A guide for Leading a Bible study on the book of Ruth. It highlights themes and parallels for believers from a Muslim background and those who minister to them and discusses common themes and points that may come up during a Bible study of Ruth.
Chapter One
Chapter summary:
The book of Ruth is set in the time of the judges in Israel, a time that was characterised by people being lawless and doing what was right in their own eyes.
The first chapter starts with the story of Naomi and her husband Elimelech, who left Bethlehem in Judea to move to Moab because of famine in the land with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They stayed in Moab for ten years, during which both sons married Moabite wives, Ruth and Orpah. Elimelech and both sons pass away, leaving the three women widows. Naomi then learns that the famine in Bethlehem has passed and decides to return to her hometown. Both daughters-in-law decide to return with her.
Naomi is very bitter and very negative about the future. She encourages the young women to leave her and go back to Moab, saying that there is no future for them in Bethlehem with her. Orpah gives in and returns to Moab. Ruth refuses and insists on accompanying Naomi, regardless of what the future holds. The chapter ends with their arrival in Bethlehem.
Common themes and parallels to BMB experiences
Loss and vulnerability
Loss and the vulnerability that comes with such loss are a common theme throughout the first chapter of Ruth. Naomi and her family face the loss of their community and culture when they move to Moab. They are strangers in a strange land. Her sons even marry Moabite women, which is something God warned the Israelites not to do. Adjusting to a new life there would have been very difficult.
After many years in Moab, Naomi loses her husband and both her sons, becoming a widow (Ch. 1:1-5). Ruth and Orpah are also widowed. Not only are the three women grieving the physical loss of their husbands and sons to death, but they also lose status in the community since their house is now a “house of widows”. In the African context, many would regard a house with three widows as ‘cursed’. People might shame Orpah and Ruth for marrying Jews instead of Moabites, saying things like “See, this is what comes of marrying outside your own community.” Not only are the three women widows, but they are also childless. This brings further shame as there is no one to carry on the family name and no one through whom they can secure an inheritance.
Naomi and her daughters-in-law may also face poverty since the men are no longer providing for them. These losses and the stigma attached to widowhood leave them very vulnerable in their community. The three women find themselves in a hopeless situation.
Similarly, BMBs face stigma and loss when they leave their communities. In many ways, they have to adjust to a new way of life, a new culture. They may be cut off from family members, they may lose their homes and livelihoods. Some might face physical harm to themselves or their families. Some might even experience stigma from the Christian community initially, as people are afraid to trust a former Muslim.
Missionaries may also face loss when working in a Muslim community. This does not always mean physical death or injury. It can also include sickness, mental and emotional breakdown or financial struggles that challenge their mission work and may even lead to them leaving the field or not wanting to continue their work.
Bitterness and Discouragement
In the middle of their hopeless situation, Naomi hears that the famine in Bethlehem is over. She decides to return. Ruth and Orpah both choose to go with her. At this point in the story, we are not told anything about faith. We are not sure why Ruth and Orpah initially choose to follow Naomi. But after some time, Naomi encourages them to go back to their own people. She insists that they have nothing to gain from going with her. She tells them that she cannot produce new sons for them to marry, in other words she cannot provide for them. (Ch. 1:6-14). She cannot offer them a future. In this regard, Naomi is being realistic. She is aware of her human limitations but fails to see that God might be doing something else. She is too discouraged and too bitter to trust in God’s provision. She only sees the hopeless circumstances. She believes that God has turned against her.
Humanly (and realistically) the situation for BMBs and the missionaries working among them is often full of difficulties. It is easy to become negative and bitter and to miss God’s bigger picture. Many lose hope and become discouraged. They may feel that God has forgotten them and question His plan.
