Jehoshaphat was alarmed as the armies of Moab and Ammon were coming against Israel. She believed him and had a good nights' sleep! See what happens when Ruth waits in the shadows and then makes her move in the dark of night. Definitely a woman of excellence though. But here in Ruth's life we see Boaz, like Jesus, saying 'I will do whatever you ask.' Naomi stated that she came back “empty.” In fact, the women of Bethlehem said that Ruth was better to her than seven sons (Ruth 4:15). If you have been a Christian long enough I'm sure you can look back at specific difficult times and testify that that was when you truly learnt more about the character and faithfulness of the Lord. Probably heaps more but I'm getting tired. Does it not also please the Lord Jesus when we choose to seek after Him instead of wealth or other worldly pleasures? Pay off that is. 2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Small Group Publishing Company LLC. Ruth 3:8 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. Based on your reading of the text, does this seem probable? Lessons Ruth 2016 - Lesson 3B 08.29.2016. Many have studied three texts (Genesis 38; Leviticus 25:25-34; and Deuteronomy 25:5-10) to develop an understanding of the role. But he was also at the place where he was willing to lay down his life and let God take the consequences! BY NAOMI'S INSTRUCTIONS, RUTH LIES AT BOAZ'S FEET, WHO ACKNOWLEDGES THE DUTY OF A KINSMAN. In fact, it … [7]  She had to rest on the threshing floor knowing that Boaz would look after her! But what a difference a few chapters makes. We have seen the commitment of Ruth in her determination to follow the true God. Come with me as we delve into the study of the book of Ruth with the help of the Holy Spirit.Write me at favour.s.adebowale@gmail.com Revelation 19:8 says 'It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen... for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.' What were the dangers Ruth faced in Naomi's plan? 8. What exactly did Naomi instruct Ruth to do in the beginning of Chapter 3? Lesson 6 - Chapter 3 We finished up Ruth chapter 2 last week and we’ll study chapter 3 this week. There is a detailed explanation below to help bring out some of the important parts of the story. Ruth- Lesson 3. Did Ruth follow Noami's plan exactly? print mp3. The picture couldn't be any clearer for us. Ruth 3:9-12 And he said, 'Who are you?' After a long break, we’re ready to start back in our study of Ruth, picking up again in chapter 3. print mp3. Copyright © 2006 - 2017 All rights reserved. This is the rest. It's been speculated that this language was understood to mean that Ruth was to uncover his genitals for a sexual encounter. So Naomi becomes a matchmaker! In verse 9, Ruth basically proposes a marriage to Boaz (compare Ezekiel 16:8 and Malachi 2:16). He was going to be defeated so he turned his attention towards the Lord. [2] ↩  Why did Boaz have to be down there? We pray this Bible study of Ruth is a blessing to you. What would have been best for Ruth during this time? We have also seen her working in Boaz' field and seen his gracious commitment to her in return. Or how has your extended family helped you overcome hardships or tough times? Lesson (Ruth 3-4) Helping Others in the Story of Ruth February 18, 2019 by Kristin Schmidt Sometimes Biblical stories just get a bad rap…young and old alike want to hit the snooze button just looking at the Word of God. 5. (Rth 3:10-11) Boaz's response. He had just said that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies it abides alone. Ruth had known the provision of Boaz, and had 'sought refuge under the wings of the God of Israel' as Boaz himself had earlier stated. Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. The famine broke in Judah and Naomi could go home. Beloved Lord God, It was Your intention that mankind live in fellowship with You eternally, but in Adam's fall from grace that bond of eternal fellowship was broken and for the first time man was in need of a Redeemer. So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her. It means examining ourselves by the word and allowing it to govern our attitudes, motives and desires. The disciples were frantic but Jesus kept on sleeping. Then he said, "Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! 4.  Who were the three people who knew of Ruth being at the threshing floor and why was it necessary that only they know of her presence? In essence, she told her to let him know you’re interested (eyebrows flaring up and down). How have you helped your extended family? Ruth Genealogy Activity. 8 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. 9 index cards – write words on Bible Verse on cards (1 word per card) and then cut them in half (like a puzzle) Paper, markers/crayons; Optional: You can use this Ruth coloring page as a teaching illustration or a class activity. EQOT020 Lesson 3 Quiz. One final thought as we close out the chapter. She could demand his protection under the law, but … This chapter is all about the three R's - reading, writing, and arithmetic. Bible: Ruth 1:3-18. It seems that a verse like this is ripped out of context so much and not weighed up with other verses that show the need to pray in accordance with the will of God. Ruth chapter 3 summary began as Naomi coached Ruth on how she should find more favor with Boaz (their close kinsman). And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, 'How did it go, my daughter?' This Bible study lesson from Ruth chapter three takes us into the next stage of our Christian lives. And this expectation of a king over Israel wasn’t new to the book of Judges or the book of Ruth. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Ruth Chapter 1 Bible Study: Counting the Cost, Ruth Chapter 2 Bible Study: Growing in Grace, Ruth Chapter 3 Bible Study: Rewards through Refining, Ruth Chapter 4 Bible Study: Fruits of Freedom, The process the Lord uses in bringing us closer to Himself, Where fruit and growth in your Christian character comes from. Ruth 3:6-7 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. Ruth goes to Boaz on the threshing floor and says in effect, "I want you to spread your wing over me as my husband." Ruth 3 – Ruth Makes an Appeal A. Naomi’s instructions to Ruth. Pin for later… *As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount on qualifying purchases. This could only happen through Boaz marrying Ruth, and providing children to carry on the name of Elimelech. Journal – Ruth Chapter 3. The Hebrews had reason to believe that they would have a king all the way back in the Law. What about Boaz, do you think he slept well and what might he have been thinking? The verses contained in chapter 3 of Ruth; Free online Douay Rheims Version of the Catholic Bible; Study passages and the scripture of Ruth, 3; Use this information for a Catholic Bible study course; Read the words and text of Ruth chapter 3 - perfect for Catholic Biblical Studies, Sunday School lessons and … She could see Ruth fully redeemed, loved, and honoured as a wife. We have also seen her grow in her relationship with Boaz, consistently relying upon his grace. Then, I would ask you to read Ezekiel Chapter 16:1‐14. Why? Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. When God creates, He starts with nothing, and creates something. EQOT020 Lesson 4 Quiz. But it always starts by laying yourself down in humility at His feet. What might she have been thinking? Our faith is of little use to anyone until this has happened. Why or why not? Maybe it means coming and acknowledging to the Lord that you have been a failure as a Christian, a failure as a husband, or a failure as a mother. And she said to her, 'All that you say I will do.'. She gave Ruth instructions on how to get close with Boaz, really close. But there was sweet providence as well. No way! She was kind always sharing with others what she received. We may not like it but it is true. Doing the Right Thing Often Takes Great Sacrifice. After Boaz told Ruth to rest, not to fear and that he would look after everything, do you think she spent the rest of the night tossing and turning thinking 'will he, won't he, he loves me, he loves me not - Oh what's going to happen?' 5-7 Ruth trusts Naomi and does what she says. It's because Ruth has laid her life down at Boaz' feet and has submitted herself to his will. I do. The book of Ruth, as we know it a short four-chapter book about a Jewish woman and her daughter in law who return to live in the land of Israel after the men in that family died. «Previous Chapter Next Chapter» Ruth 3 (King James Version) 1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? But for now what is important is the Lord's response to someone trusting and looking to Him. He asks who she is and she tells him and asks him to be their family redeemer and take her under his wing. Not only did she show commitment to Naomi but also she had now shown that same commitment to Boaz. Not much of a contest you would think but in doing so the Lord confused their enemies and a great victory was gained. If so, have you laid the result before Jesus and rested at His feet? But as we shall see, through this testing she would learn what it is to rest in him, and his provision would be greater than in any time before! Boaz was amazed at her commitment, faith and kindness stating that she was a woman of excellence  [5]  . As a Christian grows, their faith has got to be tried and refined. Well, to rest as much as possible and worry as least as possible. I mean, it probably doesn't sound long for us, but here was Ruth, laying at Boaz's feet, thinking 'will He marry me? Audio. Naomi even changed her own name from “pleasant” to “bitter.” There didn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry, it's not a magic formula. Likewise why did Jesus have to be where he was when he said 'If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am my servant will be also... Now my soul has become troubled; and what shall I say 'Father save me from this hour?' Let’s pick up in our “second story” again within the book of Ruth . [3] ↩  This reminds me of the attitude Esther took in going before the King - an act which was not lawful (Esther 4:16) She had to bring herself to the place where, having committed it to God, she steps out in faith stating 'If I perish, I perish'. This particular lesson will start with an examination of parallels between these two passages in the Old Testament. 8. Each of these acts are quite common in the Old Testament and each is interpreted for us in the New Testament. What exactly did Naomi instruct Ruth to do in the beginning of Chapter 3? Unsure of how events would transpire, Ruth followed Naomi's advice and went down to the threshing floor. [8], Ruth 3:15-18 Again he said, 'Give me the cloak that is on you and hold it.' Reread verses 3-4. ', You bet it would! We have seen the commitment of Ruth in her determination to follow the true God. You've got to be kidding? One widow is Jewish, one is Gentile. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. And when God makes a 'somebody', He always starts with nobodies! She worked hard in the fields yet was always humble and came to Boaz by grace. In chapter 3 Naomi and Ruth make a risky move in the middle of the night. Precisely how the ancient reader understood the role is not clear but it was obviously not as ambiguous as it is for today's reader. Notice also that he said 'I will do whatever you ask... for you are a woman of excellence.' Create a Devotion – Ruth Chapter 4. Jerusalem? 7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down. CHAPTER 3 Ruth 3:1-13. Lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz Becomes Ruth's Blood Redeemer • Previous • Ruth Lessons List. But right when the tragedy of Ruth's widowhood seems to be resolved into a beautiful love story, a big Blue Ridge boulder rolls out onto the state road of Ruth's life. Yet there are so many amazing stories, more thrilling than an action movie and more dramatic than the steamiest soap opera. Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. If you want to read an awesome book about this and how it applies to our Christian life then I would recommend 'If I perish, I perish' by Major Ian Thomas. Bible Commentary Ruth Chapter 3. Precisely how the ancient reader understood the role is not clear but it was obviously not as ambiguous as it is for today's reader. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. May we like Ruth, desire to go deeper, learning to rest and lay all at the feet of Jesus. So where was Jesus at this point because it is the place he said we would be also? Ruth was getting good advise from her Mother-in-law here! But this chapter doesn't leave us there, as it also shows us the rest and fruit that is produced in such a time. Journal – Ruth Chapter 4. And it is the same for you. Naomi, an Israelite by birth, has lost both her husband and her sons and is returning in absolute poverty. Much has been written about Naomi's instructions to Ruth regarding the uncovering of Boaz' feet in verse 4. In any regard, do you think the man should propose a marriage, or do you think it's OK for a woman to do so? Ruth 3 . [4] ↩  Same picture I guess as when Jesus slept on the boat in the midst of the storm. It's life out of death and rewards out of refining. We have also seen her grow in her relationship with Boaz, consistently relying upon his grace. 1Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Ruth Bible Study – Chapter 1. Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight. 1) Wash yourself - is being washed with the water of the word as Eph 5:26 tells us. To lie down at someone’s feet would be to take the position of a servant, waiting for the command of the master (something Ruth references later). 3. Chapter 1 hit us with the bitter providence of God in the life of Naomi as she left her land, and lost her husband, her sons, and one of her daughters-in-law. It's a place where, as John the Baptist testified, 'I must decrease and He must increase'. 3. “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” ~ Colossians 1:17. What can we learn about the character of those in this story from the following verses? – In chapter 1 Naomi concluded that if Ruth returned with her she would no chance for ever getting married. However, as Professor Robert … "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may … into your life? That is the condition for that type of response. Before we do I’d like to review a bit and get our bearings because we’re about to enter into the 2nd great theological principle demonstrated by Ruth, the principle of the role of the Kinsman Redeemer in God’s plan of redemption for the world. How long it can be also when you find yourself on the threshing floor, in the midst of a trial. Ruth 3:3 'Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.'. Conclusions and Beginnings 6 Topics | 1 Quiz Expand. … So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.' Have you noticed that hard times produce far more growth in your character than any amount of normal daily living. Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? While her life was far from empty, she pessimistically looked at the negative side and took Ruth for granted. 6. It’s All About Jesus. (1-2a) Security for Ruth through a kinsman. 1-4 Naomi tells Ruth to get herself together and go lay at the feet of Boaz. Introducing the 'mystery' closer relative! 3) Put on your best clothes - speaks of a righteous life. Then she said, 'Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.'. [1] ↩  The threshing floor is all about separating the true wheat or grain from the chaff and this process is used in the N.T as an example of Jesus' judgement between the righteous and the unrighteous (Matt 3:12, 13:24-30) Grain is produced through this refining process. We see then that which is needed in preparing ourselves at this time. 3. Charles Spurgeon. Our story thus far – our Heroines Naomi and Ruth have returned to Israel from the distant land of Moab. It is human nature to look at the bad side of things. Or how has your extended family helped you overcome hardships or tough times. This also happens in our life and usually involves trials that refine our faith and cause us to put our life back into the hands of the one who owns it anyway - God. (John 12:23-27). Ruth Chapter 3:1-13 More in this series. He was contemplating the cross and the enormity of what that meant. Now Naomi starts to take initiative. It just might be what Jesus would like to see in us! But for this purpose I came to this hour.' Her entire outlook was gloomy and full of despair. She was also teachable, following Naomi's instructions even if it meant stepping out in faith and putting herself on the line. The Book of Ruth Lesson 7 - Chapters 3 and 4 We ended last week in Ruth chapter 3 with the startled (but pleasantly surprised) Boaz awaking in the middle of the night to find the find the lovely and perfumed form of Ruth lying beside his legs. Create a Devotion – Ruth Chapter 3. Ruth 3:12-14 'And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Audio. So spread your covering over your mai… Ruth 3:4-5 'And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.' This is where he said we had to be as well. He goes out against the enemy army with his singers and worshippers first! Ruth 4:3-4 Then he said to the closest relative, 'Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. The middle of the night! Songs in the night come only from God; they are not in the power of man.' Ruth committed herself to care for Naomi. This is only possible to the extent that we've got the first two tasks in place. For example, it may have been that she was wearing the traditional clothes of a widow previously which may have deterred Boaz. 'Anyone can sing in the day. This Bible study lesson from Ruth chapter three takes us into the next stage of our Christian lives. Boaz was pleased with Ruth's choice and responds by the same words that Jesus said more than any other - 'do not fear!' In her early relationship with Boaz, Ruth had worked all day in Boaz' field and beat out 22 litres of barley. Do you think she was able to sleep well? Lessons Ruth 2016 - Lesson 3C 09.05.2016. 2) Anoint yourself - always speaks of the enabling of the Holy Spirit. 11. So she lay at his feet until morning and rose before one could recognize another; and he said, 'Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor. Have you washed yourself in the word and allowed the Lord Jesus Christ to speak those words 'Do not fear!' 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