The Book of Ruth begins with Naomi, whose name means sweet, and her family relocating to Moab from Bethlehem due to a famine in Israel, which is ironic given that Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Naomi’s husband, Elimelek, meaning “my God is king,” reflects a connection to the final verse of Judges, stating that in those days, Israel had no king.
Ruth Bonus Episodes:
The Book of Ruth is creatively a Christmas Story because the solution to the Israelite’s problem, the need for a king, is announced at the end of the Book of Ruth. So, for season 8, the 4 episodes of Ruth will each have a bonus Advent episode. There is much meaning to the song O Little Town of Bethlehem and it starts here in the Book of Ruth!
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SUSAN’S SUMMARY
Tragedy befalls Naomi in Moab as her husband and sons die, both having married Moabite women in violation of God’s laws for Israel. The marriages, lasted ten years without producing children. Naomi, left in personal famine, a childless widow, learns of the end of the famine in Israel and decides to return, marking a turning point.
Naomi returns to Israel, empty and bitter. She encourages her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to seek a new beginning with their Moabite families. However, Ruth, displaying unwavering loyalty, chooses to stay with Naomi. This pivotal decision underscores Ruth’s unwavering devotion to Naomi and her newfound faith in the God of Israel. Orpah returns to Moab, while Ruth makes a covenant-like pledge to Naomi and the God of Israel.
The narrative unfolds in Bethlehem, where Naomi’s bitterness lingers. Despite being embraced by God and Israel, Ruth remains identified as “Ruth the Moabite,” highlighting her foreign status. The story sets the stage for God’s providential intervention in the lives of Naomi and Ruth.
The summary of the book of Ruth is this:
- The Book of Ruth is the story of how God providentially moves behind the scenes to redeem individuals while at the same time weaving them into the greater story of redemption for the world.
OVERVIEW: THE BOOK OF RUTH
SCENE 1: FROM BETHLEHEM TO MOAB AND BACK
SCENE 2: CHOICES ON THE ROAD
SCENE 3: THE BITTER RETURN
SHOWNOTES:
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