ruth was a descendant of whom

In chapter 3, he seems like a pawn in the hand of Haman, acquiescing without question to Hamans desires. In Esther, we see the wonder of the ways of God, a God who watches over his people, who makes a way for them to prosper, whose enemies will falland who will accomplish his purposes to raise up a people for himself through the perfect promised King. [5] This refers to the ritual in Deuteronomy 21:19, when the elders of a city break the neck of a calf as part of a confession of innocence when the body of a murdered person is found near the city and no one knows who is responsible. Scene two begins to unfold Gods full provision for these women, as Ruth goes out to glean and encounters Boaz. Even though she misunderstands Gods kind purposes, she does understand that a sovereign Almighty has brought about everything that has happened to her (1:20, 21). This kings sovereignty is potent in its harmful ramifications for the lives of his subjects but pathetic in its foolish ineptitude. And they went unto their own home. Without a deliverer, this people is hopeless and helpless. God's providential guidance of Ruth 2:1-7 2. What various possible ways of interpreting her plan might you imagine? In Ruth we see God in his loving kindness providing for his people even in the midst of rebellion against him, giving them refuge under his wings, redeeming them in love that points us to the love of Christ. Ruth was a descendant of Moab. Gods providence hovers over this chapter. In what ways is it important that this is not just a private but a public resolution? Slam dunk. In Judaism it is based on texts from the Hebrew Bible and through the succeeding centuries based on later traditions. God here reveals his name Yahweh (corresponding to the four Hebrew consonants YHWH), which expresses both Gods eternal being and his unfailing love for his people to whom he reveals himself. Note the return from the country of Moab in both verse 6 and verse 22providing bookends for this dramatic scene. For a glimpse into the period of the judges (1:1), read Judges 2:623 and 21:25. Boaz would have understood that Ruth, with this request, was asking him to marry her. The Bible is all about God conquering death on our behalf to give us new life. GOD GIVING CONCEPTION. All such earthly dramas remind us of the one great heavenly one, in which Christ Jesus represents his people before a holy God, whose wrath is turned away by the atonement made by Christ himself on the cross (1 John 2:12). This chapter keeps reminding us that we are reading about a return. 24:19). After Mordecais introduction as a descendant of King Saul (2:5), Hamans introduction likewise links him to a kingan enemy of King Saul. How is her second petition (8:36) similar to but different from the first (7:34)? The Bible is full of needy people who receive favor from those who have power to help them. 17:16) implies generations of attacks on his people. In what ways does this concluding scene perfectly complete the shape of Naomis story? Ruth's blessing of Naomi physically 2:17-23 B. The midrash reads as follows (Ruth Rabbah 1:9): [15] The root ../ has a complicated semantic range. He wanted to be worshiped. Back Elimelech and Sons The patriarch of this family, and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, don't stick around long enough to make much of an impression on us. THE GREAT REVERSAL. According to Ephesians 6:1012, what kinds of battles do we fight now, as Gods people in Christ? To worship or praise another, especially God; to bestow goodness on another. Essentially equivalent to what is often referred to as being born again or saved.. Boazs words in Ruth 3:13 ring out: I will redeem you. As the book progresses and these various pictures merge, the story of Boaz the redeemer resonates increasingly with the Bibles big story of redemption. In return, instead of showing gratitude to the descendants of Abraham, the Moabites hired the prophet Bilaam to curse the Jewish nation. In what ways does Naomi specifically attribute her bitterness to God in Ruth 1:13, 1922? (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 853856, or visit www.esvbible.org. He directs all things to carry out his purposes (Rom. This chapter shows Naomis emptiness in Moab which, by books end, will turn into the fullness of Gods provision in Bethlehem. A special act of God that goes beyond natural means, thus demonstrating Gods power. (9) SUSAN. 