Ruth 4:1-12 - Boaz Redeems Elimelech’s Line

Ruth 4:1-12

Furthermore, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be eliminated from his brothers or from the court of his birth place; you are witnesses today.

Message: Boaz Redeems Elimelech’s Line

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: I left off the last chapter with Ruth placing Boaz into a precarious position in which he was being asked to redeem Ruth and her family by carrying on her deceased father-in-law‘s name and heritage (the family name Ruth married into when marrying Mahlon, son of Elimelech. Boaz was an honorable man and seems to have Ruth and her family‘s best interest in mind. But he wants to make sure he’s doing things correctly and so he mentions that he needs to first make sure that the closest relative is given the opportunity to be that redeemer.

Chapter 4 begins with Boaz making contact with that other relative, and also doing it in front of many-- the leaders of Bethlehem. This is good accountability and a reminder to me that when I have something important to impart, it is good to have witnesses. The situation is Naomi is preparing to sell her husband’s land in order to raise funds and Boaz asks the relative if he will buy the land and thus take over its use and the family name. He also clarifies that if you buy the land, then you also take Ruth the Moabite as your wife and promise to carry on the family name which would include the offspring being the benefactor of future land rights. But in verse 6, this no-named other relative says that if he does this, then he potentially loses the inheritance of his family. So he’s not willing to be that redeemer because he’s more concerned about his current situation. Boaz, however, does the unselfish thing as he previously has shown towards Ruth, Naomi, and their family, and now he is free to take her as his wife, and take ownership of the land of their family.

This is a great story. It’s interesting. This book is called Ruth. And yet Boaz is the one who redeems the family, although it happens, because Ruth commits to stay with her mother-in-law and support her. I suppose the name of the book could go either way. 

Summary: Boaz checks with the other relative about fulfilling the redeemer role. He’s not interested so Boaz marries Ruth. 

Promise: The Boaz selflessness in which we put others ahead of ourselves is a character trait toward which all believers must strive. 

Prayer: Father, I thank you, that I can understand these truths in the story and I can see how you work through the choices of these individuals to bring about your perfect plan. As I have been thinking about prayer as well, and I need to pray, come and help me to continue to speak to you so that I understand your will. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:21 - Our words have results

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many,

But fools die for lack of understanding. 

Message: Our words have results

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Noticing now in many of these contrasts there are 3 aspects of each vice and virtue. To break it down, the virtue consists of "lips", "righteous" and "feed many." Verse 20 recorded a contrast between the righteous and the wicked and that seems to be a very common contrast in the proverbs. Again, there are clear benefits in being a righteous person, who is wise, but also wise in the right areas. This is contrasted with foods or those that are wicked. The fool part of the verse consists of "fools", "die" and "lack understanding." 

To simplify further, the basic idea here is 'what we say', and 'what we know.' The King James translates  knowing or understanding as wisdom. 

Here the righteous are outward focused, feeding many with feeding more likely figuratively for passing along words of encouragement, counsel, comfort. In other words, the righteous have an impact beyond themselves. The wicked or fool in this verse is lacking understanding. It is as if the fool simply does not get it and dies in the process. 

Looking at the various translations, I notice the Good News Translation says, "A good person's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity." The Good News Translation was published in 1966 with the New Testament and in 1976 with the Old Testament. It is a translation that focuses more on translating thoughts than word for word. For this verse, the comparison is benefitting others where the other way can't even help yourself. 

It is as if we need to have some sort of basic understanding in life. I think this contrast between righteous and wicked is not prevalent much in life today. It simply seems that we don't look at ourselves or people in this manner much. Rather, everyone is good and some just make bad choices. But, I think Solomon is possibly showing the clear comparison that perhaps God sees with people - the righteous or good versus the fool or wicked. 

I wonder if I wallow back-and-forth between being good and righteous with being selfish and wicked and foolish. I wonder at times if I just reside in the middle road. Do I stand out? Am I speaking truth? I might edifying others?

Prayer: O God, my words mean a lot. Help me Lord to be better about speaking. Help me to choose my words wisely. I want my words to have good outcomes and benefit others. It is hard. I second-guess myself at times. Plus I say things I shouldn't all the time. Thankfully your grace is there and it covers me. I need to be covered. Help me to be wise. 

