Introduction to the Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth is traditionally read during Shavuot due to its connection with the harvest. In this introduction, we will look through this short story at many of the cultural aspects that many Western readers are unaware of. Rather than being a romantic love story, the Book of Ruth is actually about 'chesed' - covenantal, self-giving loyalty. Through this lens, we will see that Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz all become image-bearers of God, teaching us key aspects of God's chesed towards us!
In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
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Thank you for this teaching. It was very thought provoking. Being YHVH’s image bearers is so important. I look forward to hearing more.
I still cannot claim to ‘understand’ the counting of the omer and Shavuot, but I’m getting closer. Mostly due to your and Dr Dinah Dye’s teachings. You both are such a blessing to me, and it has been a pleasure seeing you Ryan grow by leaps and bounds since the early days on HRN. Blessings to you and your family
i loved this. listened to it two days in a row cant wait for more. Also Loved the Esther teaching. Powerful!