Bible Notes from Ruth

1. Bible Notes from Ruth
(The book of Ruth) So the story of Ruth again is sort of an appendix to the book of Judges, in that this
story fits back into the period when the Judges were ruling over Israel.
The name Elimelech means, "My God is King!".
The name Naomi means "Pleasantness,".
The name Mahlon means "Sickly," and
The name Chilion means "Pining."
The long, sad years in Moab picture perfectly Lamentations 1:1-6. Seven times reference is made to the
country of Moab. After the death of Elimelech the forbidden marriages by Naomi’s sons (Deuteronomy
7:3) picture Israel’s mixing with the corruption of the world (Isaiah 47:9). Israel’s idolatrous condition is
portrayed in Gomer and Rahab but Naomi pictures the long, drawn out period of dwelling or wandering
among the nations until only a tiny, bitter remnant remains. The remnant of Israel returning after the
tribulation is seen in that of the six in the home at Moab only two return. Zechariah 13:9 tells of the day
when two-thirds of the Hebrews will be destroyed. Home come the widow and the stranger. Naomi
owned her guilt (Ruth 1:21) and Ruth owned nothing. Moabites could not enter the congregation of the
Lord to the tenth generation but they came at the time of the start of barley harvest. This was the time
of the waving of the sheaf of firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10-11) which foreshadowed the resurrection of
Christ. So the remnant comes home (Romans 11:5) and through Naomi’s fall salvation comes to the
Gentiles (Ruth 4:22, Romans 1:3-4; 11:11). The time of harvest is also clearly set forth. Boaz is the Lord
of the harvest. His field is being reaped. The reapers (used seven times) are working with a steward over
them (Ruth 2:5). It is a bountiful and joyous time (John 4:35, Matthew 9:7, Luke 10:2). In the field (the
world, Matthew 13) Ruth (the chosen bride) has a place of preeminence. Her devotion to Naomi pictures
Christians longing for the Jewish bride of Jehovah (Romans 9:2-3). Ruth works diligently every day of the
harvest (Psalms 126:5-6). Through Ruth hope was revived in Naomi. The night scene at the threshing
floor and the desire for rest is also filled with instruction. Moses warned Israel they would lose their rest
(Deuteronomy 28:64-65). The dreadful night (Revelation 9) when the gospel work has been completed
(John 9) comes quickly. It will be a seven-year night while the chosen bride is sheltered with her beloved.
At dawn the kinsman redeemer pleads the cause of the fatherless and the widow. The nearer kinsman
(Adam) cares for neither, so the redemption is completed by the one who loves them both. Ruth receives
an inheritance for she is now kin to Naomi (the Jew) through Boaz. Naomi has restored to her all that
was lost because of her wandering (Isaiah 54:5; 62:4, Jeremiah 50:34, Hosea 2:19-20).
Ruth 1:1-19
1 Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there.
4 Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also.
6 Naomi, returning homeward,
8 dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her.
14 Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her.
19 They two come to Beth-lehem, where they are gladly received.
Ruth 1:1 the famine was in the time of the judges and could be the account we find in Judg 6:3-4 They
feared death but in running from it they ran straight into it. All three men died in the land of their escape.
Matthew 16:25
Ruth 1:3 Naomi does not go back to the "house of bread" when confronted with death. She does not
think about returning until she finds there is bread there again (Ruth 1:6). Her refusal to leave a heathen
country follows tradigdy after tradigidy. (the death of her husband, the marriages of her boys to unsaved
women, then the death of both her sons) Deut 7:3, 23:3.

2. Ruth 1:5 five= death (2 sons and husnand)
Ruth 1:14-15 Orpah intended to go the right way but counted the cost and departed in sorrow. Mat
19:22
Ruth 1:20 it is interesting that she blames the tragedy on God. "The Lord has dealt bitterly with me."
There seems to be a natural inclination for us to blame God for our tragedies, especially for death. God
didn't ask her to runto Moab (Ruth1:1)
Untill you see you are in this with God for better or worse every time you run off for the green grass on
the other side of the fence it will wither about the time you get there.
Naomi for the responding in the wrong way, "Don't call me Pleasant, call me Bitter!"
She never blamed herself, never blamed her husband, never confessed that sin was at the root of her
bitterness or that God had impoverished her not in judgment but in love. He knew it was the only way to
bring her back. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth
(Hebrews 12:6).
Ruth 1:21 If she was full when she lft then why did she leave? (selective memory)
Ruth 2:4 Boaz was the son of Rahab, the harlot Mat 1:5
Ruth 2:8 "fast" to be close to as in fastened
Ruth 2:12 full reward 2John 1:8
Ruth 2:14 She is not one of the reapers (she sits with the reapers) Ruth 2:15 she is a "gleaner"- the
Gentile bride (the Body of Christ) we glean btwn the reapers (Isrl.)
Ruth 2:22 you should be careful what company you keep someone is watching
Ruth 3:11 Ruth is a virtuous woman Pr 31:10
She is faithful (Ruth 1:16).
She is hard working (Ruth 2:3).
She is humble (Ruth 2:10).
She is giving (Ruth 2:18).
She is modest (Ruth 3:7, 14).
She is submissive (Ruth 3:14).
She is patient (Ruth 3:18).
She is steadfast (Ruth 1:14; 2:17, 23).
Ruth 3:12-13 the kinsman nearer than I = God the Father
Boaz = God the Son
Ruth 4:6 The law can't redeem Ruth but the "I am" can (Ruth 4:4)