Introduction

The Book of Ruth recounts the story of a woman named Ruth and her transformation from loss to
fulfillment through her Kinsmen-Redeemer, Boaz. Born a pagan Moabite, Ruth puts her trust in the God
of her mother-in-law Naomi and follows her to Israel, finding through the providence of God the
covenant love of His people, namely in the kindness of Boaz. Boaz grants Ruths request to redeem her
and makes her his wife, securing her future and the future line of David, from which Jesus would come.
Theme
The theme of our series is the covenant love of God through and for his people that causes him to
redeem us from the death we are facing. There are many important theological, ecclesiological and
Christological ideas that will be covered in Ruth (see below), but all of them are tied together with this
idea of Gods covenant love that is progressively revealed to Ruth as is she moved from alienation to
actually being a part of the fulfillment of His covenant. Our goal in this series is to understand Gods
heart for His people, present and future, and how this moves Him to redeem for the sake of His glory.
Theological Implications
1. Gods Covenant Love
- His mercy, grace, kindness, goodness, benevolence, loyalty and covenant faithfulness
- love moves a person to act for the benefit of another without respect to the advantage it may bring
- revealed in actions more than words in the Book of Ruth
2. Gods Providence
- invisible hand of God that orchestrates all things (good and evil) for his plan
- brings about Ruths redemption and Naomis healing
- brings about the future King David and his ancestor Jesus
3. Gods Redemption
- act of buying or taking something back to save or vindicate another
- brings about Ruths marriage and future security
- brings about our future redemption from sin and death through Jesus
Ecclesiological Applications
1. Love of Gods people
- what covenant love looks like in a persons heart, family, and community
- our generous love extends beyond those in the family of God to all in need

- we seek to make Gods redemption known through our words and actions
2. Faithfulness of Gods people
- we trust in God through suffering and circumstance
- we manifest our faithfulness in actions towards others
- we live ethical lives in worship of our Covenant God
3. Blessings Through and For Gods People
- we trust in the promised and received blessings of God
- we are blessed by God and worship him by blessing others
- we proclaim the blessings offered to all who would receive our God as their God
Christological Connections
1. Jesus as Our True Kinsmen-Redeemer
- Jesus redeemed us from sin and brought us into his family and protection through a covenant
- Boaz is a type of Jesus, who redeems us from death and separation
- underlying theme of Bethlemhemite man redeeming his foreign bride
2. Jesus as Gods Greatest Covenant Promise
- the covenant love of God was ultimately fulfilled and revealed in Jesus
- God dwelled with us through Jesus and made us his people
- God fulfilled the covenant in spite of our infidelity, infidelity paid for by Jesus on the cross
- Jesus kept our end of the covenant and bore the consequences of our failure
3. Other Christological Connections:
- Jesus welcomes in outsiders and foreginers
- Jesus takes us from emptiness to fulfillment
- Jesus line through Ruth and Boaz
Series Outline
Week 1 (6/28) - Ruth 1:1-5 Ruth's Origin
Week 2 (7/5) - Ruth 1:6-18 Ruth's Decision
Week 3 (7/12) - Ruth 1:19-22 Ruth's Immigration
Week 4 (7/19) - Ruth 2:1-7 Ruth's Provision
Week 5 (7/26) - Ruth 2:8-13 Ruth's Introduction
Week 6 (8/2) - Ruth 2:14-23 Ruth's Protection
Week 7 (8/9) - Ruth 3:1-13 Ruth's Proposal
Week 8 (8/16) - Ruth 3:14-18 Ruth's Security
Week 9 (8/23) - Ruth 4:1-12 Ruth's Redemption
Week 10 (8/30) - Ruth 4:13-17 Ruth's Marriage
Week 11 (9/6) - Ruth 4:18-22 Ruth's Line

