Nathan E. Lewis

Read the Book of Ruth in one sitting, once weekly in preparation of hearing the Gospel preached from it. The following questions are designed to aid you in your personal and small group study. The book recommendations will help you in further study as you choose to pursue it. Pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, to apply this beautiful story to your mind and heart, to your faith and to your obedience. Pastor Nathan Lewis is preaching six sermons from the Book of Ruth this October and November at Evergreen in Beaverton and Chehalem Valley in Newberg. You may read his sermon scripts at his blog. Using the study guide below, look for more questions, resources, and quotations as the weeks unfold. Interact with Nathan and let him know what you are learning from the Holy Scriptures.

Book Recommendations:
Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. — The Book of Ruth (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1989).

Iain M. Duguid — Esther & Ruth (Reformed Expository Commentary, 2005).

Sinclair Ferguson - Faithful God: An Exposition of the Book of Ruth

Go to www.monergism.com and look up Iain Campbell’s sermons on Ruth and Brett W. Avants’ Study Notes.

October 5 Ruth 1:1-14 “Searching In Vain for Providence”

What was life like in Israel in the days of the Judges? Do you remember the main description offered by the author of Judges? _____________ did what was _________ in his own __________.

What does the name “Elimelech” mean?

In (8) Noami speaks of the loving kindness of God, that is, the Covenant love of God, a major theme in this beautiful story. How have you experienced the loving kindness of God in your life?

What do you think of Noami’s sense of humor in her difficult situation?

What is remarkable about the line, “Orpah kissed her mother-in-law but Ruth clung to her”?

“The Book of Ruth is a book about love. And, inasmuch as that is so, it reflects the theme of the Bible, because the Bible too is a book about love. The unifying message of the Scriptures is that God is love, and that God has loved — loved with such intensity and depth that he gave his Son to die for a lost, sinful and unlovely world. Perhaps that is why Martin Luther said that the Bible in miniature could be read in John 3:16 — the great statement that God loved the world to such an extent that he gave his only-begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Reverend Iain Campbell, Free Church of Scotland

October 12 Ruth 1:15-22 “Return to the House of Bread”

In regards to personal/individual faith, what is significant about Ruth’s response to Naomi in (16-17)?

What does “Bethlehem” mean?

What does the name “Naomi” mean? The name “Mara”?

So far, what do you like about this story?

What are the main contrasts the storyteller has presented that may prove to be significant?

“Ruth puts her faith in God by actually going and doing something. She decides to
trust God and go for it. Faith in God means freedom to act. God moves in our situations.
God in a divine mystery integrates our moral choices with his sovereign and divine plan.
Naomi, on the other hand, cannot muster the energy to do anything. She knows her
helplessness, but her faith in God has been overpowered by her belief that no one can
help her.” Brett W. Avants

“The Book of Ruth shows us that our actions have consequences. However, our lives are not simply the consequences of the various decisions we have made and events that have occurred, as if the universe were a giant supercomputer into which we feed all of the variables and come out with a predictable answer. There is a mysterious X-factor that is evident in the Book of Ruth - a variable that has the power to change everything. It is the grace of God, which directs the outcomes of those decisions and events according to his sovereignty and good purpose for his people. That grace is not always evident to the players in the game at the time. But it is always there, whether acknowledged or unacknowledged. Ultimately, for Christians, the grace of God is always the defining element of our lives.” Iain M. Duguid

October 26 Ruth 2:1-23 “Refuge Under God’s Wings”

Would you be willing to do what Ruth did? Reflect on her life-long submission to a bitter, bereft widow; the forsaking of her nation, culture, family, and security. Would you be willing to subject yourself to charity? To manual labor to acquire the basic necessities of life, like raw food?

What are early indications in the story that Boaz is an honorable man?

In (3) we read, “and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz.” An equally reliable if not better English translation would be “by chance she came to the field of Boaz.” Do you believe in “chance,” in “luck” or “good fortune”? Do you think that the storyteller believes in “chance”? Why would he use this language? What does this language add to the story?

From the moment Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth at her side, met by the women of the village, we know that the gossip begins to fly through the village. What is the surprisingly good result of this gossip arising in Chapter 2?

Have you ever told the story of a friend or family member who has made deep and loving sacrifices yet receives no commendation or reward for his/her behavior? Tell someone the story of your unsung heroine/hero. Participate in some sanctified gossip!

What details in Chapter 2 fill you with hope and choke you up with gratefulness?

What is the sharp contrast between Ruth and Boaz?

What do they powerfully share in personal character?