20:28). . Book of Ruth - Wikipedia We often speak of intercession with reference to prayer. Dragon against the woman, Revelation 12. One might think of Zechariahs prophecy concerning the baby to be born in Bethlehem: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people . Such mercy, however, is meant to point us to a God who is working his redemptive purposesamazingly, even through his sovereign management of womens wombs! We glimpse here a sovereign God who at the right time perfectly saves his people. . The Bible tells us we were created to worship the one true God, the only one worthy of our worship. Chapters 34 introduce the crisis (Hamans plot to annihilate the Jews) and Esthers resolve to respond, which initiates the process of resolution. Romans 1:3 regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according Such feasting and rejoicing as we see in Esther only dimly foreshadows the eternal rejoicing we shall know in heaven with our risen and conquering Lamb (Rev. We also feel the huge significance of a foreigner like Ruth so boldly purposing to become part of the people God has covenanted to bless. Finally, write down and comment on that pile-up of joy-words bursting out of Esther 8:1517. We, his people, no longer fight physical battles as a physical nation. In biblical studies, the exile typically refers to the Babylonian exile, that is, Nebuchadnezzars relocation of residents of the southern kingdom of Judah to Babylon in 586 BC. Jonah didnt like the idea. C.E.). The older one made this connection with her father known to all by naming her son Moab literally: From father.. This story shows the unfailing truth of those covenant promises to this people. Were not the two women from whom you and I were born sisters? [13] For the rabbis, Orpah was a Moabite princess, as she and Ruth are both daughters of King Eglon of Moab, whom Ehud assassinates in Judges 3 (Ruth Rabbah 1:9).[14]. She is featured in the book of Ruth, even though many Bible scholars claim Boaz or even Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, are the lead characters of that story. Descendants of Boaz and Ruth. There is, at this crucial juncture, simply the fact that the king couldnt sleep. This is the very gospel pattern of reversal sung about by women like Hannah (1 Sam. Trace the repeated mentions of the various people gathered in this scene, which is bookended not by Naomi this time, but by the larger gathering of the elders. In the time of Elijah God kept seven thousand from committing idolatry (1 Kings 19:18). Esther 3:811 and 8:78 shows how little this king cares about the lives of his subjects; such glimpses make us eternally glad for a heavenly King who is this powerful and far morebut who shows grace and mercy to those he rules, making a way for them to know him and to share his glory forever, through his own Son. After the death of all the male members of her family (her husband, her father-in-law, and her brother-in-law), she stays with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and moves to Judah with her, where Ruth wins the love and . What are we learning here about this king and his decrees? a Lant and Ruth descendant, to sort out the marital tangles of Alanson and Rufus. Orpah is not a rebel. That God should work through such common, ordinary occurrences is most wonderful, for it reminds us of his sovereign redemptive purposes in every common, ordinary occurrence of our liveswhether we see it and name it as his providence or not. Boaz consistently does even more than the law requires: he gives Ruth not only the proper gleanings but all sorts of extra attention and provision as well, and of course he finally pursues marriage to her, though he is not technically required to do so. Consider these words: Now, think back: in Ruth 12, the words favor (Hebrew hen) and kindness (Hebrew hesed) pointed us to Gods steadfast love for his covenant people (see Week 2 Whole Bible Connections; and Week 3, Gospel Glimpses). Moabs name publicizes the fact that he was conceived from Lot and his daughter. In this case, Judah was the father of the deceased, and not a brother, so there is no husband's brother with whom to split the inheritance. Moab is the nation of whom it was said: "A Moabite may not come into the congregation of Hashem" (Deuteronomy 23:4-5). Both women played crucial roles in the big story of Gods redeeming a people for himself from all the nations through his Son. Gods redemptive purposes are at work, according to his word. Offer specific verses that support your answer. to the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation. It is tempting so to focus on the worthiness of this virtuous man and woman that we forget the kind providence of God directing and enabling every moment of their story. Esthers resolve turns into action, as she approaches King Ahasuerus successfully and then hosts her first banquet for