Introduction
A king once placed a huge rock in the highway, then concealed himself nearby to see if anyone would move the boulder. Wealthy merchants and courtiers went around it – some loudly accusing the king of not keeping the roads clear. But when a peasant came alone with his load of vegetables for market, he laid them aside. Putting his shoulder to the boulder, he finally moved it to the side of the road after much pushing and straining. As he went to reclaim his vegetables and continue about his business, he noticed a purse lying where the boulder had been. It held gold coins and a note from the king saying this was a gift for the one who removed the boulder from the highway. Many times in life, the right thing will be hard. But on the other side of obedience and responsibility is blessing beyond what we can imagine often far off in the future. See how this is clearly demonstrated in the final verses of the story of Boaz and Ruth in Ruth 4:9-22.
Observation
Pray
Pray and ask God to use this passage to teach you how He wants you to think about how to live.
Read Focus Verses
Today’s passage is Ruth 4:9-22. Read the passage carefully following its progressions.
Break Down
In the conversation which opens this passage, who speaks?
Keyword – Names
There are a lot of names in this passage. This marking will make these names easy to find for future reference.
What’s in a Name?
Highlight all the names in Ruth 4:9-22.
Background
To get a little refresher about where we are, read Ruth 4:1-8.
Where?
Where are Boaz and the people in Ruth 4:9?
Why?
Why were Boaz and the people of his city at the gate?
Boaz’s Action
What does Boaz do?
Ruth’s Blessing
What was the name given to Ruth’s son?
Grandson
Who is Obed’s grandson?
Interpretation
Witnesses
Why was it important to Boaz to have witnesses of his transaction with the nearer kinsman?
Requesting Blessing
Whom did the people call on to bless Boaz and his marriage to Ruth?
Three-Fold Blessing
What are the three blessings the people requested the Lord to give to Boaz in verses 11-12?
Past, Present, Future
Why do you think the people recounted specific instances of God’s past blessing when they were asking for His future blessing?
Gifts
Who gives us children according to verse 13?
Who Blessed Naomi?
Who do the women say has blessed Naomi in verses 14-15?
David
Let’s read a couple of verses about David and see why the book of Ruth ends with him. Acts 13:22 is a good place to start.
David’s Son
Read the next verses Acts 13:23-24 to see an even greater reason for the emphasis on David.
Son of David
Starting in Matthew 1:1, Jesus is called the Son of David. Look at the first instance.
David’s Significance
Based on these verses, why is David so important?
Obedience and Blessing
What role did Ruth get to play in history by her obedience of believing in God and going to Israel to be with His people and care for Naomi?
Trust and Obey
Consider this hymn, “Trust and Obey,” in light of the example of trust, obedience, and blessing you’ve seen in this passage.
Application
Remembering
When the people asked God to bless Boaz and Ruth, they recalled specific blessings of God in the past as models for what they were requesting. How can you acquaint yourself with God’s past goodness and make sure you remember what He has done before so that you can be specific when you ask for future blessing?
Obedience
When Ruth believed in God and went to Israel to be with His people and care for Naomi, she had no idea that she would get to be Jesus’ great…grandma. How is God calling you to obey today without showing you the blessings He has for you on the other side of obedience?
Blessing
We’ve seen a lot of blessings in this passage. What are some of the ways God has blessed you when you have obeyed Him?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand that even when obedience seems hard, there are blessings which will follow it that are greater and longer-term than you can imagine.
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