In chapter 3 the hope rises to a climactic moment, which will culminate in the resolution of chapter 4. In what ways does chapter 1 lead us to begin considering the various parts of this description? Even so, several midrashim explain that, after leaving Naomi, Orpah turns to extreme promiscuous activity. After Naomis empty return to Bethlehem along with Ruth, we are ready to see how God will fill her. It seems to me that there is a direct connection between the trait of modesty that Ruth epitomizes, and the holiday of Mattan Torah (the receiving of the Torah). The redemption which now begins to wind as a strong thread through the rest of the narrative is a concrete historical practicea legal provision that protected the lives and inheritance of many needy people in Israel. Thus, Orpah here has becomes a witch-like character, who sits weaving and wields a spindle as a weapon. Where do we see this character trait in Ruth? SAVED FROM GODS WRATH. Gods redemptive purposes are at work, according to his word. Ruth 1 shows the context of Naomis desolation (the time of the judges, famine, alienation from home, death, bitterness) and yet the seeds of hope in a return to a food-filled Bethlehem along with a faith-filled daughter-in-law, Ruth. Boazs words in Ruth 3:13 ring out: I will redeem you. As the book progresses and these various pictures merge, the story of Boaz the redeemer resonates increasingly with the Bibles big story of redemption. This word often appears in conjunction with Gods hesed, his kindness or steadfast love: indeed, Ruths finding such favor leads Naomi to see that Gods kindness (hesed) has not forsaken the living or the dead (2:20). At the cross shines forth both Gods justice and Gods mercy. Among many prophets who call for fasting and heartfelt prayer, Joel offers a pertinent example, as he in the midst of national calamity extended Gods call for his people to return to him with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning (Joel 2:12). Read through Esther 910, the passage for this weeks study. 19:910; 23:22; Deut. 19:4; Ps. What does he fear? [20] Malka Shaked, : [Ill Play You Forever: The Bible in Modern Hebrew Poetry] (translation mine). In Jesus Christ, the promised Seed of Abraham is the full and final rejoicing of all Gods people. Esther opens in a world seemingly without Godcertainly without any mention of Godand ruled by those who do not know him. 6:910; Luke 17:2021). What a mercy that God should have established a way for the poor among his people to be rescued. FEASTING. The Bible has one overarching storyline, and every little story connects to the big one: that is, everything connects to the big theme of God redeeming a people for himself through Christ. What is the tone and perspective of the narrative in this scene? What about Gods people now? 2 (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1985), 374. HUMAN DEPRAVITY. How are we readers left after chapter 5? What does the kings answer reveal about him (8:78)? Video Tribute to Rabbanith Ruth Menashe, 'a"h. The crowning evidence of Gods covenant faithfulness emerges at the books end, with the repeated mention of Ruths descendant David (Ruth 4:1721), the great king to whom God promised an eternal throne (2 Sam. Descendants of Boaz and Ruth. TheTorah.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.We rely on the support of readers like you. . Then you will say to your mother, he who was born from your sister has not spared us.[8]. In this case, Judah was the father of the deceased, and not a brother, so there is no husband's brother with whom to split the inheritance. Give your own nutshell description of this harem. Summarize the grand summary in Esther 9:1! Naomi forms this chapters bookends, as Ruth leaves her and then returns to her, carrying about an ephah of barley (over 5 gallons, or 24 liters), along with the leftovers from lunch (vv. 1) and the end (4:1317). Gods declared war with Amalek from generation to generation (Ex. How is the timing originally indicated by the casting of lots (3:7) crucial in the unfolding story? This story is full of Ruths blessedness and wonder at finding such a kind redeemer who is willing not only to pay a price for her but to marry her in love. Each story focuses on the significance of Gods people, this seed through whom God promised blessingand through whom the promised Redeemer would come. The author and date of composition of Esther are unknown, although the original text indicates an author close to the time of the events, one with an intimate knowledge of the storys setting and details. Read full chapter. At the other end of the Bible come the final pictures of royal clothing: Christ himself clothed in a robe dipped in blood . Once the closer relative relinquished his right to marry Ruth, Boaz took Ruth as his wife. This masterful narrative is about Ruth, but it is even more about Gods covenant kindness to his peopleeven in the midst of their repeated rebellion against him. In human conception, Gods redemptive purposes are at work, generation after generation. She lived during the period of the judges, when there was yet no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judg. This is the biblical account of how Ruth came to meet her first husband. But that banquet ends with the question of how she will proceed at the next days banquet. Take time to reflect on the implications of Esther 910 for your own life today. The explicit context of the exile connects the Jews to their God, and to Gods promises as far back as Abraham (Gen. 12:13)and as far ahead as Abrahams