Topical Bible: Love to Man: Ruth

◄ Love to Man: Ruth ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Ruth, found in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament, is a profound narrative that exemplifies love, loyalty, and devotion among individuals. Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a central figure whose actions and character provide a compelling example of love to man, transcending cultural and familial boundaries.

Background and Context

Ruth's account unfolds during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and spiritual turmoil in Israel. Naomi, an Israelite woman, relocates to Moab with her husband Elimelech and their two sons due to a famine in Bethlehem. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to remain in Moab. Orpah eventually stays, but Ruth's response is a testament to her unwavering love and commitment.

Ruth's Devotion to Naomi

Ruth's declaration to Naomi is one of the most poignant expressions of loyalty and love in the Scriptures: "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). This vow signifies Ruth's willingness to forsake her homeland and embrace a new life, driven by her love for Naomi.

Love Manifested Through Action

Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth's love is further demonstrated through her actions. She takes the initiative to glean in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself, displaying humility and diligence. Her efforts catch the attention of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, who shows kindness and protection towards her. Boaz's actions reflect the reciprocal nature of love, as he acknowledges Ruth's loyalty to Naomi: "May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge" (Ruth 2:12).

The Role of Boaz

Boaz emerges as a kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves protecting the interests of needy family members. His willingness to marry Ruth and redeem Naomi's family line is an act of love and obedience to God's law. Boaz's actions not only secure Ruth and Naomi's future but also integrate Ruth into the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, highlighting the providential nature of love in God's redemptive plan.

Ruth's Legacy

Ruth's account is a powerful illustration of love that transcends ethnic and cultural barriers. Her devotion to Naomi, her integrity, and her faith in the God of Israel serve as enduring examples of love in action. Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5) underscores the significance of her love and faithfulness, demonstrating how God honors and uses acts of love to fulfill His purposes.

In summary, the narrative of Ruth is a testament to the transformative power of love, showcasing how selfless devotion and faith can impact individuals and shape history. Her account continues to inspire believers to embody love in their relationships and communities, reflecting the love of God to mankind.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 1:16,17
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your God my God:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a ...
... and Substitute of the elect in the new covenant of love. ... as poor Naomi said of bounteous
Boaz, "The man is near of ... we are often led to cry with Ruth, "Why have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/bands of love or union.htm

Ruth and Naomi.
... witnesses." So Boaz married Ruth; but in her new position as the wife of a very
wealthy and influential man, this noble woman did not forget her love for Naomi ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/ruth and naomi.htm

"Each Brotherly Compassion that Man Hath on his Fellow Christians ...
... of the tribulations of His servants, with ruth and compassion. ... I saw that each kind
compassion that man hath on ... our sin deserveth it, yet His love excuseth us ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xxviii each brotherly compassion.htm

Ruth
... for ever in the heart of all who love nobility and ... A man of Bethlehem, with his wife
Naomi and two sons ... Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law, accompanies her, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ruth.htm

Ruth
... The story of Ruth is also the consecration of woman's love. I do not mean of the
love of wife to husband ... ever; the affection which has made a wise man say, that ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon x ruth.htm

"We have Now Matter of Mourning: for Our Sin is Cause of Christ's ...
... the proper Goodness of our Lord God courteously to excuse man. ... shewed outward, very
meekly and mildly, with great ruth and pity; and that of endless Love. ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lii we have now.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... "Where thou goest I will go, and where thou diest I will die" (Ruth 1:16 ... God" (Psalm
63:1). That pronoun 'my', is a sweet loadstone to love; a man loves that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

The Devotion of Ruth
... upon him who has not ceased to show his love to the living and to the dead." Naomi
also said to her, "The man is a near relative of ours." Ruth the Moabitess ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the devotion of ruth.htm

The Son of the Maker is Like unto his Father as Maker!
... Ruth lay down by a man in the threshingfloor for Thy sake; her love made her
bold for Thy sake, O Thou that teachest all penitents boldness. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii the son of.htm

Man's Life his Monument.
... have perished, but the loving tenderness of Ruth, the sweet ... stood helpless by his
side, when man and boy ... manhood is stronger than storm, and love mightier than ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxviii mans life his.htm