Orpah’s return and backsliding
Initially, both women refuse to leave Naomi but after some time Orpah is convinced by Naomi’s arguments and returns to Moab. We are not told what her reasons are. Orpah may have shared Naomi’s fears for the future. She may have left to save Naomi the trouble of looking after her, thinking that she did not want to be a burden. Whatever the reason, she chooses to turn back. We are not told what happens to Orpah but it is possible that returning was not an easy decision. She may have felt ashamed about her choice, feeling like she failed. (Ch. 1:14-15)
In verse fifteen, Naomi refers to Orpah returning to her old gods, meaning that at some point Orpah had chosen to leave the old gods. She represents those BMBs who return to Islam. This happens for many reasons. Some may not be strong in their faith, others may be fearful of the future or discouraged by the difficulties they face. Sometimes it might even be the missionaries themselves who discourage BMBs by their own bitterness or fears, acting as poor role models or stumbling blocks. Some missionaries may be looking at a BMB with human eyes, like Naomi, only seeing a hopeless situation and not realising that God is doing something bigger.
Ruth’s covenant commitment
Ruth decides to follow Naomi to Bethlehem in spite of Naomi’s discouragement. Ruth insists: “Don’t ask me to leave you or turn back. Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I’ll be buried. May the Lord deal with me if even death separates us.” (Ch. 1:16-17)
We can imagine the conversation that might have taken place between the two women, with Naomi giving reasons to convince Ruth to leave and Ruth opposing those reasons.
- Naomi might say, “I can’t get a husband, I can’t provide another son for you to marry.”
- Ruth responds, “Where you go, I’ll go, even if you don’t know where.”
- Naomi says, “I’ve been away ten years; my house may be gone.”
- Ruth says, “Even if it’s under a tree, I’ll stay.”
- Naomi warns, “My people may reject you as a Moabite.”
- Ruth says, “I’ve accepted them.”
- Naomi says, “You’ll worship a different God.”
- Ruth says, “That God will be my God.”
Her resolve is strong, a covenant from someone converting from Molech to the God of Israel. She has counted the cost and decided to stay.
This challenges BMBs to examine their reasons for converting. Do they want to gain something from their conversion? Are they looking to the church to do everything for them, babying them in a sense? Or are they truly coming for God? Ruth represents those BMBs who have made that covenant commitment: “I am coming to worship God, in spite of the circumstances. I am taking responsibility for my choice.” This is the group perseveres in their faith even in difficult times. They actively want to grow. They are committed to coming to Bible study, prayer and learning about God. They do not idolise missionaries, looking to them for everything but recognise that the missionary is sent by God to journey alongside them.
The silent group
We have seen that Orpah represents those BMBs who backslide for various reasons, abandoning Christ and returning to Islam. Ruth represents the BMBs who have made a commitment, take responsibility for their choice and persevere in their faith. But there is a third group, the silent group. This represents the BMBs who become stuck in the middle. They do not want to return to Islam but they will also not grow in Christ. It is important to ask why.
Chapter 2
Chapter summary:
In the second chapter, we see Ruth and Naomi settling back in Bethlehem. Ruth shows herself to be a resourceful young woman, going out to glean in the fields. She works hard, and Boaz notices her. He has compassion for her and admires her dedication to Naomi. Boaz is generous and offers Ruth food and tells her to keep working in his fields, promising protection. He also instructs his workers to help her. Naomi is pleased with Ruth’s hard work and with the fact that Boaz has noticed her. She encourages Ruth to take his offer of working in his fields for her own safety.
Common themes and parallels to BMB experiences
Calculated risks
Ruth has taken a great risk in choosing to follow Naomi to Bethlehem. In chapter 2, even though she has arrived safely with Naomi, there are still risks involved in her new life. She takes a risk by choosing to work on the farms, gleaning behind the harvesters. However, Ruth is not taking blind risks. She has carefully considered her decisions, taking calculated risks. The possible cost of failure is high, but she knows that if the risk pays off, she will also have a reward. She has put all her confidence in one choice, risking her life, her future, and all that is familiar and comfortable, to move to a new country and embrace a new faith, but there is the great reward of knowing God. Similarly, working on strangers’ farms has risks. She may be chased off, treated rudely and even assaulted. She is a foreigner with no status in the community. Yet Ruth is careful, asking permission and working diligently. (Ch 2:7) Her risk pays off and she gains favour with Boaz.
