Ruth

*Disclaimer: Everyone’s interpretation will be different as I believe The Word is multi-dimensional. What you read today could have a different meaning to the same scripture you read the next day. It is all about what the Holy Spirit wants to show you and speak to you in that moment which is what I love about the Word. I’m saying this disclaimer to say if you have taken or take anything different from the scriptures I have spoken about in this post, then that is fine – two things can be true at once. Perhaps that is what the Holy Spirit wants for you. This is just for me but I hope it blesses you also!

Study was done using the S.O.A.P Method:
S – Scripture in heading and verse in quote.
O – Observations (of the scripture, what was interesting or the interpretation) in the paragraph after the scripture.
A – Application (to daily life) written in bold .
P – Prayer at the end of the post.

The start of the year 2024 I decided to study out Ruth. She is my name-sake, my middle name and her romantic story with Boaz has elements in it which I relate to. So I figured why not study it out and learn a bit more about her and her relationship.

Well I learnt a LOT about the character of Ruth as a woman and potential wife, but also the character of a man of God, a husband and leader through Boaz. Have a read and let me know what you think!

Ruth 1:6

“Then she [Naomi] arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread.”

Naomi knew of the Lord, trusted in Him enough to listen to what He was doing for others – giving them bread (the bread of life reference?) And she was quick to make the decision to return to the land they came from (back to Him!) in order to receive His blessing! They needed the bread, as there was a famine – just like we need Jesus to survive!.

Going to where God is brings life and blessings. We need the ‘Bread of Life’ (Christ) to sustain us.

Ruth 1:7-8

“Therefore she went out from the place where she was and her two daughters-n-law with her and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. And Naomi said to her daughters-in-law, ‘Go return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and me.'”

Whether it be your own mum or your mother through marriage, the love is there and should be there. Naomi recognised the importance of family and how the girls would want to probably go back to their own mothers. Spending time with mothers is important as they are special, but also as daughters, that bond is significant as it is where we learn about womanhood and what it means to be a lady. If it’s not your biological mother teaching you then it can be a substitute mum, though your own mother is special in her own way because of the connection she has to to.

Mothers are a blessing.

Ruth 1:10-14

“And they said to her, ‘Surely we will return with you to your people… Then they lifted up their voices and wept again and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law [Naomi], but Ruth clung to her.”

The daughter’s-in-law must have had a great relationship with their husband’s mother, as they cried about leaving her. Despite her efforts to tell them to go back, as she had no other sons for them, they were still reluctant to leave her. That’s love. Ruth didn’t want to leave Naomi, she saw her as a mother and had clearly bonded with her. Shows that you can receive love of a parent through people who are not blood related, like being adopted into the kingdom.

Mother and father figures come in different forms. It is the love that shows the relationship, not the status.

Ruth 1:15-18

“And she said, ‘Look your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods, return after your sister-in-law. But Ruth said, ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go , I will go; and wherever you stay I will stay, your people will be my people and your god my god. Where you die, I will die and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me and more also. If anything but death parts you and I.'”

The promise Ruth made with her mother-in-law, Naomi, I remember being in so many marriages, the vows in the weddings, and I loved hearing it. It is one of those vows you say to your husband or the one you love with your heat that you two are one and whatever they do, you will do too. I think this vow is especially significant to God as this is the heart He wants us to have with Him. To follow Him wherever He goes. It is if we are able to fulfil that promise to Him.

Making a covenant with someone like this is a promise to always follow them wherever they go. Make it with God.

Ruth 1:19-20

“Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem and it happened…that all the city was excited because of the, and the women said, ‘Is this Naomi?’ But she said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara for the Almighty ha dealt very brutally with me.”

Sounds like Naomi was a celebrity in her hometown – well known for a whole city to be excited for her return. She must have made an impression or been a woman of great standing in the whole community. Despite that, she still lost a lot and was now in a position where she found herself back where she started which she probably didn’t anticipate but God’s plan for them were great.

Status is one thing but to have status but lose what you have means nothing. Family is everything.

Ruth 1:22

“So Naomi returned and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”

It is no coincidence that they returned to their homeland – like returning back to God but also the land of Bethlehem which we know is where Jesus was born years later. I think it being the beginning of the harvest was significant as in the spiritual, is it the gathering of the Lord’s blessings – He had planted, now they were about to receive.

God plants with us or without us for His glory. And when we receive, it is for His glory, but also a blessing for us.

