Ruth: a story of friendship, loyalty and love

Her name means friendship. She was a generous, loyal and loving woman. Ruth was a woman of unusual love and loyalty. She leaves her family and her country to follow her mother-in-law to a land where she would be looked down on as a foreigner. But it didn’t matter. Where Naomi would go, Ruth would go too. She was strong, able to take risks, dealing actively with the consequences that followed. As I discussed Naomi last month, she was a woman who only saw her own grief and bitterness. But through Ruth, Naomi would find joy again. In the Book of Ruth, we are giving two examples of the generous, loyal, and loving nature of God, first in Ruth. But the story of Ruth is also the story of Boaz who displays this generous, loyal and loving nature as well. There are two important aspects of their stories: gleaning and a kinsman-redeemer. 

While we meet Ruth in Naomi’s story, Ruth’s story truly begins in chapter 2 as it is harvest time in Israel and Ruth gleans from a local field to provide for herself and Naomi. The field she happens to glean from is Boaz, a distant relative of Naomi’s. He notices her and learns that she worked quickly and effectively. Everyone in Bethlehem had been talking about Naomi’s unexpected return and her Moabite daughter-in-law who came with her. They were also talking about Ruth’s extraordinary love and loyalty to Naomi. To repay her kindness, Boaz directed her to stay near his servants and follow them as they glean. He would also instruct his men to purposefully leave stalks in her path. He would watch out for her day after day. It is discovered that Boaz is their kinsman-redeemer, which allows Boaz to marry Ruth, which he does. They would eventually have a son, Obed. Obed would become the father of David, the future king of Israel and the ancestor of Jesus. Ruth is the only woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. The stories of Ruth and Naomi are woven together and through them we see that God’s presence in a relationship can overcome differences and flourish into greater blessings. 

Gleaning is an old practice in which grain is “gleaned” or gathered from the fields. Gleaners would collect the leftover crops from the fields after they’ve been harvested. Harvesters were not allowed to reap the very edges of the fields or go over the fields a second time. Any grain missed had to be left for the “poor and aliens” (Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22). Deuteronomy 24:19-22 adds the practice to vineyards as well. Gleaning was a :welfare system” set up to care for the needy. But it wasn’t a handout. Gleaners still had to work for their food, competing with others to gather as much as possible, which is why it was noticed that Ruth worked effectively and efficiently. Ruth worked hard,from morning to evening, only taking short rests (Ruth 2:1-23). Gleaning still exists in many parts of the world. In 1996, President Clinton signed the Good Samaritan Act which encourages individuals and organizations to donate excess food instead of throwing it away (Food Forward, 2015). As a part of the bill, food donations are protected from liability as long as they were made in good faith. Gleaning organizations recover food from farms, restaurants, grocery stories, wholesale markets, farmer’s markets as well as personal gardens (Food Forward, 2015). 

A kinsman-redeemer is first mentioned in Ruth 2:20 as Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz is their kinsman-redeemer. What is a kinsman-redeemer? A kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who has the responsibility to help a relative in need or in danger (Bolinger, 2020). This person would avenge, deliver, rescue, and redeem his relatives and their property. Leviticus 25:25-26 states that if a man is so poor that he has to sell portions of his property, his kinsman-redeemer was to come and buy back what was sold. Genesis 38:8 states that a man was to marry his brother’s widow as a kinsman-redeemer so his brother’s name would not be blotted out from the family records (Bolinger, 2020). Boaz qualifies as a kinsman-redeemer as a relative of Naomi’s and therefore of Ruth’s late husband. There was a man closer who could be the redeemer and Boaz talks with him in order to claim the right of redeemer and marry Ruth (Ruth 3:12, 4:1-12). We have our own kinsman-redeemer in Jesus. He pays our debts and marries us into the family of God (Bolinger, 2020). He bore the cost of our debts. He paid the price so that we can gain an inheritance as children of God. Just as Boaz was motivated by love for Ruth, Jesus was motivated by love for us that he paid the ultimate price to redeem us. 

