Chapter 1
In what time of Israel's history did the book of Ruth taken place?
BONUS: What verse in the previous book of the OT, describes that time period?
"in the days when the judges governed.."
BONUS: Judges 21:25, 17:6, 18:1
Judg. 21:25 ¶ In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
What does 2:4 tell us of Boaz’s character?
He trusts the Lord and cares for his workers.
What about Ruth chapter 3 demonstrates the principle of humbly receiving wise counsel before pursuing marriage? (v1-5)
Ruth is trusting God's direction in her life from her mother-in-law, Naomi.
How long did Boaz wait before he pursued Ruth's redemption?
A. 2 days
B. 40 hours of fasting
C. Until his schedule opened up after harvest time
D. The very next morning
D. The very next morning!
He fulfilled his promise right away. He left the threshing floor and went straight to the city.
Name the 3 widows in this book?
Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah
Name at least 4 bitter providences that happen in Naomi's life in Ruth 1.
7 Bitter Providences:
1.) A Corrupt Culture: days of the judges (1a)
2.) An Economic Collapse: famine (1b)
3.) A Faithless Move: to Moab (1c)
4.) A Painful loss: husband dies (3)
5.) Rebellious Children: they marry pagans (4)
6.) A Barren womb (4c)
7.) A Tragic loss: Her sons die(5)
Why was Ruth surprised by Boaz's kindness to her? (2:10)
Because she was a foreigner, she did not expected to be treated well.
Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
In 3:11, what is Boaz's reason when he agrees to pursue Ruth's redemption?
"for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence."
Her godly character is known by everyone!
According to 4:7-8, how did "Mr. So and So" show that he was giving the right of redemption to Boaz?
Ruth 4:7 ¶ Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.
How can we counsel a “Naomi” who has been in a very difficult season of bitter providences in Ruth 1? What truth about God would you remind her to dwell on?
She needs to be reminded of the goodness of God. She knows He is sovereign but she is forgetting that He works all things for good.
What wonderful providence happened chapter 1 from Naomi's time in Moab? (v15-16)
Ruth devoted her life to the LORD and to taking care of Naomi. (1:15-16)
Which two of the following are reasons that Boaz showed Ruth favor in his field? (2:11-12)
A. She was very pretty.
B. She faithfully cared for her mother-in-law.
C. She was working harder than the other servants.
D. She had come to seek refuge in the LORD.
B. and D.
Ruth 2:11 Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.
Ruth 2:12 “May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
In 3:3, Naomi tells Ruth, "Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor;" Is this:
A. To impress Boaz
B. To show that she was no longer mourning as a widow
C. To protect Naomi's reputation
D. Because she wanted to look good for the pictures
B.
Ruth was showing that she was past the season of mourning the loss of her husband and ready to seek redemption/marriage.
Why does the nearer redeemer, Mr So and So, refuse to redeem/marry Ruth? (4:6)
A. Because she was a foreigner
B. Because it would jeopardize his own inheritance
C. Because she wasn't his type.
D. Because he had the gift of singleness
B.
Ruth 4:6 The closest relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it.”
Who is Boaz's mom and how might have that affected his kindness towards Ruth as a foreigner?
Boaz's mom was Rahab, who sheltered the spies in Jericho. He would have known first hand how the Lord can save a foreign woman and she could be a faithful follower of Yahweh.
What does the name Mara mean in 1:21 and why does Naomi tell the women to call her Mara?
Bonus: what does Naomi mean?
Mara means bitter. She asked to be called Mara because she is bitter at the Lord for the bitter providence that He has brought into her life.
Bonus: Naomi means pleasant.
In Ruth 2:20, Noami tells Ruth concerning Boaz: “The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives.”
What does this mean for Ruth?
Which of the follow is not an example of Biblical love in Ruth 3:
A. It submits to wise counsel.
B. It does not go against the law of God.
C. It's ok to lie if you really love someone.
D. It is content to wait on the Lord.
C.
Strong feelings do not justify ungodliness.
In 4:11, the elders pray that the Lord would make Ruth to be like Rachel and Leah, why would that be a blessing?
Because they birthed the 12 sons of Israel. God brought His people from these two women and they are asking that Ruth would continue the line of God's people!
What does the name Obed mean?
BONUS: What more common OT name does it come from?
Obed means servant, or one who serves.
It is from Obadiah, which means servant of God.
What 3 blessings did the Lord bring to Naomi in Ruth 1:22, even in her bitterness?
What phrase in 2:3 directs our attention to the providence of God?
BONUS: Define the providence of God.
"and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz" - literally, "her chance chanced upon coming to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz.
Providence - God's hidden hand sovereignly directing all things according to the counsel of His will for His glory and the good of His people.
In 3:12, after confirming his desire to marry Ruth, Boaz discloses that there is a nearer redeemer. What does this imply about Boaz's character?
He is a man of integrity. He is unwilling to manipulate or deceive to get what he desires. He will walk down the path the Lord provides, even if it's difficult.
Tell me 4 things about Ruth in 4:15?
for your daughter-in-law,
who loves you
and is better to you than seven sons,
has given birth to him.”
What did God ultimately accomplish by taking Naomi to Moab?
He brought a redeemer for Naomi and Ruth in Boaz and Obed, and ultimately continued the line that would lead to Christ through David.