the king and Haman, who is being ironically prepared by the narrator for a very steep fall. How Was Ruth Related to Jesus Christ? - Learn Religions Let us recall the larger scriptural context of the battles sanctioned by God in which his people were to destroy whole ungodly cities or nations and take nothing for themselves, devoting everything to destruction as a kind of offering to the Lord. The casting of the lots takes place five years after Esther became queen. Haman himself is not so impotent, but he is evil, grasping power in order to satisfy his own prideful, vengeful desires. After the destruction of Sodom, Lots daughters thought that the entire world had been destroyed. Read through the following three sections on Gospel Glimpses, Whole-Bible Connections, and Theological Soundings. The narrative method of Esther points to this God in a unique waywithout ever mentioning him! Esther is first a queen who risks her life to beg for mercy from the kingbut she connects with many types of intercessors who plead on behalf of their people: we might think of Moses, and we surely think of Christ and the perfect plea of his blood on our behalf before the throne of God. [6] In its retelling of the David and Goliath story, David taunts Goliath, mentioning that they are cousins, since David is a descendant of Ruth, and Goliath of her sister, Orpah: BA 61 Hear this word before you die. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. Boaz approved, but knew there was a closer relative whom he needed to ask for permission first. This is a world that needs a much greater king than the great Ahasuerus. What are your thoughts at this point on why Naomi provides the bookends to this story? He is the author ofEsther in Medieval Garb, Bibliographia Karaitica, and The Way of Lovers (with Sara Japhet)and is the main Judaism editor for De GruytersEncyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception. [22] Chilion is usually identified as Orpahs husband, as the Bible explicitly states that Mahlon was Ruths (Ruth 4:10). Jewish law made provision for the poor, sojourners, widows, and orphans to gather (glean) grain that was standing in corners or borders of fields or that was dropped by reapers as they cut and tied the grain in sheaves (Lev. When we turn to the modern period, we find several Hebrew and Yiddish poems that show much more sympathy for Orpahs situation and justify her decision to stay in her ancestral home. Ruth and Esther both let us glimpse Gods redemptive hand in human history, unfolding his plan to bring blessing to the world through Abrahams seed. Notice the word rest in Ruth 3:1, and recall the context of the same word in Ruth 1:9. In contrast to all these fleeting earthly kingdoms is the one ruled by the God of heaven, who directs the course of nations from his heavenly throneand who sent his own Son, King Jesus, to bring his kingdom and to redeem his people (Mark 1:1415). Step back and review all the things that have had to happen just so, so far. Ruth and Esther have much to contribute to Christian theology, not through direct teaching but through a narrative that tells the truth about Gods nature and his redemptive plan. When Esther finally names her people, calling them my people, she aligns herself with the ones to whom and through whom God has promised blessing (Gen. 12:13). Scripture resounds with the call to return. What are our questions? In each of these narratives, Gods promises prevail not only through the courage of a remarkable woman but, even more, through the merciful providence of the Lord God. Summarize the ways in which we see Gods divine direction at this point in the story. The writer of Hebrews calls on believers to emulate those who lived godly lives by faith (Hebrews 11). Revelation's Remnant. Boaz prays she will be blessed not because she has earned any favor but because she has by grace found the place of blessing, in following the true God. To what does she appeal? How does this chapter (and this book so far) show that love and marriage are intricately connected to the community of Gods people? How have these books helped you glimpse the gospel not only as a personal, individual matter but also as God creating a people, in fact, from all the peoples of the world? . In many ways, Esther 8:1517 might have been a nice conclusion to the book. First, read Genesis 49:810; Isaiah 11:12, 10; Matthew 1:117; Revelation 5:15. Hamans counselors have bumped up against the truth that Gods redemptive purposes will not be thwarted. In Orpah by poet and educator, Samuel Bass (1899-1949), Orpah longs to return to Moab, without sadness or regret. [9] Also, the opening letters heh and ayin, are