GREAT BREAKTHROUGHS: RUTH’S REDEMPTION

Week 2: RUTH’S REDEMPTION

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Ruth 2-4

Pilot text

Ruth 2:11-12 11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
Ruth 3:8-11 8 Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 And he said, “Who are you?” So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” 10 Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, 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.
Ruth 4:13-17 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbour women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Discussion Points

1. What do the events of chapter 2 tell us about God’s providence and favour?
2. Think of the cultural context within which this story was set. What was so important about Boaz and his role in this story?
3. Look at chapter 3:18. What does Naomi’s comment tell us about Boaz’s character? [Prayer break – Thank God that your ministering angels (see Heb 1:14) will not rest until God’s counsel concerning you is settled today]
4. Who do you think experienced the greatest breakthrough in this story?

Closing thoughts:

Ruth was a foreigner who was outside the commonwealth of Israel. By the existing law of the land, she was not entitled to the benefits of citizenship. But there were two things that changed this for Ruth.
Firstly, she had forsaken the land of her birth and her people, and been ‘adopted’ by Naomi, with their relationship not merely defined by the law, but by faith (Ruth 2:11; see also Ruth 1:16-17). Secondly, Ruth had met the God of Israel, such that she turned her back on the idols of Moab and came under His wings for refuge (Ruth 2:12). These two things (walking by faith and revelation) still apply in our lives today, if we must experience that which God has kept in store for us.
Jewish tradition suggests that, at the time of these events, Ruth was around 40 years old, and Boaz 80 years old. According to man’s timing, it was probably thought to be late for both of them – some would even say they were past their best. But God, in Whom eternity lives and Who is the custodian of time, had a different plan for them. For in the fullness of (God’s) time, God ensured that they came to experience everything He had kept in store for them, even the very best. We see God working all things together such that, regardless of the exact route they took, they would get to breakthrough; they would get to redemption.
The story is about the redemption of Ruth. But it is also about the redemption of Boaz, of Naomi, and the nation of Israel. Even more powerfully, this has become the story of our own redemption through Christ.

Acts 13:22-23 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior, Jesus.
Gal 4:4-5 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. A friend comes to spend some time with you, just to ‘hang out’. But as you talk, you realise that he is about to give up on a dream he has had for a long time. He has recently suffered a significant setback and does not think he can start all over again. Your heart goes out to him. Drawing on this bible study, what would you say to him?
2. A brother tells you that the story of Ruth shows that a husband is the redeemer of his wife. What would you say to him in response (draw on this study for your answer)?