BMBs also have to take risks in their faith journey. Choosing to turn away from Islam to Christ is a major risk. Like Ruth, they leave everything behind for the great reward of knowing Christ. However, their new life includes making many risky decisions. They have to find their place in a new community, they have to be careful when telling others about their new faith. Some may have to move away from their homes or find new jobs. None of these decisions are without risks attached and BMBs can learn from Ruth’s wisdom in taking calculated risks.
Discipleship
Ruth is not alone in her journey. Despite her bitterness and disillusionment, Naomi is still with Ruth every step of the way. She advises Ruth to keep working on Boaz’s farm, telling her that he is one of their kinsman redeemers. Even though it is not explicitly stated in the story, we can assume that Naomi counselled Ruth on the customs of the Israelites, explaining the custom that allowed widows and foreigners to glean from others’ harvests. She encourages Ruth to go out. (Ch 2:2) While Ruth is the one making her own decisions and taking those calculated risks, she does so under Naomi’s guidance.
Their relationship represents the discipleship relationship between a caregiver and a BMB. The BMB has to take risks, has to make decisions and take responsibility for their new life, but they don’t need to do it alone. The caregiver, or pastor, comes alongside to give guidance and support. They teach them about the Christian way of life and how to form part of a church community.
Partial acceptance and hard work
As Ruth works on Boaz’s farm alongside his other workers, we see that while she is allowed to be there, she is not fully accepted. Until Boaz instructs them to, no one offers her water or food. They refer to her as ‘the Moabite woman’, (Ch 2:6) not bothering to know or use her name. She is still just a foreigner even though they see and respect her hard work and dedication to Naomi. However, Ruth does not complain or insist on better treatment. She quietly and diligently continues her work.
Many BMBs face a similar situation when first joining a Christian community. They are allowed in but not fully accepted. Other believers may see and respect their acceptance of Christ but may be unwilling to befriend a BMB or fully trust them.
Pastoral care, belonging, fellowship and equality.
Boaz notices Ruth working in his fields and asks who she is. When he hears who she is, he calls her over and tells her that she is welcome to work in his fields. He tells her to follow the other girls working for him and take water when she is thirsty. He also offers her protection, having warned the young men to stay away from her. (Ch 2:5-9) Later, he invites her to share a meal with him and his workers. Boaz even offers Ruth a choice portion of the meal. She has enough to eat her fill and have some left over to give to Naomi. (Ch 2:14)
Boaz represents a pastoral figure. BMBs need such a person to welcome them into the Christian community and to offer them hospitality and care. He treats her as an equal, inviting her into the fellowship of sharing a meal. For the Jews, eating out of the same bowl as a Gentile is unheard of. In doing this, Boaz sets an example to the rest of the community. Caregivers and missionaries among BMBs fulfil a similar role, setting the example for other Christians in the way they treat BMBs.
They invite BMBs into the fellowship of believers, treating them as equals who read the same Bible, listen to the same pastor and live in the same community. We are all sinners saved by grace, united in Christ. We also see this in the way Boaz addresses Ruth, calling her “daughter”. She is given a place, a sense of belonging. This mirrors the concept of a family of believers, where believers often refer to each other as ‘brother’ or ‘sister’. It is our role to offer that sense of belonging and fellowship to BMBs, inviting them to be part of the family.
Testimony and integrity
Ruth is surprised at Boaz’s kindness and asks what she has done to earn his favour. Boaz replies that he has heard how she cares for her mother-in-law. He is impressed by what he has heard of her integrity. (Ch 2:11-13)
BMBs can learn from Ruth in this. She did not fight for her place in Bethlehem but worked diligently and lived with integrity. This testimony spoke for her. Others noticed how she lived and word got around, convincing even an important man like Boaz to extend his welcome. If a BMB lives a life of integrity, showing their commitment to Christ, it fosters trust.
Seeking refuge in God
At the end of his conversation with Ruth, Boaz blesses her, saying: “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ch 2:12).
Ruth has taken refuge with God, not with people. Similarly, BMBs must seek refuge in God, not other believers.