both gutturals, and were pronounced very similarly in this period. Its a rich and overflowing scenefirst with the food and grain, and finally with the amazing news of the source of all this abundance. Where do we see this character trait in Ruth? Reading the book of Ruth, we marvel at Ruths story and we see more clearly the God who so kindly directs it. ), Introduction: The Desolate Context (1:15). Gods provision is not overt in Esther as in Ruth. Genesis 46:12 And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The men often remained there after a long day of work, eating and drinkingand staying the night to guard the grain. . By Esthers time, the exile is officially over, just as God had promised (Jer. Manger too, imagines Orpah returning to her hometown, to familiar surroundings, where she can start over again and build a new life. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel. 2:23; also 1 Pet. What Is the Story of Ruth in the Bible? - Christianity 2:1623), and the Son willing to ransom1 us at his own cost (Matt. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus purchased redemption for all believers (Col. 1:1314). Each story focuses on the significance of Gods people, this seed through whom God promised blessingand through whom the promised Redeemer would come. Ruth is not called the Moabite in this chapter. But in her climactic statement she implies a relationship between this God and herself, referring to him as Lord, or Yahweh (v. 17). Each in its own context tells of Gods providence at work in the imperfect lives of his called-out peoplewith huge historical and redemptive ramifications. What did God promise to do through his chosen people? We should be sure to enjoy these next verses! Launched Shavuot 5773 / 2013 | Copyright Project TABS, All Rights Reserved, script type="text/javascript"> Paul called himself a member of the remnant of Israel in Romans 11:5. This is the biblical account of how Ruth came to meet her first husband. 4:4). Then take time to consider the Personal Implications these sections may have for you. Esther offers a vivid glimpse into the life-and-death ramifications of Gods redemptive plan promised through the Jewish people. The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a masterfully patterned narrative that pivots right in the center, we see Gods people in the depths but then exalted, and their enemies high and proud but then brought down. We meet Ruth in this opening chapter only through words and actions, not through any narrative interpretation. 8:34; Heb. 8:1923). Ruth 4:12 Also, from the descendant whom the LORD will give you from this young woman, may your family become like the family of Perez, the son whom Tamar gave birth to for Judah.". [1] Translation of biblical verses is from NRSV with adjustments. Take a moment now to ask for the Lords blessing and help as you continue in this study of Esther. The womens Blessed be the Lord . The theme of redemption grows. This genealogy in Ruth 4:1822 looks both back and forward, from Boazs time. Different as they are, the stories of both women point to a Lord God who steadfastly fulfills his promises to his people. Esther 9:1718 tells of two closing feasts. Ruth is a foreigner to Israel, not part of Gods people, who becomes part of Gods people. . TheTorah.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.We rely on the support of readers like you. Step back for a moment and consider how the circumstances of this moment depend on Gods hand of providence at work. A binding agreement between two parties, typically involving a formal statement of their relationship, a list of stipulations and obligations for both parties, a list of witnesses to the agreement, and a list of curses for unfaithfulness and blessings for faithfulness to the agreement. Jesus looked over Jerusalem and his own people who rejected him, saying, How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matt. We shall see this word again in Ruth. And yet, these women have found Boaz, who has shown kindness. Has your understanding of the unity of the Bible been clarified through studying Ruth and Esther? Please make sure all fields are filled out. Make notes on the personal implications for your walk with the Lord that you find in (1) the Gospel Glimpses, (2) the Whole-Bible Connections, (3) the Theological Soundings, and (4) this passage as a whole. Salvation, which is purely a work of Gods grace, can be received only through faith (Rom. 36:7; 57:1.). CONDEMNED TO DEATH. But the story keeps lifting our eyes in the process, letting us glimpse the God in charge of famine and harvest and barrenness and birth and death and indeed every scene of human history. 