InstaStudy

Ruth: From Moabite to Messiah's Lineage

This Bible study explores the remarkable journey of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her profound impact on the lineage of the Anointed One. We will examine her background, her decisive choice to follow the one true God, and how divine grace brought her into the covenant family, demonstrating God's inclusive plan for all who believe.

1. The Moabite Identity and Its Spiritual Implications

1.1 The Origin and Separation of Moab

Verses: Genesis 19:37; Deuteronomy 23:3-6
  • Moabites descended from Lot, establishing a lineage separate from Abraham's covenant.
  • The Law prohibited Moabites from entering the assembly of the Lord, highlighting their initial spiritual distance and foreignness.

1.2 Ruth's Background as an Outsider

Verses: Ruth 1:4; Ruth 1:15
  • Ruth was born into a culture that worshipped foreign gods, distinct from the God of Israel.
  • Her initial state was one of spiritual alienation from the covenant people and their divine relationship.

1.3 The Contrast of Deities

Verses: Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:7
  • Moab worshipped Chemosh, a false god, representing a polytheistic system.
  • Ruth's eventual choice to follow the God of Israel was a rejection of multiple deities for the one true and living God.

2. A Decisive Choice and a New Allegiance

2.1 Ruth's Unwavering Commitment

Verses: Ruth 1:16-17
  • Ruth declared her profound allegiance to Naomi's people and, crucially, to Naomi's God.
  • This was a radical act of faith, signifying a complete departure from her past and a new spiritual direction.

2.2 Embracing a New Identity

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:28
  • Her decision marked a spiritual transformation, becoming a new creation in her devotion to the Lord.
  • In God's eyes, distinctions of origin can be overcome by faith, leading to a unified identity in Him.

2.3 The Singular Object of Worship

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6
  • Ruth's choice was to worship the one Lord, the God of Israel, acknowledging no other divine being.
  • This commitment reflects the singular nature of the divine being, who alone is worthy of all worship.

3. Redemption and Inclusion by Divine Grace

3.1 Seeking Refuge Under the Wings of God

Verses: Ruth 2:12
  • Boaz recognized Ruth's faith and her seeking refuge in the God of Israel, the one true protector.
  • This act of seeking demonstrated her trust in the singular divine power to provide and protect.

3.2 The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer

Verses: Ruth 3:9; Ruth 4:9-10
  • Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, brought Ruth into the family and inheritance of Israel.
  • This act foreshadows the ultimate redemption offered by the one Lord, who alone can redeem humanity.

3.3 God's Universal Plan of Salvation

Verses: Ephesians 2:12-13; Romans 11:17
  • God's grace extends beyond natural lineage, bringing outsiders near to His covenant.
  • Ruth's inclusion illustrates God's desire to graft all who believe into His spiritual family, regardless of their past.

4. Ruth's Legacy in the Divine Purpose

4.1 A Blessing to Israel

Verses: Ruth 4:14-15
  • Ruth, the former Moabite, became a source of blessing and comfort to Naomi and the community of Bethlehem.
  • Her faithfulness and devotion brought forth good fruit, demonstrating God's ability to use anyone for His glory.

4.2 In the Lineage of the Anointed One

Verses: Matthew 1:5; Ruth 4:21-22
  • Ruth is prominently named in the genealogy of David and ultimately of the Messiah.
  • This highlights God's sovereign plan to use all people, even those from unexpected origins, for His singular redemptive purpose.

4.3 The Manifestation of God's Love

Verses: John 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Ruth's story is a testament to God's boundless love for all humanity, manifesting His grace to those who seek Him.
  • The divine nature was revealed in human form to redeem all who would believe, fulfilling God's singular plan of salvation.