Ruth 3:6-18 - Ruth Asks Boaz to Redeem Her

Ruth 3:6-18

And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward, and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative." (verse 8-9)

Message: Ruth Asks Boaz to Redeem her

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: The last lesson ended with Naomi giving instructions to Ruth to basically court Boaz and serve him in a way that puts him in a position to hopefully marry Ruth. This is to fulfill a law that states when a wife's husband is deceased, someone from the family, preferably the brother, will marry the widow an Naomi hopes that Boaz will be this person towards Ruth. 

Ruth does as Naomi says and Boaz reciprocates with honorable words toward Ruth. In verse 11, "And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that are a woman of excellence." In verse 9, Ruth appeals to the idea of Boaz being a close relative and he agrees in verse 12, though he mentions a closer relative. Boaz will ask him to redeem Ruth, but if he does not then Boaz will follow through on that redemption. 

Ruth returns to her mother, but with a gift - barley. It shows that Ruth came to Boaz to receive Barley. Ruth left early so as to not be seen by others. Perceptions are important and Ruth and Boaz made sure that although they were not doing anything wrong, they still made sure to convey to others that there was not question of what they were doing alone. Naomi felt good about how things had gone, agreeing that Boaz will not settle today until the matter is resolved. 

One of the lessons Tabletalk mentions today is "When we see a possible answer to our prayers, we should pursue it if that possibility is righteous." This is what Naomi did with Ruth towards Boaz. She seized the day. She was involved in the answer to prayer, not simply waiting for things to occur but giving it an opportunity for success. This is a good reminder to me. We are not simply passive in our walk with God, but taking advantage of opportunities as they get presented. 

Summary: Ruth follows threw on Naomi's advice in going to the threshing floor to pursue Boaz. He complies but wants to make sure there isn't another relative who will fulfill the close relative obligation toward Ruth. 

Promise: When we have prayed and we see a possible answer to our prayer, we are free to pursue it. We should be willing to be the answer to our own prayers.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this message and reminder that when you are leading me in a direction, I should seize the day and the opportunity. You make things possible and I need to step into them. Give me wisdom and discernment to know what steps I need to take. Thank you for working everything out for my good. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:20 - Everyday Use

Proverbs 10:20

The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver. 

The heart of the wicked is worth little. 

Message: Everyday Use

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: The contrast in this verse once again involves the tongue, but at least today it reflects on something good about the tongue, but only for the person that is righteous. In looking at the various translations, there are not many variations to this verse or different words. 

Righteous is an interesting word in our Bible. Here it is the Hebrew word saddiq. There are 206 occurrences of this word in the Old Testament. 133 of those are in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes with 66 of those in Proverbs. It and Psalms comprise most of the occurrences. It is translated as 'righteous' (162x), 'just' (42x), 'righteous man' (1x), 'lawful' (1x). 

The usage in the Bible is defined as:

• just, lawful, righteous
• just, righteous (in government)
• just, right (in one's cause)
• just, righteous (in conduct and character)
• righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
• right, correct, lawful

I suppose I find this interesting. It describes man and God, at various times, as being righteous. 

I grabbed my Oxford Companion to the Bible and it says its basic meaning is of someone or something proven true, especially in a legal context. Not simply true, but proven true. Perhaps someone that has been tested and through that process has shown to be true. There are different meanings based upon the context. It says that for ordinary people, it means treating one's neighbor as a covenant partner, neither oppressing nor being oppressed. For everyone it means keeping God's will as conveyed in the Torah (Deut. 6:25). 

Those are only a few thoughts on this word and its meaning. Here in this verse of proverbs, the tongue of the righteous is extolled or lifted up as being of choice silver. The tongue shines. Our tongue is meant to shine. Our words are meant to be pleasing to the eye. Gold and silver are the most commodity uses in the Bible for currency. Gold for larger purchases and silver for everyday, common purchases. Thus, the tongue here of the righteous is the everyday use or the common use. It is how we use our mouth each and every day, our customary and everyday life.

In contrast, the heart of the wicked is worth little. The comparison here is between the heart and the tongue. Heart is used 593 times in the Old Testament.  It is used (figuratively, like the tongue) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything. The feelings of the wicked, the will of the wicked and even the intellect of the wicked - these are all worthless. 

Words like tongue and heart, and even wicked and righteous or succinct words that have a wide range of meanings. Thus, this proverb, like many other proverbs cover a wide range of applications. 

People don’t aspire for things of little worth or value. So we need to be about things that are valuable. We need to work towards proving ourselves as people of truth.