Ruth 2:1

“There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz.”

Sometimes it is through people you already know or have some connection with, that you find your person. Boaz was related -through marriage to Naomi, and he was clearly a successful man (wealthy) and well-known also.

Sometimes we meet our person through family and friends.

Ruth 2:2

“So Ruth said to Naomi, ‘Please le me go to the field and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favour. And she (Naomi) said to her, ‘Go my daughter.'”

What is significant here to me is that Ruth was ACTIVE. She out herself in a place she would be seen and visible to him. She didn’t chase, but she made the effort to be somewhere where he would find her and see her. In order to find your person, you have to be willing to put yourself out there. They aren’t going to find you at home, or rarely come to you. Go after what you want – put yourself out there.

Put yourself out there to be seen. Don’t chase, but be visible.

Ruth 2:3

“Then she left and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.'”

Ruth was determined to place herself where she would be seen. She went to where Boaz was – where he owned and worked there. It was strategic. She had a plan and was doing that while working she knew the likelihood of being seen there so she went. She went after what she wanted.

Are we making ourselves seen and visible to what we want? Hiding and waiting does nothing. Be seen and active.

Ruth 2:4

“Now Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers; ‘The Lord be with you.’ And they answered him, ‘The Lord bless you.'”

Not only did Boaz have a relationship with The Lord – for him to make that proclamation, he must be God-fearing, but also he cared about his workers. He spoke to them but not just that, he cared about them in a way of encouraging and blessing them here. Their response also shows they had a great relationship with him so that must have liked him and therefore must be a good man for them to bless him back.

Boaz was a man who honoured God, his people (staff) and was a good man of encouragement.

Ruth 2:5

“Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers. ‘Whose young woman is this?””

Because Ruth was visible, she was noticed by Boaz. He knew probably all of his staff members and so noticed a new person. Maybe it was that or maybe not but for whatever reason, Ruth stood out to Boaz and he asked of her. He showed interest and curiosity in the woman in this eyesight.

A man is to show interest and curiosity in a woman and ask of her.

Ruth 2:6-7

“So the servant who was I charge of the reapers answered and said, ‘It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab.’ And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves!’ So she came and has continued from morning until now though she rested a little in the house.””

Ruth was known among them respectful and polite she asked to be there and work with them and was hardworking – worked all day but was disciplined as she knew when to rest also. She placed herself in a place where she would be seen and her good qualities got her seen. She wasn’t there to mess around, cause trouble. She was there to help and be of service. She was determined to be of use to them in the field.

Ruth’s character is to be admired: polite, respectful, hardworking, disciplined and willing to help.

Ruth 2:8-9

“The Boaz said to Ruth, ‘You will listen my daughter will you not? Do not glean in another field nor go from here, but stay close by my young woman. Let your eyes be on the field which they reap and go after them. Have not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.””

Boaz had so much of these instructions for Ruth but it was all out of love and care. He told her to do these things to keep her safe, protection from other men, and what to focus on and also provided for her – the water. That is a man who loves you, who thinks of all the ways he can do to protect you, keep you safe and provide like the love of God for us all.

The man of God for you will be one of care, protection, safety and provision for you.

Ruth 2:10-11

“So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground and said to him. ‘Why have I found favour in your eyes that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?’ And Boaz answered, ‘It has been fully reported to me all that you have done for your mother-in-law and how you have left your parents and the land of your birth and have come to a people whom you did not know before..””

Ruth showed Boaz respect by bowing before him, as probably customary in those times. But it shows us that she had respect for not only her elders (as he was to her) but also who he was as a man. She wanted to know why he was showing her such kindness. His answer showed it was about the actions of her character. By being kind and loving and loyal to her mother-in-law people could see the kind of woman she was and that goes a long way – people see your behaviour and talk. She walked in a way and manner worthy of respect.

Ruth’s character was shown through her actions: kind loyal, faithful, trusting. People see our actions and behaviour so make sure it shows our character – the character of Christ.

Ruth 2:12-13

“‘The Lord repay your work and a full reward be given by the Lod God of Israel under whose wings you have come for refuge! Then she said, ‘Let me find favour in your sight my lord, for you comforted me and have spoken kindly to your maidservant though I am not like your maidservants.””

Boaz blessed Ruth, he was a kind, understanding, caring man who clearly honoured and had a relationship with God. He knew God’s heart and that He was protecting Ruth. He showed her respect, and kindness even though she wasn’t ‘his people’ – which she acknowledged. Ruth in response was respectful and not shy in expressing how she felt and how he had made her feel – comforted and respected. She made note of his kindness and how he spoke to her despite who she was etc.