Ruths Origin
Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5
Contributor: Matt Johnson
As you read the book of Ruth you should not overlook the main character. Its not Naomi, its not Ruth,
its not Boaz. Its the Lord (Yahweh). After reading each paragraph and each chapter of the book of
Ruth ask yourself, what does this tell me about Gods character? Specifically, ask yourself what does
this tell me about Gods hesed. Hesed is a Hebrew word that is translated as kindness or kindly in the
book of Ruth but means so much more. Gods hesed is his loyalty, his radical kindness, his goodness,
love, extraordinary mercy, and generosity towards his people. And this characteristic of God is found
throughout the book of Ruth if you just take time to look for it.
Before reading the book of Ruth, read the last verse of the last chapter in Judges (Judges 21:25). This
verse sums up all of the 400-year period of time covered by the book of Judges before Israel is given its
first king and after the Israelites have spent 40 years wandering in the desert. It is during this time that
Naomi and her family left Judah and entered the country of Moab (modern day Jordan) to escape
famine. When they arrive in Moab tragedy strikes. Naomis husband dies and ten years later her two
sons die leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law in a foreign land wondering what she should do
and why she ended up here.
Questions
1. If you were in Naomis shoes, what would you be asking God at this moment?
2. Would you be questioning Gods hesed?
Now read a Psalm of King David (Psalm 6), Naomis great-great-grandson and ask yourself if whether
you think David understood what Naomi was going through at this very moment. Pay special attention
to Psalm 6:4 where David appeals to Gods hesed (translated steadfast love).
3. Where do you think King David learned to appeal to Gods hesed in his time of trouble? Could he
have heard the story of his great-great grandmother Naomi and his great grandmother Ruth?
4. When you are in the midst of trouble which characteristic of God do you hold onto most tightly?
Which gives you the most comfort when you feel hopeless?
5. Do you have a relative or a brother or sister in Christ who has told you a story about God working in
their life that has been an encouragement in your time of need? When God works in your life do you tell
others about it? Why or why not?
6. What is Gods greatest demonstration of his hesed to humanity?
7. Did Jesus ever feel forsaken like Naomi must have at this moment? When? Read Matthew 27:46.
Was he in a foreign land? How so? Where was his home? Did God the father actually forsake Jesus?
Did he leave Jesus on earth in the grave? Read Romans 6:4.
8. Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. In
what ways did Jesus reveal to us the hesed of his Father?

Ruths Decision
Scripture: Ruth 1:6-18
Contributor: Luke Wartgow
This section of Ruth recounts the decision of Naomi to head back to Bethlehem and the decision of the
two daughters (Ruth and Orpah) to stay or go. Although a Moabite and wouldnt have been considered
unclean to the religious crowd, Ruth demonstrates great faithfulness in the God of Israel and his
covenantal promises to his people (vs. 16). Both Ruth and Naomi find grace in difference areas as they
go back to Bethlehem.
Previously we have learned about the great hardships and death that has taken place in the Naomi
family. The decision of Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah to leave the land of Moab after all three women have
lost their husbands, and Naomi has lost her sons. However, the book of Ruth was not written to be a
story of heros to model after but rather a book that belongs to the larger story of the Bible about a God
who intervenes with his people and with the world. A story that displays our hearts desire for
redemption in this world.
Questions
1. How do you think Naomi is doing? Why does she want to go back to Bethlehem?
2. Ruth confesses that she wants to go where Naomis God is, would that have been an easy task?
3. Ruth confesses the covenantal promise of scripture. I will be your God, you will be my people, and I
will dwell among you (Genesis 17:7-8, Exodus 6:7). What does that say about the character of God?
4. Why does Ruths confession and reminder of Gods promise result in Naomis silence? What are the
results of looking back on Gods faithfulness?
5. Naomi was left empty handed and spiritually empty? How have you experienced emptiness like
Naomi? What were the results?
6. Ruth chooses to go and worship the God of Israel. Why is choosing the Gospel both the easiest and
the hardest decision you will ever make?
Answer: Its easy because it is freely offered to you and you bring nothing to it, but its incredibly difficult
because it forces you to leave everything behind and worship Jesus and Jesus alone for your ultimate
purpose, value, and affections).
7. How are the covenantal promises that Ruth quotes fulfilled in Jesus?
8. Ruth had absolutely nothing to offer the God of Israel but she looked back on his faithfulness to Israel
as a marker of hope in her life. How do Christians look back for the same thing? What do Christians
look back to?