In conclusion, the story of Ruth is a story of loyalty, love and commitment to stand by loved ones in times of need as well as times of joy. Her relationship with Naomi shows that the greatest bond in a relationship is faith in God, a strong mutual commitment to each other and a relationship in which each person thinks of the other first. The practice of gleaning was designed to help those who did not have a male figure to provide for their basic needs. Gleaning is practiced today by gathering excess food. A kinsman-redeemer is an important figure. We have a kinsman-redeemer in Jesus Christ. The story of Ruth is a story of God’s providence and his divine guidance is always at work, even in the darkest of times. She gave up the familiar in Moab for the unfamiliar in Israel because of love. Love is at the center of this story. 

References

Bolinger, Hope (December 15, 2020). The Importance and Meaning of a Kinsman Redeemer. Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/importance-and-meaning-of-a-kinsman-redeemer.html. Retrieved May 11, 2021. 

Food Forward (September 23, 2015). What is Gleaning? Food Forward.org. https://foodforward.org/food-recovery/what-is-gleaning/. Retrieved May 13, 2021. 

Suggested Reading

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

A fictional telling of the Ruth story

In the Field of Grace: a great love story

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar is the romantic retelling of the story of Ruth and Boaz. Their story appears in the small but powerful Bible book of Ruth. Ruth is a Moabite who is the youngest and forgotten daughter when she befriends Naomi and catches the eye of her son, Mahlon. The two marry and set up house with Naomi, his older brother Chilion and his young bride, Orpah. The small family is very happy until suddenly Mahlon and Chilion become ill and die. Naomi is left with one option, to return to her home in Bethlehem. Ruth is determined to follow her beloved mother in law to the ends of the earth if she had to and refuses to return to her parents even after Naomi pleads with her. When the two arrive in Bethlehem, they have very little to their name. Naomi tells Ruth about gleaning in the fields. Gleaning is when the poor pick up the shafts of wheat and barley that the harvesters drop. In order to keep them from starvation, Ruth decides to join the gleaners in the fields. The one she chooses belongs to Boaz, a distant cousin of Naomi, a kind and gentle man who all he can to help the less fortunate. He is immediately drawn to Ruth and finds himself making sure Ruth and Naomi have all they need to survive. He tells himself that his interest in Ruth is nothing more than repaying her love and kindness to his cousin, but will he open himself up to the truth? Will he and Ruth surrender to God’s will and plan for their lives?

I have always loved the book of Ruth. I love the love story between Ruth and Boaz. A woman from a nation who was a hated enemy of Israel and a man with a strong stance in the community. God brings them together and from their son, Obed, comes King David and from David’s line is the Messiah, Jesus. Ms. Afshar once again brings a simple but magical story on its own and fills it with even more wonderful. In In the Field of Grace, the human sides of Ruth and Boaz become more real. Readers can see them as we are today, filled with doubts, pain, grief and uncertainty. Often you read a Bible story and it seems so obvious that the people in these stories would follow God and rewarded. But we do not realize that Ruth and Boaz had their own doubts, insecurities about their self-worth and God’s love for them. Ms. Afshar’s story opens the human side to these Biblical figures in a powerful way. I highly recommend In the Field of Grace.

In the Field of Grace

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Shadow Among Sheaves: a love story inspired by the Book of Ruth

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens is a historical romance inspired by the love story of Ruth and Boaz of the Bible. The story opens in July 1861, Rena is an Indian woman who is traveling with her mother in law, Lady Nell Hawley after the deaths of her husband, Edric, and father in law, Alistair. Rena and Nell find themselves in dire straits as people refuse to help the women. The Indian Mutiny of 1857 is still fresh in everyone’s mind and Rena is seen as the enemy. In desperation, Rena picks up grains which have fallen on the ground when she is caught by the estate’s steward, William. He takes pity on her and allows her to gather what she can carry. When the lord of the Manor, Lord Barric, sees Rena in the fields, she allows her to take whatever she needs. Soon Barric helps the women when so many had turned their backs. As the attraction between Rena and Barric is undeniable, will they allow love to blossom? Or will society and prejudice keep them apart?

