Ep 095 (S6E2) Ruth - Part 1: Emptiness and Steadfast Love

References: 

• Helpful context for getting into Ruth
  • The time of the Judges - see Judges 2:6-19
  • Judges 10:6 - 12:7 - Jephthah (Ammon & Moab) 
  • "Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes" - Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25
• Ruth is an amazing story of God’s salvation for Israel.
  • From no king (last sentence of Judges) to David, the great king whose Son, Jesus, became the King of kings
  • This comes through the salvation of Naomi and Ruth.
• 1:1-5 - taking matters into our own hands
  • How is God involved in the everyday joys and tragedies of your life?
• 1:6-15 - life is too bitter מָרַר (maw-rar'), the Lord is against me.
  • vs 8 - חֶסֶד (kheh'-sed) - loyalty, goodness, kindness, faithfulness  
  • vs 11 - Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - levirate marriage
  • Consider Naomi’s character as seen in the actions of those around her (Orpah, Ruth, Townswomen (vs 19-21)).
    • Naomi - נָעֳמִי (no-om-ee')   Mara - מָרָא (maw-raw')  
  • Consider Ruth’s character.
    • vs 16-17 - LOYALTY! (Hesed)
• 1:22 - a positive premonition of provision from God
  • God is hardly mentioned in this story, but He is all over it.
    • Compare your understanding of God’s involvement in your life to Naomi’s.
    • Compare Orpah’s decision to Ruth’s. What do you see about their character and faith (or lack thereof)?
  • What’s your take away? Application?