Posts Tagged ‘Ruth’
Portraits of God’s Leaders
A series of lessons presented by Ross Ward of Des Moines, Iowa, April 4-9, 2021 King Saul – An ‘I’ Problem Saul relies on his own will and ability, ultimately refused to accept responsibility for his actions (I Samuel 8-16) Jesus – Humble Servant King Jesus is King but not according to the world’s standards…
Read MoreWho raised Obed?
Question: I just finished Ruth. In Ruth 4:16, it states, “Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse”. There is a footnote in the NASB that says the term, “laid in her lap” is an example of taking “as her own”. So, did Naomi or Ruth raise Obed? Answer:…
Read MoreWhat was Naomi’s lineage?
Question: What was Naomi’s lineage? Answer: “The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion-Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there” (Ruth 1:2). Ephrath is the old name for Bethlehem (Genesis…
Read MoreWhen did Ruth convert to Judaism?
Question: Was Ruth converted to Judaism in the Book of Ruth? If yes, when did it happen? By the time she marries Mahlon, or by the time she follows Naomi to Bethlehem, or by the time she marries Boaz or none of the above? Answer: Ruth’s decision to follow the Law of Moses is seen…
Read MoreWas Naomi related to Obed in any way?
Question: Was Naomi Obed’s grandmother or even related to him in any way? Answer: Obed was the son born to Boaz and Ruth. Ruth was Naomi’s widowed daughter-in-law. She had married Naomi’s son who had died. Boaz married Ruth in part because he was a near kinsman to Ruth’s husband. In particular, he was the…
Read MoreWhy wasn’t Naomi concerned that her daughters-in-law might marry ungodly men?
Question: I’m preparing to teach the book of Ruth for the first time. In fact, to even study it! I’m a bit confused as to why Naomi insisted that her daughters-in-law not go with her to her homeland in Judah when Moab was a land full of idolatry. If her daughters-in-law married men there, would…
Read MoreWhy did Ruth uncover Boaz’s feet?
Question: Why did Ruth uncover Boaz’s feet? Answer: In the story of Ruth, Ruth worked in the fields as a charity case to supply food for her mother-in-law and herself. Ruth didn’t realize it, but the field she selected was owned by a relative of her deceased father-in-law. Boaz spoke to her, realized she was…
Read MoreWhat lessons can we learn from Boaz?
Question: The relationship between Boaz and his workers was enviable. Is it possible today? Why or why not? Answer: The story of Boaz is found in the book of Ruth. While you appear to think highly of Boaz’s relationship with his servants, there is actually little material to draw upon. In Ruth 2:4 we see Boaz giving…
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