A man of God will be kind, understanding, caring, comforting and protective towards women and the woman he cared for. Ruth also affirmed him and told him of how much his actions means to her. She was expressive. (If Boaz is this respectful to a woman he barely knows, how much more to his wife).

Ruth 2:14

“‘Now Boaz said to her at meal time, ‘Come here and eat of the bread and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.’ So she sat beside the reapers and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied and kept some back.'”

Now we known this had reference to Jesus with us eating of Him to satisfy our hunger and thirst in life. Being obedient to Him so that we may live. But also in terms of a romantic relationship (like Christ’s love for us) Boaz was telling Ruth to eat as he cared for her and was concerned for her physically but also in general. Like, ‘Have you eaten?’ shows you care and he was also willing to give. He wanted to look after and provide for her. Ruth too was obedient and ate and that resulted in her being satisfied..

Christ’s body satisfies us – taking in His Word. Also, the man shows love through being able to provide for us and give to us as women. It is our duty to accept it and be satisfied.

Ruth 2:15-16

“‘And when she rose up to glean, Boa commanded his young men saying, ‘Let her glean even among the sheaths and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her, leave it that she may glean and do not rebuke her.'”

Boaz had favour on Ruth, he showed Ruth kindness, mercy and love – like God does with us. He was also in charge and commanding. He set the rules and others followed – a leader. When we are in the favour of God He has the power to let us walk in the way He chooses. He tells/commands people to leave us alone and when to provide for us. He has that authority and power. Boaz also held authority and power and he used it to bless Ruth and provide more for her. He protected and provided.

God commands others on how to treat those He loves. He has the power to do that hence why our trust should be in Him. Boaz was a man of authority who used it for good. Godly men are men of loving authority.

Ruth 2:18

“‘Then she took it and went into the city and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she bought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied.'”

Ruth was caring and shared what she had. She gave Naomi some of the food Boaz had given to her when she ate with them. Even then, she probably was hungry and ate until she was satisfied not greedy and over ate and didn’t waste or give it back but thought of Naomi and remembered to bring back for her.

Ruth’s qualities growing: thoughtful, caring, giving, sharing.

Ruth 2:19-20

“‘And her mother-in-law [Naomi] said to her, ‘Where have you gleaned today? and where did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you.’ So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had said, ‘The man’s name is Boaz. Then Naomi said, ‘Blessed be he the Lord who has not forsaken His kindness to the living or the dead! And Naomi said to her, ‘This man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives.'”

Because of probably how much Ruth had bought home, Naomi was curious about the person who had shown Ruth so much favour that it was family. Again we see how well-known Boaz was and how he knew of Ruth’s reputation with her mother-in-law and probably her past.

Your past reputation follows you so be careful of your character and how you treat others.

Ruth 2:19-20

“‘Ruth said, ‘He also said to me, ‘You shall stay close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest. And Naomi said to Ruth, ‘It is good you go out with his young women and the people do not meet you in any other field.’ So she stayed close by the young women of Boaz to glean until the end of barely harvest and whilst harvest and she dwelt with her mother-in-law..'”

Ruth remembered the advice Boaz had given her and told Naomi. And they both advised her to stay close to others for her protection and she was obedient to both of them and stayed protected. She stayed and listened to the advice of the people who had authority and whom she had respect for and she was protected.

Listen to those in authority of who you respect – their advice is rooted in wisdom and is for your protection.

Ruth 3:1

“Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her [Ruth], ‘My daughter shall I not seek security (rest) for you that it may be well with you.'”

Other translations of ‘security’ in this passage translates to ‘I must find a home for you where you will be well provided for. Sounds to me like Naomi meant she wanted to find a man for Ruth, someone to protect and provide for her. When I looked up the meaning as well: The harvests are complete and the woman have the food they need, but soon Ruth will lose her opportunity to interact with Boaz. Naomi wants more for Ruth that ‘enough’ she wants her to find ‘rest’ in a new family with a new husband.

Being with someone should feel like rest – safe and secure with them. Your protector and provider.

Ruth 3:2-4

‘”;Now Boaz whose young women you were with is he not our relative? In fact he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be when he lied down that you shall notice the place he lies and you shall go in uncover his feet and lie down and he will tell you what to do. And she said to her, ‘All that you have said to me, I will do.'”

