As I read through Ruth, I was blown away by how many good characteristics she displays. She was hardworking, generous, obedient, morally pure--just to name a few. But the thing that really stuck out to me was her grateful heart despite some horrible circumstances.
It's easy for us to read Ruth's story today and not fully grasp how difficult the situation was for her and Naomi. So don't miss that. Don't skim over how dire Naomi and Ruth's situation was. Yet in the middle of having no money, no food, no male support system and no real family (see what I mean about dire circumstances) Ruth never caved. She remained grateful and displayed it to all those around her.
Well that's what spoke to me as I read Ruth. So what characteristic of Ruth jumped out at you? Let me know. Just click on the Comment link above. I'd love it if I heard from you. Tami W.
I admire Ruth's devotion to her mother in law. They must've had a special relationship. Ruth showed strength and didn't take the easy way. She could've gon home but stuck by Naomi. Her love for and trust in Naomi overcame whatever reservation she might have about going to a new place.
Ruth is exhibiting a truly selfless character. Unlike her sister-in-law, who was persuaded to return to her childhood home for her own good, Ruth chose to be a support to Naomi. Despite the true difficulties of the situation, and what appeared to be a bleak future, she chose love of others over love of self.
I've always loved this book; it grows larger each time I read it, more full of things the Lord wants me to find and take in.
I never really thought of their circumstance the way you put it, that not only did they have nothing but also noone (as far as a male figure) and in that time it seems that would be very hard for women not to mention scary...I need to keep that in mind when I am having a hard time with anything I am dealing with. I have a support system that really loves me alot but to be around some one who is bitter and to still keep your joy in all of their hardships that would be tough!
What a great passage this is, Ruth was also left with out a husband, there was no mention her pain or sorrow. Ruth stayed for Naomi, to help her, she really showed Christ's love for us threw her actions towards the bitter Naomi. The loving positive Ruth said.. I will not leave you , your God will be my God. You never know how the happy words and kindness will effect a person ,it may even pull them out of a deep hole, and restore their faith in Christ. HE also said I will never leave you! what a wonderful God we serve!!!
The first thing I noticed is that Ruth didn't want to go back and be with her own mother. Which makes me wonder why...did they have a bad relationship....was it a good relationship....I wonder why she didn't want to go back. Maybe it was because Ruth didn't want to go back to her mother's god? Probably since they were Moabites.
That aside, she did stay with her mother in law, who was also a widow like she was.
Another characteristic is that Ruth, Naomi and Job lost loved ones. Naomi and Job lost children, while Ruth and Naomi lost spouses. (And I bet there were times Job wished he lost his spouse :))
Ruth and Job were both servants and didn't expect a hand out from those they worked for. Ruth was a woman of excellence, and Job was a man who was blameless. And of course both were redeemed :) This is a very cool story.
In this self-centered world that we live in, Ruth is a glory example of someone who loved the Lord and that transferred over to how she looked at her family and people around her. She was willing to sacrifice, which in turn ended up being a huge blessing to her. What a lesson!
this is my first time at this site, and my first experience with a blog. I am not sure i even know what a blog is. I lost my wife 4 years ago (prematurely-age 45). the next year my dog died then last year my dad died and my mom is in nursing home with alzheimers. We had no children. When i finally put my faith and trust in God's hands,like Ruth who trusted advice from her mother in law and acted in faith that
even though she could not predict what outcome her actions of subservience would have, the Lord blessed her with provision. Following the death of my wife, an addiction that i had prior to her death began to rage and I lost everything. Became homeless. Penniless. Jobless. no car. no food. A friend took me to a local church and toa wonderful lady pastor who said to me, I have a friend who can help.
That friend was Jesus. And help, He did. Today i have a 500.00 car--more money than i could have hoped for in a year. A job. I have a wonderful warm basement apartment and a new puppy. I have been eating so much that now i actually need to go on a diet. I am in awe of God's almighty power and love.
It was Ruth's obedience that awed me. "Obedience is better than sacrifice!" Being a young woman and she gave up everything to follow her mother-in-law. She showed great strength! Unlike us she never grumbled or complained about the way her life had turned. Romans 8:28 came to life for her, "All things work together for good! She was a blessed woman. God gave her double for her trouble. Beauty for her ashes and splendid clothes instead of despair. God is so GOOD!
First let me say I think this forum is great! I am new to Bible reading and study. I find it very helpful to read everyone's perspective.
Like Stacy above, I first wondered why Ruth did not return to her mother's house. Did she come from a bad environment. Perhaps she is right about Ruth recognizing the falseness of the diety her people worshipped.
The other thing I found interesting is the blind obedience Ruth demonstrated. Was Ruth incapable of making decisions for herself? It seems all your comments perceive it as a good thing. I guess at this point I do not know enough about Naomi or Ruth and the practices of the day.
I think this was a turning point in Ruth's life. I think she was being drawn toward God as a result of what she had seen in Naomi or her sons. This was a huge decision in her culture to turn away from her family roots and religion. She showed great loyalty to Naomi in choosing to stay with her and to be willing to follow her faith in God as well.
Maybe the Psalm 23 reading will bring the concept of blind obedience (Ruth's being incapable of making decisions for herself) into better perspective. We could choose to go our own way and do our own thing, but that isn't what is best for us in terms of safety, food, water, spiritual nourishment and longterm welfare. Boaz, the redeemer, compliments Ruth for her faithfulness to Naomi. This compliment stems not from Ruth's inability to do her own thing, but her conscious decision and oath to remain with Naomi.
Hi,
What I found interesting and maybe even a little confusing is after Ruth gave birth to Obed--did she and Boaz give him up for Naomi to raise as her own son? I've been searching in Bible commentary books and they all reference this as an adoption that took place. If this is so--than Ruth is truly a self less person and I finally understand how Naomi's life had been redeemed also.
Ruth is my favorite woman of the bible. I have read it several times and it just makes my heart feel so for what she went through but loved so much that never ceased. She never waivered or thought about giving up.
Ruth is truly one of my favorites too. What struck me was when Boaz described her as a "woman of noble character." I underlined it in my Bible. In today's world, it is often hard to find women (or men for that matter) that could be described in the same way. I would love to be thought of that way. I hope God continues to work with me so that my character might be more like Ruth's one day.