Ruths Immigration
Scripture: Ruth 1:19-22
Contributor: John Omohundro
This portion of the book of Ruth recounts where Naomi and Ruth migrate go back to Bethlehem in Israel
and in doing so highlights Naomis attitude towards the situation she finds herself in. Weve already
seen Elimelechs family immigrate from Bethlehem to the country of Moab, the introduction of Naomis
daughters-in-law and the losses the family endured through the death of the men. Now we see
Elimelechs widowed wife (Naomi) and her daughter-in-law (Ruth) return to the familys home land of
Israel.
Questions
1. What does Mara mean? (Bitter)
2. What season is it when Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem? (Harvest)
3. Does God see situations and circumstances from a different point of view than humanity? (read
Isaiah 55:8-9). How about in this particular story?
4. Is the same God who Naomi says is responsible for what she sees as horrible circumstances in her
life also be responsible for the what she may later see as blessings as well?
5. Are we going to see later in the story how God works?
6. Can Naomi see the whole story? How about us today?
7. Does Naomi see God at work in this time in her life? Yes, but how?
8. Is Naomis perception of the situation distorted by anything? Self-absorption? How about us today?
9. Who does she say is to blame for what she calls calamity in her life? Do we blame God for the
circumstances we find ourselves in?
10. Lets go to the end of this story and ask ourselves again how does God see things, and from what
perspective. Can this in anyway apply to every one of us today?
11. With that in mind, how could this change our minds and our hearts on the perspective we have on
our situations?
12. In this story is God working to bring about ultimate good for humans?
13. How directly? The ultimate GOOD NEWS
14. Could God be working in our lives, through the exact circumstances we find ourselves in, to bring
about His Good, His Will, and opportunities for us to be a part of His Plan?

Ruths Provision
Scripture: Ruth 2:1-7
Contributor: Matt Gafford
The big idea well be looking at this week is the actions of Ruth once she gets to Bethlehem and the
introduction of a man named Boaz, which because a very important character in Gods plan. In fact,
this chance encounter is what will bring about the bloodline that brings Jesus into the world. And here
we see that Ruth is trying to gain favor in the eyes of someone who will let her glean wheat and provide
for herself and Naomi. This section is mainly going to deal with Ruths provision as well as the
character of Boaz.
Last week we saw that Naomi and Ruth have returned to Bethlehem after their husbands have passed
away. We also have seen that Ruth has chosen to cling to Naomi and her God and follow her until the
end. And its important to our study that we remember why they were returning to Bethlehem, because
the Lord had once again provided food for his people.
Questions
1. What is Provision? (the action of providing, giving something of use)
2. Who provided provision to Ruth? (Boaz)
3. What does it mean to Glean? (gather after a harvest, left overs)
4. Why does Ruth decide to Glean after the other women in the fields? (to gain favor)
5. What kind of man is Boaz? (a worthy, godly, generous man)
6. How can we relate to Ruth in this story? Do we need provision in life?
7. How can we provide provision to to others? What does this look like?
8. Discuss some areas in your life that you are trusting God for provision and providing for others
generously, and discuss some areas you need work done.
9. We are all in need of provision, but who do we seek to bring us favor?
10. Where do we see Jesus in this story?
As Boaz gave Ruth provision and married her, Jesus has done the same for us. We have looked for
favor and he has given us favor and married us as well. Jesus is the better Boaz, and just as Boaz
gave favor to one person, Jesus gives favor to all who accept him.