promised Seed, the ultimate Deliverer and the heavenly King. 16:8; Hos. The earliest source for the expanded life of Orpah is the pre-rabbinic Biblical Antiquities (1st-cent. EXILE. Like the seven thousand men who remained faithful in Elijah's day, Paul was a remnant of Israel who remained faithful to God in his time. The lack of gratitude exemplified by this nation is a clear indication of an ingrained flaw in their character. Boaz approved, but knew there was a closer relative whom he needed to ask for permission first. And now there were born from Orpah you and your brothers. The climactic point of verse 12, however, is that what Ruth has done is to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. Clearly, this king and this kingdom treated women abominably. When we close with the beautiful assertion that Mordecai sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people, we do tend to hear echoes of psalms or prophecies in which such a leader acts and speaks. As we watch her in verses 17, what things do the narrator wants us to observe or discern about this young woman? Read slowly through the complete passage, Ruth 3. This is what Christs redemption accomplishes: by grace, through faith, we are reconciled to God and become part of his family forever. Before looking at chapter 7 specifically, review where weve come in chapters 58. What aspects of the book stand out after such a reading? The other group contains two Ruths, one of whom (kit #817623) has 1700s North Carolina roots like some from the Routh group. 11:25). Read and comment on a similar picture in Ezekiel 16:8, where God speaks as the husband of his unfaithful people. GRACE AND GOOD WORKS. We would all like to know Vashtis thoughts and feelings on that subjectbut we dont get to; that is clearly not the narrators purpose. Romans 8:3. But they have been promised a king who will come and reign forever. This chapter keeps reminding us that we are reading about a return. We move now from one biblical book named after a woman to the other. Biblical history traces Noahs descendants to Abraham, Abrahams descendants through his 12 sons and eventually through the tribe of Judah to David, and finally Davids line to the promised Christ. Point to a passage or two to explain what youve seen. . Paul called himself a member of the remnant of Israel in Romans 11:5. At this point, stop and summarize the ways in which this book lets us glimpse not only the courage and faithfulness of Gods people but at the same time (and concentrated at the center) the hand of an amazing providence at work. Chapters 34 introduce the crisis (Hamans plot to annihilate the Jews) and Esthers resolve to respond, which initiates the process of resolution. 2:13). . Something went wrong while submitting the form. 8:2829). Naomi refers to this law as she addresses her two daughters-in-law. The only alternative to this life is death. Esthers second feast balances on the other side of chapter 6, tracing the switch of trajectories established by that chapter. It certainly could refer to Boaz, but how might it perhaps most fittingly refer to the Lord? REDEMPTION PURCHASED. . Gods people had rebelled against him under their earthly kings, their kingdom had split and fallen, and its people had been taken into exile. Then consider and write your reflections on the following questions, which move through this section of Esther. Verses 1415 speak about the newborn son as a redeemer. In what ways does this title fit this particular child? . ) PROVIDENCE. Esther, in saving her people, is aligning herself with lifewith Gods redemptive plan through his chosen people. [17] For further elaboration, see Yaffa Berlovitz, The Scroll of Orpah, What is the Scroll that is not read on the Night of Shavuot Migdar. The biblical context of kingdoms puts this Persian one in its proper place. 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Orpahs decision to remain in Moab is not just a personal choice, an innocent act devoid of any negative implications; it is seen as a betrayal of Naomi, her people, and her God, and led to her offspring becoming Israels mortal enemies. Amid the glitz of the Persian empire, we see those described by the apostle Paul: . not Not only is she the mother of Israels enemies, but an enemy herself, and who dies an ignominious death. Take time to reflect on the implications of Ruth 3 for your own life today. This story brings what seems the final blow: on a certain day, by the Persian kings edict, all Jews throughout the empire (which included Jerusalem) are to be annihilated. Naomi means pleasant, but Mara means bittera name with which Naomi identifies at this point. Unsurprisingly, Bialik avoids the base descriptions we will see shortly, and envisions the conception of Goliath in a more elegant and logical fashion. What words stand out? Isaiah makes it clear (Isa. Reading the book of Ruth, we marvel at Ruths story and we see more clearly the God who so kindly directs it. As we begin this study, what questions do you have about this book? How do they mark the progression of the story? [9] Also, the opening letters heh and ayin, are both gutturals, and were pronounced very similarly in this period. By Esthers time, the exile is officially over, just as God had promised (Jer. GODS UNFAILING PURPOSES FOR HIS PEOPLE. [5] This refers to the ritual in Deuteronomy 21:19, when the elders of a city break the neck of a calf as part of a confession of innocence when the body of a murdered person is found near the city and no one knows who is responsible. Both Ruth and Esther connect with biblical themes from the beginning of the Bible to the endfrom battles in the Pentateuch to marriage suppers in Revelation. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. Take time to reflect on the implications of Ruth 4 for your own life today. Herbert Danby (New York: Hebrew Publishing Co., 1938), 1314. The point seems less about Orpah and more about impugning Goliaths lineage. 12:128). (9) SUSAN. Lant Aton and Ruth Phillips Miller had ten children, 9 of whom were mentioned in Ruth's will in 1861. Hamans story vividly illustrates James 4:6: God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.. Many think this passage portrays the time in which Persian King Xerxes was building support for his famous invasion of Greece in 480 BC (in which he was soundly defeated). The Bible is all about God conquering death on our behalf to give us new life. Naomis Plan and Ruths Determination (1:618). Also, from the descendant whom the LORD will give you from this young woman, may your family become like the family of Perez, the son whom Tamar gave birth to for Judah." Good News Translation May the children that the LORD will give you by this young woman make your family like the family of Perez, the son of Judah and Tamar." What different perspectives might you discern concerning the casting of lots? The spiritually charged meaning of redemption grows in Ruth, especially as we watch the narrative point toward the line of David, and as we think wonderingly of the Son of David who accomplished for us redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (Eph. (And then theres the choosing of a book to read . For believers, Jesus is our great intercessor in heaven with the Father on our behalf. God throughout Old Testament times established covenants with his people, all of which he faithfully keeps, and all of whose benefits come to Gods people finally through Christ, who inaugurated the new covenant (1 Cor. THE MOSAIC LAW. Significantly, Luke traces Mary's lineage all the way back to Adam (verse 38). Each in its own context tells of Gods providence at work in the imperfect lives of his called-out peoplewith huge historical and redemptive ramifications. For after your death your three brothers too will fall into my hands. The desperation of their need is emphasized by the edicts instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews. Jesus came two thousand years ago for the first time. Finally, contemporary author and midrashist, Tamar Biala, offers this meditation on Orpah and her fate in the form of a letter Orpah wrote to her parents:[25]. After the introductory chapters set the pieces in place, chapter 3 introduces the crisis that the rest of the book must resolve. Only as the story develops do we with fuller understanding celebrate the way Ruths enfolding into Israel is actually a beautiful part of the fulfillment of Gods promise to Abraham that, in him, all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Gen. 12:3). Some of the theological truths that emerge from these stories relate to sovereignty; providence; grace; grace and works; the kingdom of God; Gods unfailing word; Gods judgment of sin; worship/idolatry; the inheritance of faith; and marriage and sexual purity as they reflect God. 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. By the time we reach the final two chapters of Esther, the plot has been resolved! There is, at this crucial juncture, simply the fact that the king couldnt sleep. Hamans fall comes with quick inevitability in chapter 7, followed by Mordecais rise in chapter 8which brings with it the rise of the Jewish people, who move from mourning the decree of death to joyfully celebrating the reversal effected by a second decree that protects their lives. with the name of David (vv. According to your careful observations of chapter 2, make two lists: first, what can be known for sure about the heroine of this book; and, second, what you would like to know but cant. Ruth 3. In light of the Scriptures, of course, it is more than a sense; it is a surety that Gods promises to his people will not fail. By so asking for his protection as a redeemer, Ruth is asking Boaz to redeem her along with Elimelechs landin sort of a custom combination of the laws concerning levirate marriage and kinsman redemption! All these promises seem threatened in the book of Esther. Esther is a story of Gods remarkable providence in shaping human events, according to his promises, for the blessing of his people and the destruction of their enemies. Take a moment also to look back through this unit of study, to reflect on a few key things that the Lord may be teaching youand perhaps to highlight and underline these things to review again in the future. A larger question involves the taking of lives, which will be treated in more detail in the final lesson. (Note the following verses about Gods wings: Ex. 31:3133; 1 Pet. That rich inheritance offers a picture of every believers ultimate inheritance through Christs redemption of us (1 Pet. REDEMPTION. Ruth 4:19 We are far from the Promised Land, in the palaces of Susa. 2:11). What can we learn from this, both as we need to see clearly and as we help others see clearly the kind providence of God always at work? Dialogue is the main meat of each scene in this narrative. In all these events, God has not been mentioned, but his hand of providence is clearly at work. Look back through this introductory chapter and underline words or thoughts you would like to pray about or consider further. Revelation 12 is a great Bible prophecy chapter to study and