These Bible study lessons are designed to complement the myriad of
study guides and plans available today. Through them, we hope to introduce sound study methodology, build a
strong foundation of knowledge from which you can build and integrate a more coherent and comprehensive
understanding of God's word and theology.
Occurring during the period of Judges, the historical narrative of Ruth is a sharp contrast; a Gentile who
lives by faith.
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2. Read Ruth 1:14 - 2:23.
Who is Ruth and what makes her distinctive to the Jewish community in Bethlehem?
3. The narrative touches upon three Jewish laws that originated from the Mosaic Law: The Law of Sowing and
Reaping (Lev 23:22; Deut 24:19-22),
Redemption of Land (Lev 25:23-28), and Levirate Marriage
(Deut 25:5-10). Discuss how these laws apply to Naomi, Ruth
and Boaz.
The Law of Sowing and Reaping (Lev 23:22;
Deut 24:19-22)
As a reminder of their former status as a slave in Egypt, Mosaic legislation required that
landowners reap their land with only one pass. What remained was to be made available for widows and destitute
to glean.
The Law of Redemption of Land (Lev 25:23-28)
While Moses spoke the words in Leviticus during the wanderings of the Israelites, God
intended the nation of Israel to understand that the Promised Land was the property of God's. God's gift of the
use of the Land was established by the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 15:7;
17:8; 24:7;
Ex 6:4). The land granted to the various tribes was intended to
remain under their stewardship; thus, genealogies were essential for maintaining their property rights.
If a Hebrew sold his land, he was merely selling a lease and intended to eventually get the
land back. Mosaic legislation established the process by which a male Hebrew can get the land back: 1) the male
Hebrew can redeem the land and determine its cost according to the prescribed formula, 2) the nearest male
relative (kinsman) could redeem the land or 3) the Hebrew could wait until the Year of Jubilee when the
ownership rights are restored.
The Law of Levirate (Latin for “brother-in-law") Marriage
(Deut 25:5-10)
Under certain circumstances, a brother-in-law marriage to a widowed or divorced sister-in-law
is allowed. The fulfillment of this law was initiated by the widowed sister-in-law and intended to provide a
male heir for the deceased's family property and care for the mother in her old age.
4. How did Ruth make her marriage proposal? Study Ruth 3:1-18.
Consult a manners and customs reference source.
5. Read Ruth 4:1-12. There were two objects that required
redeeming: 1) Naomi's land (Law of Redemption of Land) and 2) taking Naomi's daughter-in-law Ruth as a wife
(Law of Levirate). Why was Boaz considered the kinsman redeemer? What was the monetary price paid by Boaz?
6. Occurring during the period of Judges, the Book of Ruth is significant within the context of its
neighboring books Judges and 1 Samuel. Did you observe a contrast between the behavior of Ruth and the nation
of Israel in Judges?
7. Was Rahab or Ruth genetically from the patriarch Jacob? Was Boaz an Israelite? How can Jesus Christ be
figuratively seen as the kinsman redeemer?
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