Naomi gave Ruth instructions on how to be seen and present herself as a potential wife and Ruth was obedient and took the advice on. There are things older women who have experience can teach us, especially about dating. It’s important to use our own experiences to help and advice others with the dating process which is what I’m trying to do.

Take advice from older women. Give advice to other younger women about presentation and dating.

Ruth 3:7-11

“‘And after Boaz had eaten… he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain and she came softly uncovered his feet and lay down… the man was startled and turned himself and there a woman lying at his feel. And he said, ‘Who are you?’ So she answered, ‘I am Ruth… take your maidservant under your wing for you are a close relative. Then he said, ‘Blessed are you of the Lord…for you have shown more kindness at the end that at the beginning in that you did not go after young men whether poor or rich. And now… do not fear, I will do for you all that you request for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”

Put yourself in positions to be found. Make clear your desires. Know that your reputation precedes you.

Ruth 3:12-13

“Now it is true that I am a close relative however there is a relative closer than I. Stay this night and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you – good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you then I will perform the duty for you as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.”

Had to do some research on this. So basically Ruth’s reasons for prosing marriage to Boaz was for them to provide an heir for Naomi and her late husband and sons. Naomi just wanted Ruth to have a stable marriage. Ruth saw it as more than that and Boaz understood it too that the threat of family extinction weighed on Ruth and he was ‘stimulated’ to take on that responsibly as ‘redeemer’ for Ruth so that Elimelech’s family would not be blotted out. So interesting this because we know that ultimately Jesus comes from this family line and He is our ultimate Redeemer.

Sometimes marriage has a need involved – not always about love but duty. Necessary for later blessings i.e. Christ.

Ruth 3:14-15

“So she lay at his feet until morning and she arose before one could recognise her. Then he said, ‘Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.’ Also he said, ‘Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it. And when she need it he measured and ephahs of barley and laid it on her and and she went into the city.”

Ruth was blessed for her obedience and faithfulness. She did as Boaz said and he covered her literally. He also gave her a lot of food again and was not only protective of her by covering her but provided for her. He cared for her and shows that through his actions a sign of a good man and potential husband to Ruth and us all.

Husband material: commanding, protective and provides.

Ruth 3:16-18

“‘When she came to her mother-in-law… she told her all that the man had done for her. And she said, ‘Those 6 ephahs of barley he gave me for he said to me. Do not go empty handed to your mother-in-law. Then she said, ‘Sit still until you know how the matter will turn out, for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter.'”

Boaz was a gentlemen. He did so much for Ruth that she had so much to tell Naomi. He was also more than thoughtful than just Ruth but also thoughtful and kind and generous to her mother-in-law. He protected women and who was also important to Ruth was to him also. All Ruth had to be was patient for him.

A good man will not only care for you – but those who are also important to you.

Ruth 4:3-4

“Then he said to the close relative, Naomi who has come back from the country of Moab sold the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. And I though to inform you saying, ‘Buy it back… If you will redeem it, redeem it but if you will not redeem it then tell me that I may know for there is no one but you to redeem it and I am next after you. And he said, ‘I will redeem it.”

Boaz was probably as it was in their time obligated to call that meeting to ensure this redemption – or business was done in a proper respectful manner which he did. He spoke clearly, laying every-thing out and all the terms and conditions and placed himself as the guarantor of the deal as he said he would to Ruth. He was a man of his word and did business well.

Boaz is an example of a good man. Respectful, business-minded, sure and certified and a man of his word.

Ruth 4:5-6

“Then Boaz said, ‘Oh the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi you must also buy it from Ruth, the wife of the dead to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance. And the close relative said I cannot redeem it for myself lot I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my night of redemption for yourself for I cannot redeem it.”

I’m not totally sure of all the ins and outs of this but what I do pick up on it the close relative not being able to do so because it would affect his own inheritance – he wasn’t even sure it would ruin it but he wasn’t willing to take that risk where are Boaz didn’t care. His promise to Ruth was more important. He was a man of integrity.

A man of integrity is a man who sticks to his word and his promises.

Ruth 4:8-10

“‘Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, ‘Buy it for yourself… and Boaz said to the elders… ‘You are witnesses… that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlons from the hands of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the widow of Mahlon I have acquired as my wife to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day.’