Bible engagement and facilitating
Ruth goes out and spends the day gleaning barley or wheat stalks behind the harvesters. Then she threshes what she has gleaned, ending with almost 22kg to take home. This process can be used as an illustration for spiritual growth. New believers must actively study Scripture for themselves, gleaning the truth from it. Once they have done that, they must spend time with these truths, meditating on them and how to apply what they learned to their lives. In other words, they must ‘thresh’ it out and take it home. Not only that, they must share their harvest with others.
In verse 16, we see Boaz instructing his workers to drop for Ruth to glean. Again, he is playing the role of a disciple-maker. He does not tell his workers to set aside some of the harvest and deliver it to Ruth and Naomi. Instead, he allows Ruth to earn it for herself. In the same way, caregivers/missionaries must facilitate a new believer’s spiritual growth. Help them to glean truth from the Word, but let them thresh it out themselves and take it home to share. This process lets BMBs truly grow in their faith as they have to take responsibility for their spiritual growth instead of being ‘spoon-fed’ by others.
Chapter 3
Chapter summary:
After Ruth’s success in gleaning from Boaz’s fields, Naomi comes up with the plan to ask Boaz to be their redeemer. Ruth goes to Boaz in the night, after he has winnowed the harvest and lies down at his feet. When he finds her there, she makes her request. Boaz is pleased that she has chosen to come to him but tells her that there is a redeemer that is a nearer relative than him. He needs to consult with this man before he can do anything. Boaz sends Ruth home quietly the next morning, giving her food to take home and promising to look into the matter. Naomi is confident that he will act promptly.
Common themes and parallels to BMB experiences
Naomi’s transformation: return to hope and planning for the future
In chapter 1, Naomi is filled with bitterness at her situation; she has lost sight of God’s goodness and has no hope for the future. Towards the end of chapter 2, we start seeing a change. Naomi is filled with joy and relief at Ruth’s successful gleaning and Boaz’s kindness to her. The chapter ends with her praising the Lord, a great change from the end of chapter 1. By the third chapter, Naomi is no longer bitter or passive. She is starting to make plans to secure their future. She has hope in the Lord’s provision again. She recognises that Ruth has certain emotional/psychological needs, as well as physical needs. She says in verse, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.” She then actively helps Ruth to seek a solution. She identifies Boaz as a kinsman redeemer and decides to act on the existing system/custom, requesting his redemption. She instructs Ruth carefully in the next steps (Ch 3:2-4).
The two women prepare carefully. They use the existing system, that of the kinsman redeemer, to find a solution/help. We see that Ruth dresses well and uses perfume (Ch 3:3), indicating that they may have sold some of the barley she collected to afford fine clothes and perfume. She dresses and presents herself appropriately and with dignity, not demanding acceptance.
Similarly, BMBs have many social and economic needs, and caregivers need to recognise these needs. They can help BMBs identify their needs and work toward finding a solution together. The important question is how we can use our existing systems to help provide these needs, trusting in God’s provision but also helping BMBs take responsibility for their lives, presenting themselves appropriately.
Ruth’s trust and proposal
Ruth trusts Naomi’s plan and carefully follows her instructions (Ch 3:5-6). She goes to Boaz. This shows that she also trusted him. He is a man of good character. She feels free to go to him with her proposal, trusting that he will help her and not harm her. Remarrying was not necessarily part of Ruth’s plan, she only wanted to follow Naomi and follow God. Yet when the opportunity is given, she trusts God’s plan and doesn’t cling to her own ideas.
Ruth conceals herself near his threshing floor, as it is not the norm for a woman to make such a proposal. She waits until Boaz is going to sleep before uncovering his feet. When Boaz recognises her, he is surprised. She asks him to spread his garment over her, to be her redeemer. Boaz is touched; he is an older man and yet Ruth has chosen him. Boaz then tells her that there is another kinsman redeemer, one who is closer and has first rights. He acts with integrity, first seeking that man’s permission before agreeing to Ruth’s request (Ch 3:7-12).
Confidentiality and providence
Boaz not only acts with integrity towards the other kinsman but also towards Ruth. He does not expose the fact that she came to him, which could lead to cruel gossip. He lets her stay and quietly sends her home in the morning before anyone else is around. He gives her a portion of wheat/barley to take home with her and reassures her that he will speak to the other kinsman redeemer as soon as possible (Ch 3:13-15).