Prayer: Oh, God, help me to be an every day person of truth. I want my life to be proven true. Clean me from the inside/out each and every day. I ask that in my every day living I would honor you with my words, thoughts, care, concern, and even feelings. I want to be worthy of my calling as a Christ-follower.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Ruth 2:19-3:5 - Naomi Sees God's Kindness

Ruth 2:19-3:5

And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead." Again Naomi said to her, "The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives." 

Message: Naomi Sees God's Kindness

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Thus far, it is not clear what Boaz is feeling toward Ruth, based upon the comments. She referred her as a daughter (v. 8) so she is younger than he and also in verse 5 asked the reapers of the harvest, "Whose young woman is this?" At this point, they are in Bethlehem (Judah). Ruth has gone to the fields to glean with the reapers, leaving a portion for strangers or those in need. Boaz sees Ruth and wonders who she is and then proceeds to protect her and value her. Makes sure she is comfortable with the other women and places a great value on her. Gives her addition barley to take back to her mother-in-law. He knows about Ruth and how she came back with her mother-in-law. 

In verse 19, Naomi remarks that the person that took care of her should be blessed and found out it was Boaz. Naomi is enamored by his kindness and mentions that and also that he is a close relative (v.20). Tabletalk reading today teaches me of Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Verse 5 says that when a brother dies, the other brother will marry the widow. The first born shall assume the name of the dead brother. The brother who refuses is called "him whose sandal is removed." The wife is not to simply find a husband from the lot of strangers, but from a kinsman. So Ruth mentions this now. Perhaps Boaz can fulfill a need to be a husband to Ruth. Naomi confirms to Ruth that it is good for her to be with the other maidens and work near them. 

Naomi makes mention to Ruth that she should be doing her best to have Ruth be married. Ruth sets it up. In verse 2 she remarks, "he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight." In Palestine a wind rises from the sea at about four o’clock in the afternoon, and lasts till half an hour before sunset. The winnowing process is to throw up the grain, after being trodden down, against the wind with a shovel. Boaz, most likely was a wealthy man and it was common for the farmer to remain all night in harvest-time on the threshing floor. 

She tells Ruth to "Wash yourself...anoint yourself and put on your [best] clothes, and [go] down to the threshing floor." Then in verse 4, "When he lies down...go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do." Ruth is basically to do the courting and be the one that makes the move towards him. 

Ruth seems to arrange this, in order to possibly induce Boaz to take upon this responsibility as mentioned by the law. Boaz probably slept on a mat or skin and slept in the clothes he wore during the day, as Ruth did. Ruth would be lying down in sort of a cross to him, at the point of his feet. The uncovering of the feet is to awaken him. 

And at this point, hopefully it would be compelling to Boaz to enter into marriage with Ruth. Boaz will tell her if he is indeed the kinsman to fulfill that role and duty. 

Summary: Naomi plans a way for Boaz to hopefully see that he can fulfill the law to take Ruth for his wife. 

Promise: God has covenant loyalty in our lives and his kindness radiates through other people as well. 

Prayer: O God, it is your kindness that leads to repentance and I am amazed as well of the kindness that people show towards me. It is powerful in my life. Thank you for showing me that kindness in your word and in my life. I am very thankful for people and their kindness. Help me to be kind as well. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:19 - Better to be silent than speak

Proverbs 10:19

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,

But he who restrains his lips is wise. 

Message: Better to be silent than speak

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Wisdom and Transgression is the contrast today and the mouth and speaking are at the forefront of this proverb. The mouth has been mentioned thus far in verse 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, an 18. It definitely will be a common theme I think in Proverbs. The mouth conceals violence, babbles, can be discerning, can be foolish, and spreads slander. There is much caution in how our mouths are used. Today, the concern is simply one who speaks many words. Perhaps with so many warnings about the danger of speaking, it follows that a person that speaks a lot could be more susceptible to problems with their mouth. Here, the transgression or sin or offense is unavoidable. Therefore, restrain your lips. That is interesting in itself because wisdom I think is seen and to be seen it must be voiced and to be voiced is to speak words. Yet, it is the one that does not speak that is showing wisdom. Better to not speak than to say something that might get you into trouble. 