Boaz was true to his word and promise to Ruth. Though, it wasn’t the grand proposal we would all like it still shoved love and honour for Ruth and her family. Their marriage was more about the future of their family line and protecting that at all cost. Boaz was a man of decency, honour, man of his word and respectable among his peers.

A good man will honour his vows be respectable, keep his word.

Ruth 4:11-17

“All the people and the elders said, ‘We are witnesses The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel: and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem… So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went into her, the Lord gave conception, and she bore a son.”

The people around Boaz and the elders all blessed him. Words have power because what they said came to pass later on down the line. It’s so important to have supportive encouraging people, a community around you to positivity uplift and prophecy over you. Also Boaz kept to his word and married Ruth and God blessed them with a son Obed who was the grandfather of David.

Pray for: Have a community of people around you who are encouraging and supportive your man should take you to be his wife.

So to summarise. Here are the key learning points from this study of the book of Ruth:

General:
– Going to where God is brings life and blessings. We need the ‘Bread of Life’ (Christ) to sustain us.
– Mothers are a blessing.
– Mother and father figures come in different forms. It is the love that shows the relationship, not the status.
– Making a covenant with someone like this is a promise to always follow them wherever they go. Make it with God.
– Status is one thing but to have status but lose what you have means nothing. Family is everything.
– God plants with us or without us for His glory. And when we receive, it is for His glory, but also a blessing for us.
– Sometimes we meet our person through family and friends.
– Put yourself out there to be seen. Don’t chase, but be visible.
– Are we making ourselves seen and visible to what we want? Hiding and waiting does nothing. Be seen and active.
– Boaz was a man who honoured God, his people (staff) and was a good man of encouragement.

How your character as a man/woman should be:
– A man is to show interest and curiosity in a woman and ask of her.
– Ruth’s character is to be admired: polite, respectful, hardworking, disciplined and willing to help.
– The man of God for you will be one of care, protection, safety and provision for you.
– Ruth’s character was shown through her actions: kind loyal, faithful, trusting. People see our actions and behaviour so make sure it shows our character – the character of Christ.
– A man of God will be kind, understanding, caring, comforting and protective towards women and the woman he cared for. Ruth also affirmed him and told him of how much his actions means to her. She was expressive. (If Boaz is this respectful to a woman he barely knows, how much more to his wife).
– Christ’s body satisfies us – taking in His Word. Also, the man shows love through being able to provide for us and give to us as women. It is our duty to accept it and be satisfied.
– God commands others on how to treat those He loves. He has the power to do that hence why our trust should be in Him. Boaz was a man of authority who used it for good. Godly men are men of loving authority.
– Ruth’s qualities growing: thoughtful, caring, giving, sharing.
– Your past reputation follows you so be careful of your character and how you treat others.
– Listen to those in authority of who you respect – their advice is rooted in wisdom and is for your protection.

What to look for and do in relationships:
– Being with someone should feel like rest – safe and secure with them. Your protector and provider.
– Take advice from older women. Give advice to other younger women about presentation and dating.
– Put yourself in positions to be found. Make clear your desires. Know that your reputation precedes you.
– Sometimes marriage has a need involved – not always about love but duty. Necessary for later blessings i.e. Christ.
– Husband material: commanding, protective and provides.
– A good man will not only care for you – but those who are also important to you.
– Boaz is an example of a good man. Respectful, business-minded, sure and certified and a man of his word.
– A man of integrity is a man who sticks to his word and his promises.
– A good man will honour his vows be respectable, keep his word.

A prayer for the lessons learned in the book of Ruth:

“Dear Lord, I thank you for Ruth’s life and the lives of Naomi and Boaz. I thank you that through them, we can learn more about your character and the character that help us in our interpersonal relationships – both familial and romantic.
Father, I pray for our lives, that the character of Ruth shall be in the forefront of our minds and that we can develop our character in the ways shown in her life story.
I pray for those looking to date or find a godly romantic relationship, that they will take the lessons from both Ruth and Boaz and see that the character traits of each of them are beneficial and necessary in a partner. I pray that as they look for their partner, they will use these traits to assess the nature of any potential love interest and make a decision accordingly. I pray that those looking for a relationship, will find love and a union of respect like theirs.
I also pray for those in romantic relationships, that they take wisdom from the story of Ruth and Boaz and that the teachings will help develop their relationship to a Godly union, full of love and commitment.
We thank you for the love that You have for us and have also shown us through this story and I pray that it will encourage us and know and understand love on a deeper level.
We pray all these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen.”

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