In the same way, caregivers must act with integrity toward BMBs. Confidentiality is important. You cannot abuse someone’s trust when they come to you for help or speak to you of personal matters.
Boaz also represents God’s grace and provision. He does not send Ruth away empty-handed.
Chapter 4
Chapter summary:
Boaz goes to the town gate and meets the other guardian redeemer there. In the presence of ten of the town’s elders, he asks him to redeem Elimelek’s land. The other man agrees initially but when he hears that he has to marry Ruth so that Elimelek’s line may be preserved, he refuses. He doesn’t want to endanger his own estate. He gives his right as guardian redeemer to Boaz. The transaction is witnessed by the elders, who bless Boaz in his undertaking. Boaz then marries Ruth. They have a son, Obed, who is the grandfather of King David. Naomi is overjoyed.
Common themes and parallels to BMB experiences
Strategic advocacy
Boaz handles the situation with wisdom and care. He is not confrontational or argumentative and carefully follows the correct legal procedures. Boaz offers the other man the opportunity to redeem Elimelech’s property and only makes his own claim after the other man refuses to marry Ruth. All the transactions are carried out with the town’s elders as witnesses (Ch 4:1-10)
Boaz is a good example of how to advocate for a BMB. He uses his influence to protect Ruth’s dignity and privacy and does not exploit her situation.
Law vs grace
We can also compare the two kinsman redeemers to the law and grace. The unknown kinsman represents the law, unable to go all the way to redeem Ruth. Boaz represents grace. He is willing and able to redeem Ruth completely.
The unnamed kinsman is eager to redeem the land, but he does not want responsibility for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz, on the other hand, is more concerned for Ruth herself. How does the church receive BMBs? Do we only look at them in a materialistic way, seeing them as a burden? Or do we value them as people, made in God’s image and saved by His grace?
Redemption and acceptance
As the other kinsman gives Boaz his sandal, Boaz claims Ruth. No one else will have a claim on her again. The elders witnessing this agreement bless his decision and compare Ruth to Leah and Rachel, the mothers of Israel. This signifies her full acceptance into the community (Ch.4:11-12).
In the same way Christ lays claim to each new believer. No one can claim them away from Him again. They have been redeemed and accepted. Ruth’s journey to integration in the community mirrors that of a BMB. In the first chapter, we see her being accepted personally, by Naomi. In the second chapter, she is accepted economically, able to earn a living. In chapter three, she is accepted socially, with Boaz offering redemption. And finally in chapter four, the elders’ blessing shows full community integration. She is no longer an outsider.
Joy and legacy
Ruth and Boaz soon have a baby boy, Obed. Naomi is filled with joy, her friends whom she once asked to call her Mara – bitterness, bless her and Ruth, praising God for His provision and restoration (Ch 4:13-16).
Her journey from bitterness and despair to joy and restoration encourages BMBs. God can take any situation and make something new. We also see a legacy that Ruth leaves, her son is the grandfather of King David (Ch 4:18-22). Jesus is a descendant of David. Ruth has left a legacy far beyond herself. God has multiplied her faith. Like Leah and Rachel (to whom Ruth is compared), Ruth was caught in a messy situation. Just as God redeemed Rachel and Leah, building the nation of Israel through them, God also redeemed Ruth and established the line of Christ through her.
Ruth and Pentecost
The Book of Ruth is often read during the Jewish feast of first fruits, since that is the time when Boaz would have been harvesting his barley. This is also the time of year when Christians celebrate Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and they began preaching the Gospel in many different languages. It reminds us that the Gospel is for all people, Jews and Gentiles. Ruth also symbolises this unity of Jew and Gentile, as she is welcomed as one of God’s people. BMBs who come to Christ are welcomed into the body of believers in the same way.
As the feast of first fruits celebrates the harvest, Pentecost celebrates the spiritual harvest in Christ. John the Baptist speaks of Jesus winnowing the harvest, i.e. separating believers and unbelievers. But just as Ruth was welcomed by Boaz while he was winnowing and offered redemption, so too all who believe are welcomed by Christ, BMBs included.