Ruths Introduction
Scripture: Ruth 2:8-13
Contributor: Charles Mann
The goal of this study is to see how Ruth has been introduced in a way that she felt she didnt deserve.
She received compassion from a stranger who didnt have to show mercy to her. She was addressed in
a way that she felt she didnt deserve. We have received this same type of introduction from our Father.
Even though we deserve nothing, we have received everything.
Previously, Ruth went out into a field to glean grain from. Ruth is working to provide for her mother-inlaw, Naomi, and herself. Ruth and Naomi are both widows and are on their way to be with Naomis
family in Bethlehem. As Ruth is gleaning the fields, Boaz comes and talks to her and informs her to not
go to another field but to glean from his fields. Boaz wants to protect Ruth from criminals and people
who would want to hurt her.
Questions
1. How has Gods grace been depicted through Boazs instruction to Ruth? (verses 8-10; protection,
provision, etc.)
2. Why did Ruth find favor in Boazs eyes? (verse 11). How does this depict how we have received
favor in Gods eyes?
3. Why did Ruth fall on her face right after Boaz gave her instruction? When do we normally see people
in the Bible fall on their face in a humble manner?
4. Ruth left everything to follow her mother-in-law and a God that she didnt know. What are some
things that you might have to leave in order to cling to our God? (previous identities, idols, etc)
5. How are we able to learn from Boaz and how he treated Ruth? What are some things that Boaz did
and what are some of the ones that we could actually do?
6. How are we able to take refuge in our Lord? Are there specific steps that we have to follow in order
to do so?
7. How have we received Gods favor? Did we do something miraculous? How is this similar to how
Ruth received Boazs favor?
8. Who does Boaz depict and how does his actions reflect God?

Ruths Protection
Scripture: Ruth 2:14-23
Contributor: Kali Mann
In this section, we see that Boaz engages with Ruth after she has been gleaning in the fields, allowing
her to dine with him and advising the young men how to take care of her. After eating more than her fill,
she goes back to work in the field then returns home to Naomi. She gives Naomi extra food from the
meal, and Naomi blesses Boaz for his kindness and generosity toward Ruth. This is the first time we
see Ruth, an outsider, interact with believers, so as we go through the study, think about how Ruth
could have been ostracized, but was welcomed/protected instead.
In weeks past, we learned that Ruth (widowed) decided to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi instead of
go back to her people in Moab. The two women traveled to the town of Bethlehem where the harvest
season was just beginning. Typically, reapers and their employers do not have civil or even cordial
interactions in the fieldits usually more controversial and tainted by tension and discord. Plus, the
work conditions would have been unsurprisingly hazardous, creating a work environment that is
anything but hospitable, especially to women. But the scene in this passage depicts a relationship
among equals where there is mutual concern for others and a sense of gentleness between everyone.
These men arent dangerous and actually take care of Ruth (an outsider who just recently chose God)
as she gleans. Boaz goes out of his way to make sure that his men take care of Ruth, that Ruth stays
in the best field (his), and that Ruth has barley to glean. Its important to note that gleaning was a slow
and often tedious task, because it involved gathering the leftovers, and that those who gleaned were
often poor.
Questions
1. Ruth was expecting to pick up the left-overs, the scraps after the harvest, yet Boaz made sure that
Ruth had plenty of barley to collect. How does that reflect how God treats the people he loves?
2. Why does Ruth want to glean? How does this relate to Gods desire for us? How does this relate to
Leviticus 19:9-10?
3. What does Naomi mean when she tells Ruth that Boaz is one of our redeemers? Does this relate
to God? If so, how?
4. Why does God want us to be protected?
5. Ruth wanted to glean fields because she needed barley and wanted to assimilate, but it was Boaz
who realized that Ruth needed protection and so directed his men to act protectively.. Have you ever
been in this kind of situation where you thought you needed something, so entered into a potentially
dangerous situation? What did God do to protect you?
6. What has God given you in abundance so you can share it with others? (talents, money, time, the
gospel, grace, etc)
7. Do you identify more with Ruth (the outsider) or with Boaz (the protector)?
8. How do the actions of Boaz mimic those of Jesus? Does this passage show a promise of God?

Ruths Proposal
Scripture: Ruth 3:1-13
Contributor: Justin Harris
In our passage, a woman named Naomi develops a plan for her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth to be
redeemed, even though God had commanded that no Moabite shall ever enter his assembly
(Deuteronomy 23:3-6). In this Ruth has only one hope since she was married to a Jew previously, that
she have a kinsman-redeemer rescue her. A kinsman-redeemer is a person in someones extended
family that buys back a dead relatives land and marries his wife when he passes. The reason this was
done was to ensure his name lived on and his wife was provided for.
In this lesson were introduced to the hero of the story, Boaz. Were also reminded of Gods providence,
being reassured that He is in complete control of events that shape our lives and is using them to bring
us closer to him. If we look back at Chapter 2 of Ruth, we can begin to see there that through Naomi
and Ruth returning to Bethlehem, Gods providential plan to redeem is set into motion. Her coming into
contact with Boaz (2:3) and him providing for her has led to our text today, where their relationship will
blossom into a beautiful proposal and promise of redemption through Boazs willingness to play the role
of the near kinsman who will redeem (3:11-13).
Questions
1. Ruth and Boaz exemplify a number of virtues; how would you list them?
(Ruth exhibits faith in the God of Israel, obedience, courage, humility and chastity. Boaz embodies faith
in God, strength of character, virtue, mercy and obedience to the Law of the covenant.)
2. Ruth is looking for a redeemer in our text. Where else do we see the idea of a redeemer in the bible?
(Throughout the entire teaching on redemption in the Scriptures, redemption is set before us primarily
as God's own affair (John 3:16). God redeems His people; He redeems them out of love for them. )
3. Talk about Ruths people, the Moabites. What were they like? Why did God detest them and their
practices so much? Why would Gods acceptance of Ruth through Boaz shock the original reader?
4. If God is both Redeemer and Righteous, how are these two opposites resolved in this story? How
are these two resolved in the greater story of history?
4. How have you seen Jesus redeem you in your life?
5. Do you think God uses trials in your life to sanctify you and why?
6. How is the book of Ruth pointing to Jesus?
7. How is Jesus refining you in your life?
8. Discuss how you have seen Jesus as THE Redeemer throughout the bible.

Ruths Security
Scripture: Ruth 3:14-18
Contributor: Jonathan Mather
In this passage we see Ruth, in obedience, remain at Boazs feet through the night. Boaz in return rewards her
with 6 measures of barley and a promise of redemption (Ruth 3:13). Throughout Ruth we see her offer herself up,
by placing her trust in Boaz, or Naomi instructing her in local customs; and she faithfully responds. And
throughout the book we see this idea of finding rest or seeking rest as Ruth and Naomi look for their security
both for the line of Elimelech and their personal safety. (Ruth 1:9, 3:1). In all of chapter 2, we see Ruth placing her
trust in Boaz and through the barley and wheat harvest she steadfastly obeys him, constantly her security and
wellbeing rests in the promise or dictions of Boaz. We see Ruth transform from a foreigner to a Worthy Woman
which is recognized not just by Boaz but all the local townspeople (Ruth 3:11), and this character is honored by
Boaz as he goes to her closest Kinsman and purchases Ruths future and the lands of her father in law Elimelech
due to both his redeemer nature and the faith and acts of Ruth.
But before this happens, there is another man in line ahead of Boaz that could redeem her family and Boaz asks
him first if he will take up that responsibility, instead of just taking her as a wife or even having his way with her
after eating and drinking until he was merry on the night she wait at his feet. Some commentaries note that to
spread the corner of his garment over her is a sign of committing to marriage, and others illuminate the secrecy
and the corner of the room as being an environment that allows the possibility of illicit sexual relations. Remember
the point of this text is Ruths security (or guarantee) given as a sign of the intentions of Boaz to marry her. If
Boazs desire was to use Ruth sexually, he would have simply done so on the threshing floor. Instead we see him
reject this sinful proposition and instead follow the order that God had set and seek to provide true security of a
home, marriage and children that would eventually lead to the birth of David and Jesus.
Questions
1. What is the motive behind Naomi sending Ruth in anointed (perfumed) and disguised in her cloak?
Why tell her to hide herself until he has eaten and drank?
Note: Ruth 3:1 tells us that Naomi wants security for Ruth but her way of getting it seems sketchy at best. Luckily
Boaz is a true redeemer, he doesnt soil his or Ruths name but sends her off before others would recognize her,
and then proceeds to offer her true security by marrying her.
2. How does Boaz the redeemer reflect Christ our redeemer? (He gives security and a promise to take care of
Ruth and her family.)
3. Do we not also come to God seeking security, praying God give me money and a house and food to eat and I
will follow you? Dont we take whatever good character traits we have and try and bargain them for favor with the
Lord? (In Ruths case it was likely her beauty and status as a worthy woman)
3. How do we see Gods character in Boaz, & how do we experience a similar response as Ruth?
4. How is this story similar to the gospel, who plays what characters, who is Boaz, Naomi, Ruth, the workers in the
field or the elders that affirm his work in chapter 4.
5. Given what we know of Ruth and her mother-in-law did they need a redeemer or savior? If Christians are Ruth
do we find ourselves in the same situation, in need of a savior?
6. Vs 18 Naomi tell Ruth to wait upon the work of Boaz. In a similar way we are waiting upon the final coming of
Christ.
7. Boaz gives Ruth 6 measures of Barley as a down payment of his intentions with her. Do Christians get a similar
assurance in our relationship with Christ?

