Ruth
means friend or companion. There is no such word in the Hebrew language, which
makes sense since Ruth is from the land of Moab, now the country of Jordan. That nation began after Lot
and his daughters escaped from Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s daughter’s first born
son (who was also Lot’s son and grandson) was named Moab. See Genesis 19:30-38. The country of Moab was
just to the east of the Dead Sea. The book of Ruth was written about 1000 BCE,
probably during the time of King David since the genealogy at the end of the
book only goes that far. This story occurred at the time of the judges, a
turbulent time when the Israelite tribes were trying to complete the occupation
of Israel from the Canaanites.
The key verse for me is Ruth 1:16, “But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Ruth herself is such a good example of obedience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, mercy and love. Oh, that we could all be more like her.
The
book of Ruth is a wonderful love story—but more than that it shows that God
cares about Gentiles and that Gentiles could believe in the true God. It points
us to the kinsman redeemer concept and it also puts Gentiles in the lineage of
Christ. That is so exciting! To be a Gentile and be part of Christ’s heritage.
Several Hebrew customs are explained in this book, so it gives us a look at and
understanding of the everyday life and traditions during that period of time. It is the Jewish custom to read the entire book
of Ruth on Shavuot, or Pentecost, the day of First Fruits. This festival is
also called the Feast of Weeks, being seven weeks after Passover. It celebrates
God’s gift to the children of Israel, the Torah, which is the guide for how we
are to live in this world and the Covenant between God and His chosen people.
These guidelines influence most of humanity, not just the Jewish people.
This is one of my favorite books of the Bible and I am eager to look at it more closely—hope you can join me during June for this daily walk through the book of Ruth. There are a few foodie times, meals and harvests in this story. Let me know what foods inspire you as you read through the book of Ruth.
This is one of my favorite books of the Bible and I am eager to look at it more closely—hope you can join me during June for this daily walk through the book of Ruth. There are a few foodie times, meals and harvests in this story. Let me know what foods inspire you as you read through the book of Ruth.
Lord, give us insight and
understanding into Your word and Your ways as we feast on the book of Ruth.
© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights
reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment