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	Sample Discussion 3 Ruth, A Woman of Noble Character Ruth 1 & 2 The story of Ruth, which takes place during the period of the Judges (about 1250-1050 B.C.), stands in marked contrast to the incidents portrayed in the book of Judges. In the book of Ruth we are given a brief glimpse of the life of ordinary people. We see their struggle for existence, some of their customs, their joys and sorrows, their faith in God. In contrast to the disasters encountered by the Israelites when they turned away from the LORD to idolatry, the book of Ruth shows the blessings that came to a foreigner who turned to the LORD and became part of his faithful people. The life of Ruth will be discussed in two sessions. Session 1 studies Ruth chapters 1 and 2. Session 2 (not included in this sampler) includes a brief review of your discoveries about Ruth, a study of chapters 3 and 4, and a summary of the entire study of Ruth. Read Ruth 1 Use the BACK button on your browser to return. 1. How did Ruth of Moab come to marry a man from Bethlehem in Judah? 2. After the death of her husband and later her sons, Naomi plans to return home to Judah upon hearing that the famine there has ended. What is Naomi's concern for Orpah and Ruth as she seeks to dissuade them from going with her (verses 6-15)? 3. What kind of daughters-in-law have Orpah and Ruth been? What sacrifice are they willing to make in order to follow Naomi? 4. How complete is Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi (verses 16-18)? While Orpah has returned to her Moabite gods, whose name does Ruth invoke to seal her pledge? 5. Why do Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem (verses 1,2, and 19)? Consider what would be involved in such a journey of fifty miles for two women traveling alone in those lawless days. 6. Describe their arrival at Bethlehem (verses 19-22). To what does Naomi attribute her condition? 7. Imagine the mixed feelings with which the towns-women may regard Naomi as well as Ruth. 8. In what ways in your present situation can you emulate Ruth who goes beyond the call of duty? Read Ruth 2 Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. The law of Moses gave the poor and the stranger the right to glean after the harvest ( Leviticus 19:9,10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19,22). What responsibility does Ruth take? 9. How is it that she comes to the field of Boaz? 10. What does the servant of Boaz note in his description of Ruth (verses 6, 7)? Why would a man in his position take special note of this? 11. How would you describe yourself as a worker? 12. Only hired workers could claim by right the privilege Boaz offers Ruth. How does Boaz address Ruth and what instructions does he give her? 13. From her response to Boaz, how does Ruth view her position in Israel? 14. What does Boaz know about Ruth, and how does he regard her (verses 11,12)? In his benediction upon her, what does Boaz indicate about Ruth's relationship to the God of Israel? Note: The psalms frequently use this metaphor of a mother bird spreading her wings over her young to protect them from a preying enemy. 15. Put yourself in Ruth's position. Why does she need comforting? In difficult and lonely places in your experience, how can you take refuge under the wings of the LORD? 16. After gleaning until evening, Ruth returns to her mother-in-law, Naomi. What does their relationship indicate about Ruth (verses 17-23)? How does Naomi interpret the fact that Ruth happened to glean in Boaz's field, and that he treated her kindly? 17. What do you think motivates Ruth to continue to work in the fields to support herself and Naomi? 18. What is your Christian responsibility to parents and in-laws? Summary In her life to this point, what do you think Ruth has learned about the LORD, the God of Israel? Prayer 0 LORD, God of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, we honor you for your faithfulness and love to those of every nation who put their trust in you. Protect us we pray, and direct our paths even as you cared for Ruth and Naomi. Amen. This study is Discussion 6, pages 35-38, in the Neighborhood Bible Studies guide Lifestyles of Faith, Book One, by Kunz and Schell, copyright (c) 1994 by Marilyn Kunz and Catherine Schell. back to top
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