Congratulations on making it to the Ruth Bible Study Week 9! I am so grateful you have stuck with this study for nine weeks! It could have been shorter, with only four chapters, but the book of Ruth is so full of beautiful truths and lessons that it really should not be rushed.
This week, as you explore the final verses of Ruth through your study of Ruth 4:13-22, think about the impact of your actions. Do you act in accordance with God’s Will?
We do not know what the state of Ruth’s mind was, but some scholars believe she learned all about the God of Israel from her mother-in-law, Naomi. However, she did not know that she would be a fruitful part of God’s redemptive plan.
Who has influenced your walk with Christ? In what ways are you living a fruitful life (Galatians 5:22-23) – one that positively influences others?
If you feel that you are lacking in some area of your life, pray about it for 30 to 45 days straight to see what kind of disciple God meant for you to be.
Remember, what you do in this life matters!
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Day 41 – Having Children in the Bible
Don’t you love it when the Lord’s plan comes together? It’s just a marvelous sight to see. At times, you will only see the plan after the events have taken place, which can be confusing and frustrating when you need answers or want to understand things better.
Ruth didn’t know what her role would be or how the Lord would use her.
Read Ruth 4:13.
As we read in Ruth 4:11-12, the people blessed the marriage of Ruth and Boaz, wanting them to have children and be prosperous as Rachel and Leah were. They wanted this couple to grow the descendants of Israel. The hope was that this couple would make an impact!
In today’s verse, we discover that the couple got married and had a child – a son. It’s all coming together!
Often, in the Bible, we read that women did or did not have children according to God’s plan for their lives. Some women thrived in this area, while others struggled.
Rachel and Leah are great examples of women who did and did not have children according to God’s plan. As you read in Genesis 29-30, they were blessed with children at various times in their lives.
In looking at the case of Hannah, we discover that she had trouble conceiving and felt truly hopeless because of the situation. Read 1 Samuel 1 for the story.
Perhaps you have felt the anguish that Hannah did when Peninnah made fun of her for not having any children of her own. We cannot always see God’s plan or the role that God has for us, but we can always trust Him and look to Him for our purpose.
Do you look to the Lord or the world for your purpose?
Related: What is My Spiritual Purpose?
Look to the Lord for your purpose rather than this world.
Day 42 – The Town’s Reaction and Influence
As you read Ruth 4:14-15, notice the enthusiasm of the “women of the town” regarding the son of Ruth and Boaz.
If you recall, we saw the entire town of Bethlehem was excited upon the arrival of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:19). However, Naomi was not in a very cheerful state of mind during this time. She asked to change her name to ‘Mara,’ which means bitter.
Looking at Ruth 1:20-21, we do not know how the town reacted to her negative mindset about how the Almighty had “made life bitter for her.” It doesn’t seem that they honored her request since she is not known as Mara for the rest of the story.
Have you ever been in a place where you have blamed others or God Himself for your lot in life? We can often do this justifiably in accordance with the ways of the world, but it is ultimately our decision to act or react as we do. We must take responsibility for our attitude.
When others are going through a season of suffering or a period of joyful celebration, how are we instructed to act, according to the Bible?
Read Romans 12:15-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. Think about the theme that’s repeated in these verses and what it means for your life and the lives you touch daily.
These verses do not indicate we should ever go against the Bible or behave in a way that would displease the Lord. However, the motto of “faking it” can prove to be useful when we want to act one way (our fleshly nature desires it) but should behave differently.
Be a positive influence on someone today by reacting against the norm!
Related: How to Trust God in Hard Times
Go against the grain and be a positive force in the world.
Day 43 – The Miracle Worker on This Planet
As you continue reading Ruth, pay special attention to Ruth 4:15-16. This child was more than just an additional family member. Ruth was also more than just a daughter-in-law. Notice and record how the women of the town refer to this baby.
Where else have you seen a comparison, as mentioned at the end of Ruth 4:15?
Last week, we read about Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. Look at verse eight. Her husband did not understand why Hannah was so distressed that she could not have children like Peninnah because he said that he was better than having ten sons!
When we give someone our love and attention (as her husband Elkanah did in verse 5), it is easy to think that what we offer is enough. They should not seek out, want, or need additional love and attention. In most cases, that is simply not the way it works.
When Jesus was here in human form, He often said that faith in Him should be enough. Many people just could not believe in Him despite Jesus doing miracles right in front of their eyes!
Has this ever baffled you? How could anyone doubt the signs of the True Redeemer – the Miracle Worker who lived, breathed, and experienced life on this planet?
When studying the context of the book of 1 John, you’ll see that the need for “proof of Jesus” is even more pressing! The author had to “prove” that Jesus was a real person!
To understand this better, read 1 John 1:1-4.
So, Naomi was told that what she had in Ruth was better than having seven sons. Hannah’s husband said he was worth ten sons!
Who is the only Son we need?
Related: Learn How to Pray Prayers of Hope
Don’t expect a person to fulfill you. Rather, look to Jesus to be your Redeemer!
Day 44 – The Blessing of This Baby
Today, we will read Ruth 4:17. The women in the town participate in the story once again. What happens this time?
When the women assist Ruth and Naomi in naming the baby, they choose an interesting name – Obed. This meant servant. Wouldn’t you agree that this name is better than naming a child after its negative attributes, like weak, sick, or puny?
Those are just a few attributes associated with the names of Mahlon and Chilion (Kilion in some versions). These men were Naomi’s deceased sons. (Mahlon was Ruth’s first husband). This information was introduced to us in Ruth 1:1-5.
Obed plays a crucial role in the future of everyone alive – even today, but we will get to that. For now, let’s look at what the name means. As mentioned, Obed means servant.
Who would he serve, and why was this applicable to this child? Part of this answer is found in Ruth 4:15-16. We learn how he provided a service to Naomi (or would when he became old enough to do so). Naomi raised the boy as if he were from her bloodline.
In the Bible, Jesus is often referred to as taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7, for example). This is not because He was less valuable or important than anyone else. In fact, He is the most important Being to have ever lived!
The term servant does not always mean someone of lesser value. It can mean humble, graceful, charitable, giving, and sacrificial. Of course, these are just synonyms that come to my mind when you look at the word servant differently.
For the full picture, read Philippians 2:1-11.
How are you acting as a servant to God?
Related: Give Back to Others Through Volunteer Work
The awesomeness of God is seen when we put down our pride and pick up humility.
Day 45 – The Family Tree
As we are now at the final verses of this beautiful story of redemption, be sure to think back to how far Ruth and Naomi have come on this journey. In Moab, the women were left alone since their spouses were deceased, it was rough for widows.
The Lord provided food after the famine, so the women traveled back home. They were in a hopeless place, though.
The Lord knows our dark places (1 John 3:20). Read Psalm 139. It’s beautiful to know that we are never alone but that we, like Ruth and Naomi, have God watching over us, protecting us, and loving us – no matter what.
By gleaning, Ruth was able to gather grain for two of them. She worked in Boaz’s field so that she could provide food for them. This man “happened to be” a close relative who could “redeem” these ladies by marrying Ruth and taking ownership of Naomi’s land.
Read Ruth 4:18-22 and Matthew 1:1-17. How exciting is it that the finale of this great story ends with our Savior Jesus Christ?!?
What’s so neat about our Redeemer (Christ) is that He did not come from a perfect background. We’ve studied Tamar and see that there were major issues in that story (Genesis 38:1-30).
Another woman who appears in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew is Rahab, the woman who helped the spies and lied to authorities to save them and her family in Jericho. Read the story of Rahab in Joshua 2, with the conclusion in Joshua 6:21-23.
Beyond the courage that Rahab gives us to move forward, we see that she is also the mother of Boaz!
Do you see how God put it all together beautifully?
Related: Build a Relationship with God Today
God puts together our lives in a beautiful framework. Be courageous and trust His plan today!
Ruth Bible Study Week 9: Biblework for Days 41-45
For Ruth Bible study week 9, complete the daily Biblework and the additional reading if you can.
Day 41 – Biblework
Today’s Verses: Genesis 29-30; Ruth 4:11-13; 1 Samuel 1
Read the following additional verse(s): 1 Samuel 2:1-11; Psalm 20:1-8; Psalm 28:6-7
Answer these questions:
- How many children did Rachel and Leah have, and what were their names?
- Why are the children of Rachel and Leah significant?
- How did David respond to hard times (from your reading in Psalms)?
- How do you think Ruth felt about her role as a wife and mother?
- When faced with confusion or uncertainty, what is your first instinct? What do you think it should be?
Day 42 – Biblework
Today’s Verses: Ruth 1:19-21; Ruth 4:14-15; Romans 12:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
Read the following additional verse(s): Psalm 16:9-11; Luke 1:57-66; Colossians 3:1-17
Answer these questions:
- When have you had to act in a way that went against your nature for the sake of someone else? Explain.
- What are the commands listed in the cross-reference verses found in Romans?
- What does 1 Corinthians 12 reveal about how to live in harmony with one another?
- According to your reading in Luke, why was there a fuss?
- How can you positively impact someone else’s life today in a way that is outside of your comfort zone?
Day 43 – Biblework
Today’s Verses: Ruth 4:15-16; 1 Samuel 1; 1 John 1:1-4
Read the following additional verse(s): John 15:13; Ephesians 5:1-33; Philippians 2:1-5
Answer these questions:
- Do you think Naomi thought Ruth was better than her sons? Explain.
- Why wasn’t Hannah satisfied with her husband’s love alone?
- Have you ever thought of someone as worth more than your child?
- What insights about living as an example did you gain from Ephesians?
- When have you seen “proof of Jesus” in your life?
Day 44 – Biblework
Today’s Verses: Ruth 1:1-5; Ruth 4:15-17; Philippians 2:1-11
Read the following additional verse(s): Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 49:3-7; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:12-17
Answer these questions:
- Why do you think the women deemed Obed as an appropriate name for the baby of Ruth and Boaz?
- How does Philippians 2:5 say we should act?
- What does it mean to serve on behalf of the Lord?
- If someone called you a servant, how would it be fitting?
- How do you serve God? How could you improve in this area?
Day 45 – Biblework
Today’s Verses: Genesis 38:1-30; Joshua 2; Joshua 6:21-23; Ruth 4:18-22; Psalm 139; Matthew 1:1-17; 1 John 3:20
Read the following additional verse(s): Isaiah 11:1; Luke 1:67-75; Luke 3:23-38; Hebrews 11:31
Answer these questions:
- Where is Ruth in the family tree of Jesus Christ? Write it out in your notes or Bible margin.
- What does Psalm 139 say about escaping from God?
- How did Rahab show courage in Joshua 2?
- When have you had to show your courageous side? When do your “true colors” come out? Explain.
- What is your biggest takeaway from the story of Ruth?
Digging deeper into the Bible will help you grow your faith and become stronger as an individual!
Ruth Bible Study Week 9: Digging Deeper Days 41-45
The Digging Deeper section gives additional activities to study.
Day 41 – Digging Deeper
Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving and praise is found in 1 Samuel 2. Let’s look at it inductively. Mark each instance in which the Lord is mentioned (in your Bible or a printout of the text). Make a list of everything you learn from marking the Lord and the verse that showed you each truth.
Day 42 – Digging Deeper
In Colossians 3:1-17, we learn what the “new life” is like, according to Paul. Paul also writes about his “old self” in Galatians 2:17-21. List what you learn about Paul’s old life and how it compares to the new life we are to live. Why did Paul change? How can you apply this?
Day 43 – Digging Deeper
Write out a prayer of thanksgiving like Hannah’s (1 Samuel 2) to Jesus for what He has done in your life. Reflect on the first time you felt His presence and what you believe your calling from God is. Share your story with someone.
Day 44 – Digging Deeper
Take a good look at the cross-reference verses given today. What do you learn about Jesus and how He treated those He was the closest to, according to John 13? If you knew some betrayal was in the future, would you be able to treat others this way?
Day 45 – Digging Deeper
As you read Ruth 4:14-15, do you recall what the “women of the town” named the son of Ruth and Boaz? Now, flip back and read Deuteronomy 25:5-6. Why was Obed being called a redeemer for Naomi? To conclude, reflect on our Redeemer by reading Luke 1:67-75.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Additional Bible Study Resources
The following Bible Study resources will help you, or you might want to refer to the Bible study category of our Spiritual Growth area. May God bless your time with Him in His Word.
Sharing Life and Love Bible Studies
How to Build a Quiet Time with God – In this 8-week Bible study, you will create your quiet time with God as you look at the Psalms.
How to Find Your Spiritual Calling – This 6-week study walks you through how to discover your calling.
Create Your Own God-Centered Goals – In this short Bible study, learn about goals and how to make them centered upon the Lord.
Join Our Community!
You can join our community, the Sharing Life and Love Sisters Bible Study Group, if you would like to watch videos going through various Bible studies. Our community is currently for ladies only and is called the Sharing Life and Love Sisters Bible Study Group.
Ruth Bible Study Week 9: Conclusion
In the Ruth Bible study week 9, you have wrapped up the book of Ruth. You can now see the relevance of these four little chapters and the importance they played in the big picture.
What was your favorite part of this Bible study? How have you changed? What actions do you still need to take? Make a plan and do it! I believe in you!
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill
