Topical Encyclopedia Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a central figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Ruth. Her account is a profound example of loyalty, faith, and industriousness, set during the time of the judges in Israel. Ruth's industrious nature is highlighted through her actions and decisions, which ultimately lead to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.Background and Context Ruth was originally from Moab, a region often at odds with Israel. She married Mahlon, one of the sons of Elimelech and Naomi, an Israelite family that had moved to Moab due to famine in Bethlehem. After the deaths of her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law, Ruth faced a critical decision. Naomi, her mother-in-law, decided to return to Bethlehem and urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. However, Ruth's loyalty and commitment to Naomi are evident in her famous declaration: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's Industriousness Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth's industrious spirit becomes apparent. She takes the initiative to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning in the fields during the barley harvest. Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law that allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops from the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth's diligence is noted in Ruth 2:2-3, where she asks Naomi for permission to go and glean, and "she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters." Ruth's work ethic and dedication do not go unnoticed. Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech, observes her hard work and inquires about her. He learns of her loyalty to Naomi and her industrious nature, prompting him to offer her protection and additional provisions. Boaz instructs his workers to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and even leave extra grain for her to gather (Ruth 2:15-16). Ruth's Role in God's Plan Ruth's industriousness and faithfulness are integral to God's providential plan. Her marriage to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, is a pivotal moment in the narrative. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer, rooted in Levitical law, allowed a close relative to redeem land or marry a widow to preserve the family lineage (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz's willingness to fulfill this role for Ruth not only secures her and Naomi's future but also aligns with God's redemptive purposes. The union of Ruth and Boaz results in the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David. This lineage is significant in the biblical narrative, as it establishes Ruth, a Moabite, within the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 1:5. Ruth's account exemplifies how God can use individuals from all backgrounds to fulfill His divine purposes. Legacy and Lessons Ruth's industriousness, loyalty, and faith are celebrated qualities that resonate throughout Scripture. Her account is a testament to the virtues of hard work, devotion, and trust in God's provision. Ruth's life encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitments and to trust in God's overarching plan, even in the face of adversity. Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ underscores the inclusive nature of God's redemptive work and the value He places on faithfulness and industry. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ruth 2:2,3And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said to her, Go, my daughter. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jeroboam The Mystery of Personality The Land and the People. A Prospect of Revival Text-Divisions: Stichi, Chapters, Lections, Catenae. A Revival Sermon Printed Texts of the Septuagint. The Exile --Continued. A Drama in Five Acts Critical Notes. Resources Can a Christian be a model? Is a modeling career something a Christian can consider? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view fashion? | GotQuestions.org Industry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Industry: Characteristic of Godly Women Industry: Early Rising Necessary To Industry: General Scriptures Concerning Industry: Leads to Affection of Relatives Industry: Leads to General Commendation Industry: Leads to Increase of Substance Industry: Required of Man After the Fall Industry: Required of Man in a State of Innocence Industry: Requisite to Supply: Our own Wants Industry: Requisite to Supply: Wants of Others Industry: The Slothful Devoid of Industry: To be Suspended on the Sabbath Related Terms |
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