Discover The Word

Thursday, September 23, 2010, Part 1

“Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your home land, and came to live with a people you did not know before’ . . . ‘And now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character’ ” (Ruth 2:11; 3:10).

IDEA: A woman like Ruth is a rare jewel.

PURPOSE: To help listeners understand the kind of character that God values and admires.

We have discussed the Hebrew word hesed that permeates the story of Ruth. What does it mean?

I. Boaz commends Ruth for the hesed she has shown (Ruth 3:10).

Ruth has shown hesed by leaving her home in Moab to go to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi (Ruth 2:11).

This is an example of “loyal love” in which Ruth put Naomi’s interest before her own.

Ruth then seeks marriage, not for love or for money, but for the benefit of her mother-in-law and her late husband (Ruth 3:11).

Of her own free will she set aside marriage for passion or greed. She set aside personal preferences and chose a marriage that would benefit others.

This selfless concern for the needs of others reflects Philippians 2:1-11.

II. This greater hesed deserves greater “wages” for Ruth (Ruth 3:10).

In Ruth 2:12 Boaz promised a great reward for all that she did in returning with Naomi; now she can expect that God will increase her “wages.” What might they be?

Ruth is known as a noble and competent woman (eschet chayil).  Used in Proverbs 31:10, it is significant that Boaz should say this because in Ruth 2:1 he himself is called a gibbor chayil (a man of noble character).

Boaz was clear that the entire town recognized Ruth for this quality. She was a “rare jewel.”

CONCLUSION:

Have you ever met someone like that?