“Naomi’s problem is like the struggle many of us experience. In the dark night of our souls, we imagine and worry about the worst possible scenario. In fact, we often conjure up contradictory worst case scenarios to worry about, events that cannot all happen to us. We persuade ourselves that God has abandoned us and that we have no prospects. How much unnecessary turmoil do we put ourselves through! God doesn’t promise to give us the grace to survive all the scenarios we can dream up - but only to give us the grace to enable us to make it through whatever he actually brings into our lives. In fact, much of what we worry about turns out in the end not to be part of God’s plan for us after all; our worry was wasted work! Of course, Jesus told us this himself when he said, ‘Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?’” Iain Duguid

“Ruth asks her mother-in-law if she can go out and glean in the fields and try and
find some food for the family. Notice how the author refers to Ruth as “Ruth the
Moabite,” as if reminding us constantly that Ruth is an outsider, a Gentile. Ruth is
showing initiative and courage by announcing to Naomi that she is going out to the fields
to see if she can work and provide for the family. Ruth again sets the example. Naomi,
on the other hand, can’t even muster enough strength to get out of bed. She seems to be
still in this state of despair. She only says two words – two words in Hebrew – go ahead,
my daughter. But Ruth is humble enough to go out in the fields and pick up the leftovers
behind the harvesters. She is industrious enough to get up and go to work. She is
courageous enough to do this even though it may be dangerous. She does something.” Bret Avants

“This section weaves together threads from the previous chapter - the devotion of Ruth, the reference to the barley harvest - with that of the story’s new character (v.1). The resulting fabric, however, introduces a contrast between the riches and status of Boaz and the poverty and vulnerability of Ruth and Naomi. The primary focus falls on the meeting of Ruth and Boaz in a field near Bethlehem. The setting is an idyllic one - the smell of fresh grain, the songs of happy harvesters, the pride of the landowner in his field - perhaps a clue that the author regards the events as part of the “good old days.” During that encounter, Ruth and Boaz emerge as people of extraordinary character, people whose “hesed” (kindness and loyalty) is to be emulated.” Robert Hubbard Jr.

November 2 Ruth 3: 1-18 “Promise of Redemption”

Is there anything in this chapter of the story that makes you uncomfortable? Would you take the risks that Naomi and Ruth took?

Chapter 3 is the climax of the story. At which precise point in chapter 3 do you think the tension is at its peak? Where is the turning point?

In (1) what do you think is the cause of Naomi’s sudden initiative?

(1-4) From where did Naomi get the details of her plan?

Note: In (4) virtually every single Hebrew word has more than one meaning providing sexual innuendo.

Is Naomi’s plan, perhaps, the wrong way to pursue a worthy goal?

In (9) Ruth goes beyond Naomi’s carefully instructed plan; what does she add?

(9) Where does Ruth get the language “spread you wings,” and what might be the full meaning of Ruth in saying this to Boaz?

What does Boaz clearly understand Ruth’s words to mean? (10)

What is the first kindness (hesed) of Ruth to which Boaz refers in (10)? What is the second kindness of Ruth?

In (11) and following, Boaz’s plan unfolds in response to Ruth and Naomi. What are the reasons for each of his decisions? (11-15)

What is the one wrinkle in everyone’s plan? (12)

How much barley does Boaz give Ruth? (15) What is the purpose of this gift? (17) What is Boaz communicating to Naomi?

(18) What hints of the work of Christ in loving us, his spotless bride, arise in the actions and words of Boaz? (Not only in verse 18 but throughout the whole of chapter 3!)

“This chapter relates the climatic turning point of the entire story. Indeed there is no higher level of dramatic tension and suspense than here.” Robert Hubbard Jr.

“We know that Boaz was old. We know that Ruth could work all day in the hot sun with hardly a break and then carry eighty pounds of grain home on her back. The two of them do not exactly sound like the typical Hollywood hero and heroine. In fact, it might be hard to find suitable actors to cast in the movie version of their story; it certainly wouldn’t be the classic romantic leads! The Book of Ruth is a different kind of story than we are used to. The commitment that Ruth and Boaz had to one another was built on their common character, which is always a much better foundation for a lasting relationship than mere physical attraction. Theirs was a character match, not a love match: they were both people of substance.” Iain Duguid

“Tremendous risk is involved in this scheme in which Naomi and Ruth together participate - risk to Ruth particularly. But there are also serious questions, unsettling questions, about the risk to which Naomi is prepared to expose Boaz. Perfume, night-time, good food and wine, the warm physical closeness of an attractive woman… what man could miss the apparent message? Perhaps Boaz would be safe meeting Ruth in his field under the noonday sun when his workers casually (or perhaps enviously) gaze his way. But at the darkest hour of the night, with the sensuous aroma of a sweet perfume, when physical attraction is awakened and opportunity near - would a man not find himself tempted, and is that not the central part of the plan?” Sinclair Ferguson

“There is a further feature of this whole incident in which Boaz is exposed to the rashness of Naomi’s plans….Boaz could easily have made that mistake - never mistake temptation for opportunity. He was a red-blooded and sinful man. He could easily have taken advantage of the situation and excused himself by the rashness of Naomi and the naivete of Ruth. But the impressive thing is that when Boaz wakens in the middle of the night - even before he has time to think carefully - God and his ways are at the centre of this thoughts! God has so worked grace into his life that in this crisis moment he remains calm, a man of poise.” Sinclair Ferguson

November 9 Ruth 4: 1-12 “Redemption”

Does Boaz take you by surprise as he sits with the potential kinsman redeemer in the presence of the elders of Bethlehem? (3) For what reason?

