Ruth A Story of Redemption A Study of

Ruth: A Story of Redemption A Study of the Book of Ruth Lesson 4 Ruth 4: 1 – 22 “Redeemed!” February 7, 2010

I. Introduction to Ruth, Lesson 4 A. B. C. Valentines Day is approaching Naomi’s efforts at matchmaking (Ruth 3) Essential background to our text 1. 2. 3. 4. II. Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) Leviticus 25: 23 -28, 47 -55 Deuteronomy 25: 5 -10 Jeremiah 32: 6 -44; 33: 1 -26 Boaz and the nearest kin (4: 1 -8) A. B. The story is told Observations 1. Public process (contrast chapter 3) 2. Providence (“behold”) 3. Anonymous kin (“name” = 7 X in chapter 0 4)

1. 2. 3. 4. I. Boaz acquires the land Ruth (4: 9 -12) A. B. C. II. Boaz’ dealings with the nearer kin The link between the land levirate marriage Compare and contrast Boaz and the nearer kin The sandal exchange (Deut. 25: 5 -10) The acquisition of Elimelech’s property (v. 9) Acquiring Ruth as his wife to raise up the name of Mahlon, Ruth’s husband (v. 10). Witnesses bless Ruth and Boaz (vss. 11 -12). Marriage, sex, and a son (in that order – v. 13)

I. Blessings pronounced by the women (vss. 1417) A. Who is being blessed? 1. The Lord (v. 14 a) 2. The child (v. 14 b) 3. May the child bless Naomi (v. 15 a) 4. How blessed is Ruth, who has been the instrument of blessing to Naomi (v. 15 b). B. C. II. Naomi becomes the child’s nanny (v. 16) The neighbor women name him Obed (v. 17) Genealogy (vss. 18 -22)

VII. Conclusion and Application A. B. C. D. E. F. Judges and Ruth is about the Law, not legalism. Judges and Ruth is about God. The completion and fulfillment of God’s purposes and promises is not dependent upon us, but upon God. Ruth ends in praise, the praise of a city. The crises of Ruth are crises we face today, and these are the starting point for God’s good word in us for His glory. The providence of God and our participation in His purposes.

A. B. C. D. E. Putting sex in its proper place – comparing chapters 3 and 4. About marriage & selfishness About bearing children About faith: doing what is right takes faith Our attitudes and actions have broad and long term implications.

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited Power. Point presentation of Lesson 4 in the series, Ruth: A Story of Redemption, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for February 7, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.