Daily Readings (Page 182)

Who are Rachel and Leah (Gen 29:14-30)?  How is Ruth like them?  How is Tamar’s story similar to the story of Ruth (Gen 38)?

What might be the problem which entailed Boaz to buy the land of Naomi?  Why was there a need for witnesses to such an agreement?

How did Boaz set up the meeting (vv1-3)?  Why did the kinsman-redeemer change his mind not to purchase the land of Naomi (vv4-8)?

Why did Boaz give such a generous gift to Naomi?  Review Ruth 3 what have you learnt from God’s work of provision to Naomi and Ruth?

What problem has Boaz introduced to Ruth (v12)?  How did Ruth feel when she heard of another closer kinsman-redeemer (v12)?  Why didn’t Boaz want anyone to know about this incident (v14)?

What kind of character did Ruth reflect when Ruth laid near Boaz in the middle of the night? Boaz could have taken advantage of Ruth, but he did not, why?

What were the risks for Ruth to propose for a marriage?  What was Ruth’s claim on Boaz?  Why was it important for this proposed marriage for Naomi’s family if Boaz was to become the kinsman-redeemer (Lev 25:23-25; Deut 25:5-10)?

She has identified Boaz as the potential husband.  Why was it important for Naomi to give specific instruction to Ruth (vv2-4)?  What do you think this specific instruction and the phrase “uncover his feet” mean to the Israelite culture?  Why was Ruth agreeable to her mother-in-law’s instruction?

What was the mindset of Naomi compared with in Ruth 1:13, 20? How does verse 1 describe Naomi as a mother-in-law?

When Naomi heard that Boaz was that man, she responded with a prayer (v20), what do you think she was acknowledging (vv19b-20)?  What does kinsman-redeemer means (Lev 25:23-25; Deut 25:5-10)?  What was Naomi’s advice for Ruth (vv21-23)?  What have we learnt about God’s and Boaz’s kindness to the weak, needy and widowed in Deut 24:19-22 and Ruth 2?