References:
Helpful context for getting into Ruth
The time of the Judges - see Judges 2:6-19
Judges 10:6 - 12:7 - Jephthah (Ammon & Moab)
"Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes" - Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25
Ruth is an amazing story of God’s salvation for Israel.
From no king (last sentence of Judges) to David, the great king whose Son, Jesus, became the King of kings
This comes through the salvation of Naomi and Ruth.
1:1-5 - taking matters into our own hands
How is God involved in the everyday joys and tragedies of your life?
1:6-15 - life is too bitter מָרַר (maw-rar'), the Lord is against me.
vs 8 - חֶסֶד (kheh'-sed) - loyalty, goodness, kindness, faithfulness
vs 11 - Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - levirate marriage
Consider Naomi’s character as seen in the actions of those around her (Orpah, Ruth, Townswomen (vs 19-21)).
Naomi - נָעֳמִי (no-om-ee') Mara - מָרָא (maw-raw')
Consider Ruth’s character.
vs 16-17 - LOYALTY! (Hesed)
1:22 - a positive premonition of provision from God
God is hardly mentioned in this story, but He is all over it.
Compare your understanding of God’s involvement in your life to Naomi’s.
Compare Orpah’s decision to Ruth’s. What do you see about their character and faith (or lack thereof)?
What’s your take away? Application?
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