I urge any Christian to read it and study it and ask God to reveal His truth through it. But what we see here are Gods people rejoicing at being saved (and their enemies destroyed). Next, in verse 20, Naomi informs Ruth that Boaz is one of her familys redeemers, sometimes called kinsman-redeemers. Jewish law made provision for a near kinsman to redeem (buy back) land sold by a poverty-stricken relative, and even to redeem the relatives themselves who were sometimes sold into slavery if they had no way to pay their debts. Such mercy, however, is meant to point us to a God who is working his redemptive purposesamazingly, even through his sovereign management of womens wombs! First of all, what various arguments does he lay out against her keeping silent? The luxurious beauty treatments sound nice . How do his words show that he understands the purpose of the laws he is fulfilling? Esther is the human trigger of the action that brings about the fall of Haman and now the rise of Mordecai. 23:37). But they didnt simply call for a return. the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen . 1112), how do the words and phrases echo even more loudly than the people could know at the time? And yet, these women have found Boaz, who has shown kindness. In the Middle Ages, the peshat commentary tradition on the Book of Ruth had little to say about Orpah. Hebrew University Professor of Meteorology, Avraham Husss (1924-2015) Orpah is written in the first person, in the voice of Orpah, who speaks to Naomi and Ruth and tells them that she has fulfilled all her obligations and duties, she owes no one anything, and she just wants to return home to live with her memories. We rejoice with you as you finish studying the books of Ruth and Esther! Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. GOD GIVING CONCEPTION. We also feel the huge significance of a foreigner like Ruth so boldly purposing to become part of the people God has covenanted to bless. The Bible tells us we were created to worship the one true God, the only one worthy of our worship. In chapter 3, he seems like a pawn in the hand of Haman, acquiescing without question to Hamans desires. Kewark's mtDNA is so rare, BritainsDNA said, that it has only been found in 14 other people, all but one of whom was Indian (the other one was Nepali). The book of Judges describes this period (c. 13th11th centuries BC) as a downward-spiraling cycle of sinful rebellion by Gods people, followed by cries for help to God who sends a deliverer/judge, followed again by sinful rebellion. The king who apparently controls even the drinking habits of his party guests cannot control his own wifes behavior. CONDEMNED TO DEATH. Read Ruth 1 slowly and carefully. 6:16). In the very shape of the narrative emerge the raising up of Gods people and the destruction of his enemies that together show Gods promises in action. This storys theme of redemption is a concrete one, but in Scriptures larger context we cannot help but follow this thread toward Jesus our Redeemer. Hamans counselors articulate that sense in Esther 6:13, and then immediately we watch those words come true. [8] Daniel J. Harrington (trans. Biala is certainly responding to the rabbinic image of Orpah as portrayed in the sources cited above and is seeking to repair it. Those who posses this precious character trait deserve to be leaders. Now observe Haman, in verses 914. For instance, in a gloss on the phrase about Orpah leaving, Midrash Ruth Zuta writes: The comment may imply that Orpah was so promiscuous that she let many men have sex with her one after another, though it sounds more like a depiction of a gang rape. Then consider and write your reflections on the following questions, which move through the chapter and conclude the book. this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. Gods people are to offer the most beautiful pictures of him in the way we live as sexual beings (either in the sexual relations within marriage or in sexual celibacy outside of marriage). In these stories we see a God who gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children (Ps. That reversal will continue and accelerate to the books end. May this study become part of your Christian walk of faith, day by day and week by week throughout all your life. What various possible ways of interpreting her plan might you imagine? Descendants of Boaz and Ruth. Back to the story . While Ruth is a figure for the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who cleaved to God and his anointed one, called Mahlon, Orpah is a figure for the other tribes who turned their backs (oref) to the kingdom of Judah and committed idolatry.[19]. God promised and brought about that new life through the people we watch in the Old Testamentthe Jews. One was a foreigner who came to the land of Judah; the other was a Jew who lived in a foreign land: God has always been at work in the whole world he made and over which he rules. The repeated mention of Mordecais Jewishness (5:13; 6:10, 13) reminds us of the point of Gods providence in this story: it is to protect his people. Ruth was a descendant of Moab. As Haman falls and the Jews rise, we sense even more vividly the powerful hand of God on his people. We must say that God washes all sin clean, through the blood of Christ, as we return to him. Think of several reasons why this background story of Queen Vashti is important to the flow of the whole book. 2:911). Then consider and write your reflections on the following questions, which move through this introductory section of Esther. Both Boaz