Various translations - Vice

NIV - Sin is not ended by multiplying words

NLT - Too much talk leads to sin

ESV - When words are many, transgression is not lacking

CEV - You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much

Good News - The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin

Various translations - Virtue

NIV - the prudent hold their tongues

NLT - Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

ESV - whoever restrains his lips is prudent

CEV - be sensible and watch what you say

Good News - If you are wise, you will keep quiet

Jesus says (Matthew 12:36), "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment."  

Matthew Henry comments that a person needs to check oneself. Perhaps that is what is needed at times, to think before one speaks. It is almost saying that given a choice between speaking and not speaking, it is more sensible to not speak at all. 

Ecclesiastes 5:3, "...the voice of a fool [comes] through many words." 

Prayer: God, at times I am more silent. I see this more often though in a company of prominent people and often when I do not have as much confidence in what I could say. In school, I remember often being cared to speak, thinking I might stumble, not ever wanting to be called upon, for fear that I would say the wrong thing. I know it is important to speak, but help me God to restrain my tongue and remember I don't have to speak. Sometimes it is better to not interject a word and let things fall as they will. I so regret all of the words I spoke with the children in the house while they were growing up. I wish my words would have been less. Help me to realize that is not only many words, but the wrong words that get spoken as well that result in problems. And it is not only my outward words which I need to check but my inner words. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and covering my sin of my many words. Heal those that have been hurt by them. Be glorified. In Christ I pray. Amen. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Ruth 2:1-18 - Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field

Ruth 2:1-18

May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge. - verse 12

Message: Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Been reading a book about the Old Testament and how much of the themes of the New Testament like redemption and atonement have their origin in the Old Testament. It references Ruth and Naomi returning to Bethlehem in chapter 5. Author says, "Naomi had gone out full, she said, and the Lord had brought her back empty (1:21)." Yet the author says "she went out and the Lord brought her back." And "the sovereign care, oversight, and detailed direction of our lives in the hands of a loving, provident God." I continue to think about and notice in the Bible that it calls attention so often to the work of God in our lives. That as it presents people and their lives, their coming and goings, it is all interlaced or spoke of as being the will of God. That he is at times disciplining them when they are experiencing affliction and sometimes there really isn't a cause that we are accustomed to thinking there must be. Like Paul in prison. God seems to have simply wanted him there. And my friend Bobby's cancer. Sometimes things happen with a purpose we don't understand and yet we can see how the Lord takes us through these events. 

Naomi and Ruth are in Bethlehem. Verse 1 of chapter 2 mentions a kinsman, a relative on her husband's side of the family - Boaz. Boaz is introduced. Ruth requests to go glean in the field (verse 2). As it states in Lev. 19:9–10 - "‘Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God." To glean is to gather grain. The edges of your field will not be completely gleaned or extracted from the field, but some shall be left for the needy. 

I like this recognition that there are certain parts of our class that are in more need than others and it is our purpose to share with those in need. God made provision for these people. I just wonder at times if we are doing all we can to properly help those in need. Ruth comes across Boaz (verse 3). In verse 4 Boaz pronounces a blessing upon his workers. And the workers return the favor to Boaz as well. Boaz asks about Ruth. Ruth goes to serve with the reapers (v 7). 

Boaz remarks favor towards Ruth (v. 8-9). He asks her to remain with the other women, so as to be protected with those of the same sex as her. He orders the men reapers to stay far from her. He serves her and has his best interest in mind towards her. Ruth wonders why someone would be so kind to her, given that she is a Moabite and a stranger. Boaz remarks of how impressed he is of Ruth and all that she has done in supporting her mother-in-law and being with her. He remarks that she seeks refuge in the Lord and is serving him in this regard and seek refuge in him. The people of Boaz and Israel are different and Ruth is more interested in being a part of the people of Israel and so comes to be with Ruth and now Boaz. 

Boaz serves her at mealtime. She took the gleanings that Boaz had provided for her (v.16) and gave them to Naomi. All the time, Boaz was serving her, blessing her and protecting her. Boaz went over and above in providing for the needs of Ruth and Naomi. 

Summary: Ruth goes to glean in the field with Boaz looking on, admiring her, protecting her and blessing her. She brings back to Naomi extra gleanings provided by Boaz. 

Promise: Commandments of gleaning are there to encourage us to be more generous. 

Prayer: God, you are good and sovereign over all. Your ways are above our ways. You provide for people, all those in need and encourage me as well to be generous. Thank you for your scripture and your words and this time to study and learn from these books. Thank you for your divine guidance and showing me how you work. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.