In the Bible: Book of Ruth
How Many Chapters (the book of Ruth contains): Chapters 1-4
This will be a bible study breakdown of the scriptures. Feel free to break it down for one chapter per day if it’s too much for you. Take a Bible and use this as you read.
Ruth Chapter 1:
Based on verses 1-22:
On the days Judges were ruling, there was a famine in the land.
A guy from Bethlehem-Judah went to stay in the country of Moab. That man brought his wife, himself and his two sons. His name is Elimelech. His wife’s name was Naomi. His two son’s names were: Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites of Bethlehem-Judah.
They stayed in Moab.
Elimelech died. Naomi became a widow.
Mahlon and Chilion had women from the Moab culture. Mahlon and Chilion eventually died. The names of the women were Orpah and Ruth.
Dwelled in Moab: 10 years.
Mahlon and Chilion died.
Naomi remained with her two daughters-in-law. Naomi planned to leave Moab due to the provision of The Lord towards His people in His people’s land (regarding food provision). She left Moab and on her journey to leave, her two daughters-in-law were following her. But Naomy let them know to return back to their Moab people. Naomi blessed them with a few words in verses 8-9. Naomi kissed them and they cried.
They wanted to go with Naomi on her trip back to where The Lord was providing for His people. Naomi let them know that she wouldn’t be having any more sons to provide with as husbands for them. If they would wait for them to grow up. But clearly, Naomi was trying to imply that that was impossible. For them to have husbands from her womb. They continued to cry, Orpah left and Ruth stayed with Naomi. Naomi reminded her that her sister in law left and she can leave too. Ruth didn’t want to leave Naomi. Ruth turned from her Moab culture to be a follower of God and His Truth.
Naomi saw how steadfast-minded (she stood with her saying, she didn’t change her mind) Ruth was that she left Ruth to depart with her. When they returned to Bethlehem, the city had asked if that was Naomi. By city, they meant the people.
Naomi let them know to not call her Naomi but Mara since the Lord Almighty dealt bitterly with her.
Naomi testified that she went out full and the Lord brought her home empty. The Lord had testified against Naomi, and the Almighty afflicted her.
They returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of BARLEY HARVEST.
Ruth Chapter 2:
Based on verses 1-23:
Boaz is introduced in this chapter as a kinsman from Naomi’s husband’s side of the family. He was very wealthy.
Ruth wanted to work. She ask Naomi permission to glean ears of corn before the person who would show her GRACE.
Naomi granted Ruth permission.
She was in a part of a field that belonged to Boaz. Boaz spoke to the reapers in a tone that perceived he knew about God to the reapers, he said: “The Lord be with you.” The reaper workers answered back: “The Lord bless you.”
Boaz asked about Ruth. They told him about Ruth and her background and who she lives with.
Ruth asked permission from them to glean and they allowed her. From the morning she started until the time Boaz arrived.
Boaz granted her favor by telling her she can stay in his territory and not go to another’s. Boaz protected her and didn’t allow any guy to touch her. He gave her permission to drink water from his provision.
Ruth questioned his graceful behavior towards her since she was a stranger. Boaz explained that it was brought up to him about Ruth’s testimony.
Boaz declared a word over her (verse 12).
Ruth continued to speak to him and thank him (verse 13).
Boaz invited her to dinner. She agreed.
Boaz gave her permission to glean again and told his workers to not reproach Ruth for it.
Boaz let her pick up handfuls of the glean products. She gleaned an ephah of barley ’till. Until evening she gleaned.
Ruth brought what she had gleaned home.
Ruth told Naomi the answer to Naomi’s questions. Naomi blessed Boaz without knowing. Naomi still blessed him after Ruth said his name. Ruth explained how Boaz let her glean by his young men workers. Until harvest. Naomi agreed with what Boaz had said to Ruth and Ruth kept going to the field that belonged to Boaz.
This was until the end of Barley Harvest and of Wheat Harvest.
Ruth remained with Naomi. She didn’t change her mind of returning back.
Ruth Chapter 3:
Based on verses 1-18:
Naomi wanted Ruth to rest so that it may go well with her.
Naomi spoke about Boaz to Ruth and where he would be at.
Naomi told her to shower, anoint herself, and put on clothes, and go down to the floor but not to make herself known to others. Until Boaz was done with eating and drinking. Naomi gave her specific instructions on what to do.
Ruth said that all that Naomi told her to do, she would do. Keep in mind, Naomi didn’t tell her to do anything inappropriate.
What Naomi said to do, happened.
Boaz was afraid and saw a woman figure laying by his feet. Boaz asked who was there and Ruth introduced herself.
She asked for permission about a matter. Boaz mentioned how Ruth didn’t go after guys whether they were poor or rich. She showed kindness by doing so. Boaz mentioned another guy who was a kinsman. It was between both kinsmen. If the kinsman doesn’t choose his role. Boaz stated he would.
She stayed with Boaz until the morning but cautiously stayed and then left. Boaz gave her six measures of barley.
Ruth told Naomi what had happened with regard to Boaz and the six measures of barley.
Naomi told her to sit still until she would know how the matter will occur. Boaz will not stop until what he said is accomplished.
Ruth Chapter 4:
Based on verses 1-22:
Boaz went up to the gate and sat there. The kinsman Boaz spoke about came through and he asked him to sit down. The kinsman sat down.
10 elders of the city sat down too when told to.
They spoke about the land that belonged to Naomi’s husband. Boaz asked the kinsman if he wanted to redeem the land. For it’s only him and Boaz that could redeem it. The guy said he’ll redeem it. He explained that Ruth was part of the redeeming land.
After that, the kinsman explained that he couldn’t redeem the land. He mentioned why.
In regards to redeeming and changing. This was their Israelite cultural practice:
- A man plucked off his shoe.
- Gave it to his neighbor.
^That was a testimony to Israel.
Boaz did just that.
Boaz let them know that they are his witnesses.
The witnesses blessed Boaz with a beautiful saying (verses 11-12).
Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. They had a son.
Boaz name was famous in Israel.
Obed was the child’s name.
Naomi declared something for Ruth (in verse 14-15).
Naomi nursed the child.
After Obed, generations rose up (in verse 17-22).
Reflection Questions:
What can you retrieve from this story?
What did you learn?
Was there anything that significantly impacted you?
Share the story with someone else.
What within Ruth’s character can you apply to your character?
How did you feel reading this story?
What scripture stood out to you? Try memorizing it and writing it down.
Don’t forget to open in prayer and close in prayer no matter what.
Here’s a downloadable link to the questions=
Here are downloadable links to the chapters=