25:510). // Javascript URL redirection , for she turned her back on her mother-in-law.. Matthew 1:16 gives us the genealogy that Ruth helps unfold in living color. [24] Itzik Manger, Medresh Itsik (ed. Gods good, wise, and sovereign guidance and control of all things, by which he supplies all our needs and accomplishes his holy will. Truly it was resolved long beforecertainly as far back as Gods eternal redemptive purposes revealed in his promises to this chosen people: that through their seed he would bring blessing to all the nations of the world, and that from Davids line would come a king who would rule the nations perfectly and forever. Lots were cast in the first month of the year, and the lot fell on the twelfth month as the month in which the Jews were to be destroyed. Compare and contrast the situation described in chapter 3 with the events surrounding the first Passover (review Ex. Moabite | Ancient Semitic People, History & Culture | Britannica The public redemption must be resolved, but the private scene is full of satisfying resolution, with Ruth under the wings of Boaz her redeemer. There is no direct word from God within the story of Esther. A SOVEREIGN KING. From that place of faith, her good deeds have overflowed. What is it in the story of Ruth that is so intriguing and appealing? The Story of Ruth - Biblical Archaeology Society [8] Daniel J. Harrington (trans. . (Luke 1:6869). And Orpah chose for herself the gods of the Philistines and went after them, but Ruth chose for herself the ways of the most powerful and walked in them. In what ways does chapter 1 lead us to begin considering the various parts of this description? Ruth and Esther: A 12-Week Study 2015 by Kathleen Nielson. The Babylonian Talmud (Sotah 42b) identifies Orpah as the mother of Goliath, based on a midrashic reading of a passage in the book of 2 Samuel (21:1822) that describes four Philistine warriors as sons of the giant (harafah). The rabbis understand the word harafah not as the giant but as a personal name of a woman, Harafah, and note that it is similar to Orpah: her name appears as Harafah and as Orpah. The names share three out of four consonants,[9] and this is enough for the rabbis to identify them as referring to the same person. A remnant chosen by God and saved by grace is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. The rabbis derive this from when Eglon stands up from his chair upon hearing that Ehud has a divine message for him. King David will not be with God as he is a descendant of an As Boaz blesses Ruth with his words, he builds up to the most important thing she has done. Write your observations. Biblical imagery for the rebellion of Gods people is often that of whoredom, or sexual infidelity (Isa. Why is it that when we read Meghillath Ruth our emotions and admiration arise? Ruth (biblical figure) - Wikipedia Moabs inhabitants were the descendants of an incestuous union between Lot and one of his daughters (Gen. 19:3038). The books concluding genealogy, with its mention of David, implies that it was composed later, after Davids taking the throne in c. 1010 BC. But this blessing peeks through from the moment we open Ruth and begin to read about Bethlehem in JudahJudah being the land named after the tribe from which David came. Moab was the descendant of Lot, who was not only saved by his uncle Abraham, but benefited much from him. Ruth - Plano Bible Chapel If Tamar's sons did not divide the inheritance . ruth hamoabiah, rut hamoaviah, rus, moav, , david hamelech, dawid hammelekh, david hamelekh, womens torah, rabbanit ruth menashe, rebbetzin ruth menashe, midrash ben ish hai, midrash ben ish chai, Learn Torah Anytime, Anywhere, with Audio, Video and Texts, at NonStopTorah.com, We use cookies to improve your experience. To be sure, no imperfect human intercessor can come close to picturing the needed perfect one who can fully and finally save. Esther, in saving her people, is aligning herself with lifewith Gods redemptive plan through his chosen people. 2:110) and Mary (Luke 1:4655). 26:1113; Jer. 2:23). We move now from one biblical book named after a woman to the other. 23:37). Even the natural world will be transformed to operate in perfect harmony with God (Rom. For instance, in a gloss on the phrase about Orpah leaving, Midrash Ruth Zuta writes: The comment may imply that Orpah was so promiscuous that she let many men have sex with her one after another, though it sounds more like a depiction of a gang rape. 2:13). Take a moment now to ask for the Lords blessing and help as you prepare to conclude this study of Esther and Ruth.
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