Ruths Redemption
Scripture: Ruth 4:1-12
Contributor: Andrew Cole
In the text we are discussing tonight, Boaz has called a meeting with the elders of the city and of the
closest relative to Elimelech. The meeting is meant for the next of kin to take ownership of the land of
Elimelech and to marry Ruth to produce offspring for the continuation of their family lineage. However,
the big idea of this text is not the technicalities of the land and the family name, it is the redemption of
Ruth. Her getting married brings her out of poverty and brokenness and brings her into a life of love,
security, and acceptance.
So far in the book of Ruth, we have seen Ruth, a pagan Moabite, become a widow and leave her
homeland with her mother-in-law Naomi, a woman of God from the land of Judah. When Ruth and
Naomi return to Bethlehem, they are found in poverty because they have no one left to provide for
them. This leads Ruth to glean in the fields for food where she meets a man named Boaz. Boaz allows
her to glean in his fields as well as offers her protection in a dangerous land. At this point Naomi
instructs Ruth to see Boaz and in essence ask him to marry her, to which Boaz replies that there is
another relative that has a right to this but if he does not accept, Boaz would.
1. Who were the Moabites and where did they come from? (Deut 23:3-6, Genesis 19:34-37)
2. Why did Boaz tell The redeemer he would have to marry a Moabite? What was his heart in saying
this? (He was trying to convince him not to marry her so that he could, showing his deep love for Ruth)
3. What does reveal about Gods heart for us
4. What does God allowing a Moabite to be redeemed show us about the character of God?
5. Who was Ruth before she was redeemed? Where has she come from?
6. Looking at who Ruth was, why does Boaz have a desire to marry her? How does this reflect Gods
desire to make a covenant with us?
7. Who do you relate most to in the text, Ruth, the one in need of redemption, or Boaz, the redeemer?
8. What was the heart of the redeemer that refused to marry Ruth? How do you have that same heart
for other people?
9. What would it look like for us to view people the way that Boaz views Ruth?
10. Looking at who Ruth was before she was redeemed and where she came from, where have you
come from and how have you been redeemed?
11. At the beginning of the study we saw what Gods view of the Moabites were, what could they have
done to change this? What had Ruth done to change this fact? (Nothing, but God provided a way)
12. How did God do this for Ruth through Boaz?
13. What was our position before God before we were saved, and what could we do to change that? We were just like the Moabites
14. How has Jesus done for us what Boaz did for Ruth?

