Character Study Of Ruth Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF RUTH – MOABITE WOMAN, ANCESTOR OF DAVID

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ruth 1:16

"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Supporting Texts:

Matthew 1:5-6, Deuteronomy 23:3, Psalm 37:5, Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION

Ruth was a Moabite woman who became a key figure in biblical history due to her faithfulness, humility, and trust in God. Her story, recorded in the Book of Ruth, takes place during the time of the Judges. Despite being a foreigner, she chose to serve the God of Israel and became part of God’s redemptive plan.

Ruth’s journey was marked by suffering, loyalty, and divine favour. After losing her husband, she refused to abandon her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. Her decision to stay with Naomi led to God’s providential blessing, as she later married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6).

Her life teaches us about commitment, divine providence, and the power of redemption.

1. RUTH’S BACKGROUND AND MARRIAGE TO MAHLON

a) Ruth was a Moabite woman (Ruth 1:4)

The Moabites were historically enemies of Israel.

b) She married Mahlon, Naomi’s son (Ruth 1:4)

She was introduced to Israel’s faith through marriage.

c) Her marriage was short-lived (Ruth 1:5)

She became a widow at a young age.

d) Moabites were not welcomed in Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3)

Yet, God had a plan for her life.

e) Biblical Example: Rahab was also a foreign woman accepted into God’s plan (Joshua 2:1-14).

2. RUTH’S LOYALTY TO NAOMI

a) Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return home (Ruth 1:8-9)

She had no more sons to offer them in marriage.

b) Orpah returned, but Ruth stayed (Ruth 1:14)

She refused to leave Naomi despite the uncertainty.

c) Ruth’s famous declaration of loyalty (Ruth 1:16-17)

She chose to follow Naomi and serve her God.

d) Ruth’s decision was a step of faith (Psalm 37:5)

She left her homeland to embrace an unknown future.

e) Biblical Example: Elisha also showed similar commitment when he followed Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21).

3. RUTH’S HUMILITY AND HARD WORK IN BETHLEHEM

a) Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19)

They returned at the beginning of the barley harvest.

b) Ruth requested to glean in the fields (Ruth 2:2)

She sought to provide for herself and Naomi.

c) She worked diligently in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3-7)

Her humility and hard work were noticed.

d) Boaz showed kindness to Ruth (Ruth 2:8-9)

He allowed her to glean safely and provided food for her.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s diligence in Egypt also led to divine favour (Genesis 39:2-4).

4. RUTH’S REDEMPTION THROUGH BOAZ

a) Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2:20)

He had the right to marry Ruth under Jewish law.

b) Naomi advised Ruth on how to approach Boaz (Ruth 3:3-4)

She instructed her on Israelite customs of seeking redemption.

c) Ruth obeyed and approached Boaz at night (Ruth 3:6-9)

She humbly requested him to be her redeemer.

d) Boaz willingly accepted but followed the law (Ruth 3:12-13)

He ensured the rightful redeemer had a chance first.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus is our ultimate Redeemer (Titus 2:14).

5. RUTH’S MARRIAGE AND HER PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

a) Boaz legally redeemed Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10)

He fulfilled his duty as a kinsman-redeemer.

b) Their marriage was blessed by the elders (Ruth 4:11-12)

They prayed for Ruth to be fruitful like Rachel and Leah.

c) Ruth gave birth to Obed (Ruth 4:13-14)

Obed became the father of Jesse, David’s father.

d) Ruth, a Moabite, became part of Jesus’ lineage (Matthew 1:5)

God’s grace included a foreigner in the Messianic line.

e) Biblical Example: Mary, the mother of Jesus, also carried divine purpose (Luke 1:30-33).

6. STRENGTHS OF RUTH

a) She was faithful and committed (Ruth 1:16)

She remained with Naomi despite hardships.

b) She was hardworking and diligent (Ruth 2:7)

She was willing to labour to support her family.

c) She was humble and obedient (Ruth 3:5)

She followed Naomi’s guidance.

d) She was courageous and trusted God (Ruth 2:12)

She stepped into an uncertain future with faith.

e) Biblical Example: Esther also displayed courage and obedience (Esther 4:16).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF RUTH

a) God can use anyone, regardless of background (Ruth 2:12)

Even a Moabite woman became part of God’s plan.

b) Loyalty and faithfulness bring divine reward (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi led to her blessing.

c) Hard work and humility attract favour (Proverbs 22:29)

Ruth’s diligence was noticed by Boaz.

d) Trusting God leads to unexpected blessings (Romans 8:28)

Ruth’s life changed because she trusted God’s plan.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham also left his homeland and received God’s promise (Genesis 12:1-3).