Infact this book is a great lesson to our human race. Before someone will be used for a work like this, there are qualities a person must posess. This woman we talking abou thad it 100%. Ruth was truly a VIRTUOUS WOMAN
From a little research I've done, I understand that whenever a sale of property, or some type of transaction was made in those days (this was later discontinued), the custom (not law) was that the seller of the land took off his shoe & gave it to the buyer to indicate that he fully relinquished any further right to that property. The shoe signifying the feet that walked on that property would no longer walk (& own) it. Later, it became customary to use a veil or handkerchief instead; & my thoughts: because there would have been a lot of grumpy men getting about town with only one shoe on, & either being a spectacle of laughter or jealousy as money was just made on a sale. Then there is Deut 25:5-10, where this custom gets even uglier, where a man is also spat upon, on top of losing his shoe. I'll let you read about it.
Does anyone know what the name "Obed" means? Also, since Ruth was a young woman when she married Boaz, I suspect she was around when David was a boy. She would have been his great-Grandmom? She may have been instrumental in his spiritual development, teaching him to know and love the God of grace...?
This is my second time reading through Ruth. I am trying to read all of the bible, and a dear friend suggested I start with Ruth because our conversation at the time was related to our relationship with our mother . God bless Ruth because she was loyal and faithful, but I wonder that the main character here is not Boaz. His character is remarkable for his honor and love, as well.
David; The House of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the Commonwealth! The Gentiles (Japheth) are blessed to dwell in the Tents of Shem, whose is the LORD God. The innumerable multitudes of the nations of the saved are made near by the blood of Christ, which has broken down the WALL that before divided the Jews and Gentiles. In Christ that wall is taken away but all will still have their own countries.
This story which is so beautiful is a type of Jesus and his mainly gentile bride which he also redeemed with his precious blood. Like Ruth we also deserved not Gods favor but were saved by grace through faith that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works least any man should boast. thank God....
BSP; that's a wonderful point! It is an example of a very great lesson for us about the nature of our Father in heaven and His kindness and mercy and forgiveness. In the Law it was written that the children of Moab were not allowed to come into the inheritance of the Lord in Israel because they met them not with mercy but hired Balaam against them. But Ruth was released from that word by her love!
Aww,this is such a sweet story,I will admitt I got all teary eyed because it's such a beautiful story,it does go to show how FATHER sees what's in our hearts and minds and he wants us to be happy as well,just like Naomi wanted for RUTH, father wants for us all,such a lovely joirney unfolded with such Love,Grace and Honor, I wonder where they put the shoe that is like your signatue on a contract?:)
Someone on the commentary back pgs. asked the meaning of v. 12. If one reads the genealogy at the bottom of the ch. it's easy to see the meaning; it ends with David; Jesus was the "root and offspring" of David. God the SPIRIT created David; David created the line for Jesus the man (flesh of God) to be born from. ALL the fullness of God was in Jesus.
The book of Ruth gives me the reassurance that God's is aways faithful to His people. When things seems as though they are just too much for you God always have a way of stepping in to help you,in ways you never think possible. I,m comforted just to know that in spite of all that I'm going through My God will see me through
Truly this beautiful and true story reminds us of our dear Redeemer who purchased us with a great price. To redeem us He died for us on Calvary shedding His blood on the cross. What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I don't believe there's any mention of Boaz having other wives, but which knows.
I believe the story of Ruth and Boaz is to give us a model of a kinsman redeemer.
We study Ruth we have a better understanding of Revelation Ch 5 and 6.
God bless.
Could you tell me more about this custom, please? Where it came from? Why shoe? What it represents? Do you know of any articles about this custom?
Thank you.