I loved Shadow Among Sheaves. It was a great story with a great twist on the story of Ruth and Boaz. Having read their story so many times, I never imagined that Ruth, as a stranger from a strange land, could have suffered the prejudice that Rena does. However, it makes sense that she would have. And Barric is the caring yet stern landlord that Boaz may have been, Their story felt very real for 19^th century England and is very relatable to today’s social and racial climate. I highly recommend Shadow Among the Sheaves.

Shadow Among the Sheaves

is available in paperback and eBook

Proverbs 31:10-31 The Wife of Noble Character: a model to inspire to

Proverbs has a lot to say about women. It is often said that the Bible portrays women, the ideal woman, as a servant. It just isn’t so. The book ends with a picture of a woman with strong character, great wisdom, many skills and great compassion. Proverb 31:10-31 shows that the ideal woman is an excellent wife and mother and so much more. As you read the verse, you will realize that her appearance is never mentioned. She is not described as thin, fat, tall, short, beautiful or average. Because her physical appearance doesn’t matter, regardless of what society says, which is why the section is often titled “The Wife of Noble Character.” So, I looked through the Bible to find examples of women who, in part, fit these characteristics.

The ideal woman is valuable (verse 10) and trustworthy (verse 11). She brings her family good, not harm, for all her days (verse 12). She’s industrious and she works with eager hands (verse 13). She’s a business woman who imports products for her family’s meals (verse 14). She’s diligent as she gets up early and provides food for her family and others (verse 15). She’s entrepreneurial as she “considers a field and buys it” and “out of her earnings she plants a vineyard” (verse 16). She is wise with money and only purchases quality goods. As I read these verses, I was reminded of Lydia in Acts 16:14-15. She was a businesswoman opened her home to Paul as he began his ministry. Another woman is Priscilla (Acts 18), along with her husband, Aquila, worked as a successful tentmaker and helped Paul’s ministry. Priscilla is an example of a wife who works as a partner with her husband and not as a servant for him.

The ideal woman works hard and strong at her tasks (verse 17). She is attentive to her business (verse 18) and she is a hard worker (verse 19). She is compassionate as she “opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” (verse 20). She is confident (verse 21) and elegant (verse 22). She is admirable and her husband is admired in part because of her (verse 23). Ruth wasn’t afraid of hard work. She married one of Naomi’s sons and when he died, she decided to remain with Naomi and return with her to her home in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:4-19). As a widow, she would have been poverty striven, taken advantaged of or ignored. She gave up the possibility of security of another husband in her home of Moab, to take care of Naomi. She went to the fields during harvest and gathered grain left behind by the harvesters (Ruth 2:7). It was there she caught the eye of Boaz, who owned the field where she was gathering grain (Ruth 2:3). She later married Boaz (Ruth 4:13) and is know her for love of her mother-in-law, Naomi and her kindness to others.

The ideal woman is a capitalist as she “makes linen garments and sells them,” supplying “merchants with sashes” (verse 24). She is dignified (verse 25). She is wise and gives faithful instruction (verse 26). She is watchful (verse 27). She is honored by her family (verse 28) as she surpasses many of the other noble women (verse 29). She fears the Lord (verse 30) and acclaimed (verse 31). One woman I see in these verses is Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-11. She was fervent in worship and effective in prayer as she turned to the Lord with her troubles. 1 Samuel 1:10 says that “in bitterness of soul, Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord.” She brought her problem to God with honesty and devotion. Another woman I see in these verses is Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:14-28 when she was wise enough to know that her husband, Nabal, had greatly insulted the new king and set out to correct the situation. She gathered food and wine for King David and his men and sought forgiveness for her husband’s rudeness. Because of her wisdom, Abigail saved many men’s lives and promoted peace.

In conclusion, the Wife of Noble Character isn’t a model to imitate but an inspiration to be all you can be, to learn from her perseverance, integrity, and resourcefulness. The Book of Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” It ends with the picture of a woman who fills this command. Proverbs 31:30 says “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” When you read this verse, remember it is not about being perfect. While many of the women I mentioned did not fit every verse, they were examples of women who did their best. It is about living life with purpose, diligence, and caring for your loved ones the best way you know how with the Lord’s guidance and direction.

Judges and Ruth: lessons in leadership, trust, and loyalty

Today, I’m going to cover two books of the Bible: Judges and Ruth. Maybe people may think that the Bible is filled with stories of men and how women are lesser than them. However, within these two books are three stories of women. Two of these women are examples of courage and loyalty. While another woman is an example of what happens when greed blinds you. These women are: Deborah, Delilah and Ruth.

Deborah was the fourth and only female of the pre-monarchical Israel. Her story is told in Judges 4-5. She was a prophetess of God and the wife of Lapidoth. Many Israelites came to her for counsel. After 20 years of oppression by King Jabin and his commander, Sisera, the Israelites called out to God for help. He speaks to Deborah who sends for Barak, son of Abinoam. She tell him that God commands him to take 10,000 men and lead the way to Mount Tabor. At Mount Tabor, the Lord would deliver Sisera into his hands. But, Barak is reluctant to do so without Deborah. Deborah agrees but says the victory will belong to a woman. The battle goes as the Lord says and Deborah successfully counterattacked the forces of King Jabin and Sisera. She would rule Israel peacefully for 40 years. What lesson can be learn from Deborah’s example? Wise leaders choose good helpers. Deborah was a good strategist and in Barak, she had a commander who could carry it out. Therefore, a wise person would know when to ask for help.

Delilah is a famous person from the Bible whose story is told in Judges 16. Everyone seems to know the story of Samson and Delilah. She was a woman from the Valley of Sorek and Samson fell deeply in love with her. Samson consistently bested the Philistines and they were looking for a way to finally defeat him. They approach Delilah and ask her to discover the secret to Samson’s strength. She asks Samson twice and each time he tells her a lie about the source of his strength. Delilah asks for a third and final time and he tells her the truth. It’s his hair and while he was asleep, she cut his long locks off. When the Philistines came to overpower him, he did not have the strength to fight them off. What lesson can be learn from Delilah’s story?  She was persistent when faced with obstacles but she valued money more than relationships. She betrayed a man who trusted her, leading to his capture and eventual death. Therefore, we must be careful who we place out trust.

Ruth has a book entirely to her story. As a widower of Naomi’s son, she had the chance to return to her family as Naomi was going to return home to Judah. But she decided to stay with Naomi. When they reach Judah, Ruth begins to pick from the fields of Boaz and catches his eye. It turns out Boaz is one of the kinsmen-redeemers. A kinsmen redeemer is a relative who volunteers to take responsibility for the extended. The law states in Deuteronomy 25-5-10, a widow can marry her late husband’s brother but since both Naomi’s son were died, the nearest relative could marry the widow. Boaz takes this responsibility and marries Ruth. Ruth soon gives birth to a son named Obed, who is the grandfather of the future king of Israel, David. What lesson can be learn from Ruth’s story? When God is at the center of a relationship, differences can be overcome leading to peace, love and harmony.

In conclusion, women play important role in the Bible for good and for bad. Deborah, Delilah and Ruth are just a few examples of how God uses women for His purpose. Deborah is an example of how God choices leaders by His standards, not ours and that wise leaders seek help. Delilah is an example of how greed and misplaced trust can be catastrophic and Ruth is an example of how love and loyalty can change your life forever when you trust God to be a part of your relationship.