As we begin this new study, a little background is in order. First, the book is in its place in the OT canon (collection of Scripture) following Judges. The covenant faithfulness of the characters is magnified when compared to the covenant unfaithfulness in the periods of judges. Second, the setting is in the time fo the judges, meaning it was before the time of Israel's King. Third, the focus is certainly includes the genealogy of King David. We know this because of the emphasis on Bethlehem and the lineage of the Ephrathites of Bethlehem. Further, Ruth is mentioned in the line of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), so it is clear in context that this story was foundational and beloved in Hebrew culture throughout the ages.
The book is unique in its structure too. The title of the book comes for the Moabite woman Ruth. It is the only book named for a non-Israelite in the OT. Also, while named for Ruth, she is not really the main character. She is important, but the book could have been named for Naomi, Boaz, or Obed. So, the naming of the book after Ruth is very significant and symbolic. One last thing. The style/genre of the book is narrative. It is an unfolding story that is open to different interpretations. There is a sense of covenant faithfulness with God even though there is minimal direct communication with Him. It is understood that God is at work; however, the work is not directly attributed to Him (i.e. God caused...God made..God did.)
Ruth 1:1 opens with a profound statement. To the Hebrew reader/hearer is it obvious that God has caused a famine/drought in the land. This allusion refers to an act of judgment in response to the unfaithfulness of God's people (Lev 26:19-20, Deut 28:23-24). We as modern readers may come to a different conclusion, but to the reader/hearer of the day...this is the clear implication...God's judgment. In response to the drought, Naomi and family moved to Moab for relief (Ruth 1:2-6). There, seeking relief apart from the land of God and the people of God...Naomi lost husband and sons. She went seeking relief and found that her troubles were multiplied.
Many believers do this today as well. Seeking to find a better or more comfortable existence, we move away from God's plan/purpose/and covenant. We hope to make it better on our own...but find that God systematically dismembers our hopes apart from him until we realize our need for Him.
In Ruth 1:6-15, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem (because she heard it was better there). She discharges her daughters-in-law (Orpah and Ruth) to stay behind among their people. She wishes them well (Ru 1:8-9) and proclaims that God has been against her (Ru 1:13). Orpah returns to Moab, but Ruth clings to Naomi (Ru 1:14). Ruth reaffirms allegience to Naomi and accepts Naomis fate as her ow (Ru 1:16-18).
Upon Naomi's return, Bethlehem was stirred and Naomi confessed all that God had done against her (Ru 1:19-22). In truth, as we will see and she will confess later, God has been for her all along. God has shown Himself faithful to make good out of her choices and to redeem for Himself a line from which to bring King David. There is a meta-narrative in play and, even though Naomi doesn't fully grasp it, God is progressive prevealing His provision.
God is often at work in ways we do not grasp or see. We tend to think that if we cannot see it, then it is not happening. This is not true. God never disengages from His careful and affectionate Hand in this world.
Proverbs 27:12 is the takeaway today. Wise people are discerning of what is occurring in their midst. They are sensitive and calculating in all areas. When they observe evil, they flee to hide. They do not embrace it, "hunker down" and "press on," or ignore it. They hide from it...wishing to have no part of it at all. The naive pay the penalty...not necessarily because they embrace the evil...but because they do not avoid it. They may have missed it. They may have ignored it. Either way, they pay for it because they failed to discern and hide. The fact that the prudent could discern... implies that the naive was neglectful in some manner. He missed something that should have/could have been caught. You and I are called to be wise. We are called to discern that which is occurring in our time and also trends that seem to be gathering in the future. Then, if wise, we are to remove ourselves from the evil and thus avoid the judgment that goes with it.
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2 comments:
Thank you for the commentary on Ruth, it was good for me to read. Was it unusual for a daughter in law to stay after their husband had been killed. I know Ruth gave permission for them both to find new husbands and families. Also, can hyou help me understand verse 21? Is Ruth angry because all of the men in her immediate family have died?
Thanks
Amanda,
Good questions. It was not "unusual" per se for a person woman to stay with her husband's family. God made a provision that that we will discuss more in a day or two of a "kinsmen redeemer." In short, the brother of a man who was killed and had no sons...would take the man's wife, give her a son...and the son would bear the dead husband's name. This way, the family line would not end. The brother (kinsmen redeemer) would then take the wife in as his own (meaning her cared for and provided for her in his own household.)
In v.21, Naomi is actually the one speaking...not Ruth. However, you picked up on her comments. She has laid all of this tragedy in her life right at the feet of God. It is His fault that her husband nad sons died. He brought the famine that prompted them to move away from God's people...to Moab. He orchestrated it so that she would have no help...except two foreign daughter-in-law...and now God took one of them back to Moab. (This is all perception in the heart of a broken woman...not necessarily reality.) So she pronounces that her name should not be Naomi (meaning Pleasant), it should be Mara (meaning Bitter.) Put another way by a Mississippi woman, "Why do you call me sweet, I am as sour as pop rocks and vinegar washed down with lemon juice."
Hope it helps. Thanks for posting.
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