Ruths Marriage
Scripture: Ruth 4:13-17
Contributor: Katie Fraker
In this passage Boaz marries Ruth and the Lord enables her to conceive and give birth to a son, Obed.
Ruth and Naomi praised the Lord for bringing their family a kinsman-redeemer and prayed for him to be
known throughout Israel.
Throughout the book of Ruth, we have seen Ruths transformation into a redeemed woman. Ruths love
for her mother-in-law has been shown in the previous chapters and has remained unchanged. God
brought great blessings out of Naomis tragedy. Throughout her tough times, Naomi continued to trust in
God. And God, in his time, blessed her greatly.
Questions
1. In verse 13, the scripture says that the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. What does
this show about the Lords character?
2. What is Ruths reaction to her son?
3. How is Naomi blessed?
4. In verse 17, we learn that Obed will come to be the grandfather of David, which makes Ruth his
great-grandmother. Ruth was a Moabite, a foreigner. Why is this important?
5. Naomi has suffered throughout her life, yet her faith in God never wavered. Has there been a time
when you have suffered that God has blessed you?
6. Is it easy or difficult to trust God through the hard times?
7. How confident do you feel in your future? Do you wonder what Gods plan for you is? How do you
respond?
7. How does this passage reflect the Gospel?
8. How does this passage reflect the character of Jesus?

Ruths Line
Scripture: Ruth 4:18-22
Contributor: Christina Cole
The book of Ruth is the only book that has this particular genealogy written down, which most likely is
the biggest reason why this book was canonized. It has ten names in the line, which is interesting
because historically throughout the Bible, all the poignant lines only had ten names listed (Noah's and
Abraham's also only had ten). Each of these genealogies resulted from God's promises of a great
nation. Likewise, each of these lines were blessings of faith. It is interesting to note that these are all
lines that lead to Jesus Christ. In the line of Christ were three foreign women involved - Tamar (Genesis
38), Rahab (Joshua 2), and Ruth (Ruth 4). This whole story was told in order to get a closer look at the
kind of people whom God used for His glory, and for His ultimate plan of redemption, the Gospel. In our
text of the genealogy of Perez, we begin to see familiar names, specifically King David. We are being
used by God, as were these women of faith, even if we do not see it. Ruth may not have realized how
God was using her, as His plan for her was realized in Jesus Christ two thousand years later. Likewise,
God's plan for us is realized in Christ.
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful story of a pagan woman, who makes a decision to leave her home land
and live with her mother-in Law, starting as a stranger surrounded by a different people and faith, and
concluding as a redeemed woman whom God used in the lineage of Jesus Christ. She lived for years
as a poor woman, with no one to give her a purpose. Finally, she finds a man who is willing to give her
and her family (Naomi) everything they need. Out of no help from herself, Ruth was redeemed and
given a place in this foreign world. She was blessed for her faithfulness by the birth of her son, whose
line was to carry on to Jesus Christ. Ruth lived 10 years with Naomi, her mother-in-law, as a widow. This
means that she hadn't born any children. In the genealogy, there are ten names written. God blessed
Ruth for her faith and patience by giving her children and by allowing her to be part of the greatest line
in history.
Questions
1. Which characteristic of God do you see most in this text, given the previous discussion?
- His desire to bless - His provision - His redemption
- His faithfulness - His sovereignty - His grace
2. How can we see God's character through Ruth's actions?
- Loyalty to Naomi - Faithful in childlessness
3. How can we see God's character through Boaz's actions?
- His redemption - Overlooking who Ruth really was
- Kindness to Boaz - Meeting her where she was
4. Which character in the story do you most relate to? Why?

5. Give an example of how God has blessed your through patience.

6. How do you feel about God having the right to use you and not tell you why? How would you feel if
you knew God was using you for something great?
7. Boaz had no obligation to Ruth, and yet he brought her in. How does this pertain to us?
8. Does this change how we should see others? How?
9. How does/should this affect our mission to share the Gospel?