Are you read to dive into a short but impactful Ruth Bible study lesson?
Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth’s life in the Bible, exemplifying faithfulness, resilience, and integrity, offers practical lessons for our daily walk with God.
By incorporating these lessons from Ruth’s life into our own, we can cultivate a life of faith, resilience, and integrity, reflecting the character of God in our daily actions and decisions.
Ruth’s story encourages us to trust in God’s plan and timing, work hard, and maintain strong relationships, even in challenging circumstances.
The Story of Ruth in the Bible Summary
The story of Ruth, is a moving account of loyalty, love, and divine providence. It begins with Naomi and her family moving to Moab from Bethlehem due to famine.
After her husband and sons die, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her Moabite daughters-in-law to remain in Moab.
Ruth, however, insists on staying with Naomi, famously pledging her loyalty.
In Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband, who shows kindness to Ruth, impressed by her dedication to Naomi.
Naomi sees Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves marrying Ruth to continue her family line.
Following Naomi’s advice, Ruth approaches Boaz, who agrees to marry her if a closer relative renounces his right.
Boaz successfully negotiates this at the town gate, leading to his marriage with Ruth.
Their union results in the birth of Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.
This places Ruth, a former foreigner, in the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
The Book of Ruth is a testament to the impact of kindness, showing how God works through ordinary lives and faithful actions.
Bible Study Questions about Ruth
To study the story of Ruth in the Bible, you can focus on several key passages that highlight her journey, challenges, and faith.
Here are some important verses to read:
- Ruth 1:1-18: The story begins with the death of Naomi’s husband and sons in Moab. Ruth’s famous declaration of loyalty to Naomi occurs here.
- Ruth 1:19-22: Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
- Ruth 2: Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz shows kindness to Ruth and instructs his workers to leave extra grain for her to glean.
- Ruth 3: Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor at night to request that he act as her kinsman-redeemer.
- Ruth 4:1-12: Boaz agrees to marry Ruth after confirming that a closer relative declines the right to redeem her.
- Ruth 4:13-17: Ruth and Boaz marry, and she gives birth to Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.
- Ruth 4:18-22: The book concludes with a genealogy linking Ruth and Boaz to King David.
Here are some insightful study questions to help you better understand the story of Ruth.
- What are the initial circumstances that bring Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem?
- Discuss the significance of Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi, especially her vow in Ruth 1:16-17.
- How does Ruth demonstrate loyalty and commitment to Naomi, and what can this teach us about family and relational bonds?
- Examine Ruth’s character as she gleans in Boaz’s fields. What qualities does she display?
- How does Boaz respond to Ruth’s presence in his field, and what does this reveal about his character?
- Discuss the role of the kinsman-redeemer as explained in Ruth. How does Boaz fulfill this role?
- What is the significance of Ruth, a Moabite, being accepted into the community of Bethlehem?
- How does the story of Ruth contribute to the larger narrative of God’s plan for Israel and the lineage of Jesus?
- What cultural norms and societal barriers are broken or challenged in the Book of Ruth?
- How does the Book of Ruth expand our understanding of God’s grace and provision, especially to those outside of Israel?
Reflection Questions for Ruth Bible Study
Let’s now dive into some reflection questions to help you better apply lessons from her life to your own:
- Reflect on a time when you made a significant life change for the sake of others, similar to Ruth’s decision to go with Naomi. What motivated your decision, and what did you learn?
- Considering Ruth’s resilience and hard work in a foreign land, how can her story inspire you in facing your own challenges and adapting to new circumstances?
- Ruth’s story is one of redemption and unexpected blessings. How does this encourage you to look for God’s hand in your life, even in difficult times?
- Reflect on the theme of kindness in the Book of Ruth. How can you embody this kind of kindness in your daily interactions and relationships?
- Ruth becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus, despite being a Moabite. How does her inclusion in this lineage impact your understanding of God’s inclusive nature and His plan for salvation?
Download (free) the list of Bible passages and the study/reflection questions so you can keep them handy during your Bible Study time.
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into her story, be sure to checkout my full Sarah Bible Study Journal and Workbook!
Want to learn about more amazing women of the Bible: Here are some additional study lessons:
