebook and answer the following questions...

1. What do we learn about Boaz from 2:1? 

2.  How did Ruth respond to her current circumstances?

3.  What custom is described in Lev. 19:9-10?

          a.  Who are the people for whom provision is made? 

          b.  What do we learn from Deut. 24:19-22 that was not stated in the Lev. 19   passage?

* In Deut. 27 and 28, Moses reminds the people of the blessings/curses that accompany obedience/disobedience.  Deut. 27:19 states "Cursed is the man who withholds justice from the alien, the fatherless or the widow..."

4.  The possibility of a land-owner refusing to allow the impoverished to glean from his field may be a concern to Ruth.  What does she say that indicates her concern?

5.  What does the exchange between Boaz and his workers indicate?

Just for fun...  

Although the kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem the needy in his clan, the choice to do so remained his.  Can you remember?  If he refused, his family line would then be known as the ________  __  __  ______________ (Deut. 25:10)? 

Session III, Day 3

Today is a day for personal reflection.  Grab your Bible, notebook, and pen. Find a quiet spot to still your mind and work through the following questions.  I then encourage you to get on the discussion board and share some of what you have learned under the heading "Goals."

ASSIGNMENT:
In Ruth 1, we got a snap shot of how Naomi handled and interpreted her suffering.  We know that God has not promised that our lives would be free of suffering. It also doesn’t appear that God’s goal is to keep us happy or to make our dreams come true.

1. What would you say ARE some of His goals for us?

What did Peter say in I Peter 1:15 regarding what God has called us to be?


What does Jesus say about rest in Matt. 11:28-30?
Comment on your understanding of the rest Jesus promised.


2. What does 2 Cor. 4:16-18 say to us …
About our physical state?
About our spiritual state?
About our focus?

Session III, Day 2

Happy Wednesday!  You have made it through the first part of a very dreary week.  I hope today's time in study warms you from the inside out.

ASSIGNMENT:
Read Ruth 1:19-22

On Friday we looked at the meanings of different names in the book of Ruth.  We learned the Naomi means "pleasant" and yet when she returned to Bethlehem she asked her friends to "call me Mara, for the Almighty has made my life very bitter."   To make a connection, look up Exodus 15:22-23.  What similar word was used, and what did it describe. 

In Monday's post 4 overall themes found in Ruth were listed.  Go back and peruse Ruth 1.  What verse found there states one of these themes?  


*Again, you are encouraged you go back and read through the previous discussion on the board.  There have already been some wonderful insights made about some of the verses we are looking at today.

PONDER THIS:

As we read through the book of Ruth, and, for that matter, any portion of the Bible, we should look for examples of God’s sovereignty.  This is not always easy for our human eye to detect. By the same token, we should move through our days with an eye out for what God is doing in our lives as well.  In Ruth 1:20-21 it appears that Naomi understood this and recognized the soveriegn power of the Lord at work in her life. 

Session III, Day 1

Welcome back to week three of our online study of the book of Ruth. As we peel back the layers of the narrative, it is amazing how many stories we find there and also how many lessons apply to us today.  Keep an eye out as you study for the following threads.

1) This is the story of Naomi – moving from a life of emptiness in Moab to a life of fulfillment in Bethlehem, Judah.
2) It is also the story of Ruth’s compassion and loyalty to her mother-in-law – and her willingness to give up a familiar life for the unknown.
3) It is the story of minute details – we see God involved in the seemingly small events of our characters’ lives.
4) It is also a BIG story – of God manipulating history as He hand-picked the ancestors of King David and Jesus Christ, Messiah!

ASSIGNMENT:
Today we are going to be taking our first online Quiz.  Do not be intimidated!  This is simply a means of review and a tool to help you look more closely at certain passages of scripture.  Today our focus will be on Ruth 1:6-18.  Read through these verses and then CLICK HERE to get started.