Why does the potential kinsman redeemer decline to redeem the land? (6)

Does anything make you uncomfortable in chapter 4:1-10? What are your thoughts about marriage, property, estates and inheritance?

Read the Mosaic laws of redemption:
Redemption of land = Leviticus 25: 23-34
Preservation of family line = Deuteronomy 25: 5-10

As the people at the city gate begin to bless Boaz are you at all uncomfortable or shocked by their historical examples? (11-12)
Read the stories of Leah and Rachel in Genesis 29-31
Read the story of Tamar and Judah (perhaps the story that is most related to the story of Ruth and Boaz) in Genesis 38.

“Boaz fully knew the order of kinship applicable in this case. Normally the preposition ‘except’ indicates the only exception to the case in question. Thus, Boaz apparently means that, besides the two of them (note: ‘I’ am next in line after you), there were no other redeemers. If so, that sounded an ominous note: if both men waived their rights, Naomi was left without a redeemer at all, and, sadly, the land would pass into less related (perhaps even unrelated) hands. One wonders also if the remark aimed subtly to pressure the kinsman into a positive reply by implying Boaz’s eagerness to get the property. If so, psychologically it appealed to the fellow’s competitive spirit.” Robert Hubbard Jr.

“Mr. So-and-So backed away from the deal faster than a man faced with a coiled rattlesnake. What a moment before had seemed to be a ‘can’t miss’ real estate deal - taking care of an old lady in return for the long-term payoff of a field - had suddenly become an investment nightmare. If there were to be a child from the relationship with Ruth, the redeemer would lose the field and there would be no benefit to his own children and estate to compensate for the costs involved in taking care of Naomi and Ruth. In other words, Mr. So-and-So was interested in ministry to the poor only if there was a payoff for himself and his family. Costly ministry without any personal payoff? Forget it!” Iain Duguid

“In his retraction, this anonymous man fits wonderfully into the conclusion of the book. In chapter 1, two young women are faced with a decision - a costly decision of faith. One turns back, and is heard of no more. Now in chapter 4, two men are presented with a costly commitment. One turns back, and his name remains undisclosed for the rest of world history. In this way, the closer relative appears as a kind of foil to Boaz, who, by contrasts, displays ‘hesed’ - the loyal love that pours itself out in fulfilling covenantal obligations, no matter what the material expense. Therein lies his godliness, his likeness to the great covenant God, who at great expense redeemed his people from Egypt and at infinitely great expense will redeem sinners through the gift of his Son on the cross.” Sinclair Ferguson

November 23 Ruth 4: 13-22 “A Son has been Born!”

Why do the women of Bethlehem address Naomi rather than Ruth (13-14)?

(14-15) Who is the redeemer and restorer of life to whom the women refer?

What is beautiful about the picture of Naomi laying her grandson upon her lap?
Describe the transformation of Naomi in this story.

What does the storyteller mean/suggest by saying that Naomi becomes Obed’s nurse?

Why would the women of Bethlehem say that a son was born to Naomi?

What significance does the storyteller attach to his story by telling us that Obed was the grandfather of David?

Why does the storyteller start the genealogy at Perez?

What are your views concerning “illegitimate children”?

What are your views of interracial marriages?

What hints to the gospel are latent in this text?

“The last of the central characters to leave the stage is Naomi - perhaps an indication that, all along, the story has been about her life…. Naomi is one of a series of barren women in Scripture who have offspring, a select group joined together in God’s purposes by the way their lives point forward to his final blessing of this barren and empty world.” Sinclair Ferguson

“Strikingly, it also lists exactly ten generations, five between Perez and Nahshon (the pre-Mosaic era) and five between Salmah and David (the post-Mosaic era). Comparison with other lists suggests the omission here of several intervening ancestors. Apparently, the author tailored the genealogy to fit a ten-member scheme typical of ancient royal genealogies such as this one. Perez probably heads the list because his clan dominated the tribe of Judah and the city of Bethlehem.” Robert Hubbard Jr.

“At the end of the book we discover that God has in all of this been pursuing bigger plans than bringing together two worthy individuals. What looke like a simple story of personal emptiness filled and personal needs met turns out to be God’s way of meeting a far greater need.” Iain Duguid