and Ruth have taken refuge under Gods kind wings, and they know it. Scene two begins to unfold Gods full provision for these women, as Ruth goes out to glean and encounters Boaz. [18] Joseph Qara points out that her kiss of Naomi (1:14), was a , kiss of separation. Others discuss whether or not she and Ruth had converted to Judaism when they married their husbands and questioned the sincerity of Orpahs conversion (cf. Wendy Rush is a great-great-granddaughter of the retailing magnate Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida, two of the wealthiest people to die aboard the ocean liner. Both women played crucial roles in the big story of Gods redeeming a people for himself from all the nations through his Son. Review again the notes that you have written, and the things that you have highlighted or underlined. (For further context, read Joshua 1:16.). (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 478479, or visit www.esvbible.org. Barry Dov Walfish Categories: Shavuot Ruth clinging to Naomi, while Orpah sadly returns to the land of Moab. Ruth qualifies for these gleanings in more than one category! What should be our response to the huge reality of Gods wrath and eternal punishment coming for those who have not by faith in Christ become part of Gods people? Haman the proud boaster wearing the kings signet ring ends up with his head covered (6:12). Jonah didnt like the idea. 25:1114; 32:3638). (See also 8:15.) When we turn to the modern period, we find several Hebrew and Yiddish poems that show much more sympathy for Orpahs situation and justify her decision to stay in her ancestral home. As Ruth the Moabite is enfolded among Gods people and into the messianic line, this story leaves us celebrating Gods promise to bless all the families of the earth through Abrahams seed (Gen. 12:3). Write your observations. Why do you think the narrator does not let us into Esthers thoughts and feelings as the story continues to unfold? Make notes on the personal implications for your walk with the Lord that you find in (1) the Gospel Glimpses, (2) the Whole-Bible Connections, (3) the Theological Soundings, and (4) this passage as a whole. In Ruth 3:1014, in what various ways does Boaz honor and protect this worthy woman (3:11)? A price paid to redeem, or buy back, someone who had become enslaved or something that had been lost to someone else. Both stories are about trusting Gods promises in the dark, finding the patterns of his providence that lead to the ultimate provision of an eternal kingKing Jesus. She went from the very top being a princess all the way down to becoming penniless, then back to royalty. Such people cannot mix with such a holy nation the Jewish nation. There are no grand miracles in Esther, and no rehearsing of Gods blessings. Those who believe in him will be raised forever. Look at the prominent role of Naomi in the beginning (ch. Boazs words in Ruth 3:13 ring out: I will redeem you. As the book progresses and these various pictures merge, the story of Boaz the redeemer resonates increasingly with the Bibles big story of redemption. Haman himself is not so impotent, but he is evil, grasping power in order to satisfy his own prideful, vengeful desires. Our thoughts might turn by contrast toward the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. To what is Mordecai turning Esthers thoughts here? As we have noted, the grace and favor flowing in Esthers direction connect with a larger scriptural pattern of Gods steadfast love promised and consistently shown to his people. What qualities in them stand out, especially in contrast to the heroes and heroines of many love stories in our world today? Even though in Esthers time that exile had officially ended, only a remnant of Jews had returned, as subjects of the Persian empire, to a broken-down Jerusalem. FASTING AND PRAYER. We dont know how directly this history influenced the characters in Esther, but in any case, the background is clearly there for readers of Scripture. 2. In Orpah by poet and educator, Samuel Bass (1899-1949), Orpah longs to return to Moab, without sadness or regret. The feasts in Esther resonate with this larger biblical theme. And yet, the rabbis seem unable to muster any sympathy for Orpah. Another version of this midrash, which overlaps with much of the material from the Bavli (that will be quoted shortly) appears in Ruth Rabbah 2:20: [16] This word is of uncertain origin. 4:2), the husband who loves and covenants with his wife (as in Ezek. Over both stories looms a king. She, a princess herself, did not demonstrate any pride, but rather joined the other paupers in the field to support her mother-in-law. The men often remained there after a long day of work, eating and drinkingand staying the night to guard the grain. Amen. Haman depended on lots in his plot against Gods people, while that peoples God actually determined how the lots would fall (compare Prov. Esther is on the move, as she finds favor with the king in her approach and in her first banquet. False, flattering assertions concerning the kings sovereignty lead to ridiculous conclusions, such as that Queen Vashtis behavior will inspire all the kingdoms wives to rebellionor that King Ahasueruss decree will compel them all to honor the master of the household (1:1722). We often speak of intercession with reference to prayer. 2, 10, 13), as this poor foreigner humbly acknowledges her need and her wonder at that need being met with such favoror such grace, as the Hebrew hen can also be translated.
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