Women in the Bible
Women of Faith
The Bible has records of many women who had great faith, great courage and trusted God in difficult circumstances, others made some wrong choices. We can learn much by studying their life. Some were mothers, daughters, wives, queens and princesses, prostitutes and immoral women, others were released from their suffering!
Eve, Mary (Mother of Jesus), Rahab, Deborah, Mary Magdalene
Woman with the Spirit of Infirmity
Woman At the Well
The Living Water
In John 4:4-42 we read that Jesus and His disciples were travelling from Jerusalem to Galilee and took the route through Samaria. Jesus stopped by Jacob's well as He was tired from the journey while the disciples went into the village to get food. It was around noon, at the hottest part of the day, when a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. This could have been to avoid the other women from the village because of her immoral lifestyle, as it was usual to draw water at a cooler time of the day. Jesus knew this yet still approached her; He was already at the well when she arrived. By doing this Jesus broke Jewish custom, not only religious but gender, racial and moral traditions. Approaching a woman in public was not usual practice then and this was a Samaritan woman with an immoral lifestyle. Jews did not associate with Samaritans, as they were a mixed race and looked down on them religiously and racially. Jesus asked the woman for a drink of water which surprised her, as according to Jewish custom would have made him ceremonially unclean if He drank from her water jar. The woman must have known He was a stranger passing through and also a Jew, possibly by His appearance or accent.
You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman," she reminded him. "How can you ask me for a drink?" (John 4:9).
Natural & Spiritual Water
Jesus then makes a comparison between natural and spiritual water. Jesus told the woman He could give her living water to drink so she would never thirst again. He was referring to eternal life, only available through Him.
"Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again, but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life". (John 4:13-14)
She didn’t realise at this point this was a divine appointment. Although they had never met, Jesus revealed she had five previous husbands and the man she was now living with was not her husband. The woman replied, “I perceive you are a prophet” (John 4:16-19). Jesus had revealed enough for her to acknowledge Him as a prophet. The Samaritans believed the Saviour of the world would be a prophet and an earthly ruler. They also claimed, as did the Jews, Abraham as one of their ancestors as well as Jacob. In the Old Testament, this was where Jacob first met Rachel, which was the site of Jacob’s well mentioned in Genesis 29, the Jews and Samaritans were one people at that time.
Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?'” (John 4:11-12)
The woman had heard of ‘Messiah’ as the Samaritans believed in the God of Israel and the coming of Messiah. Jesus here claims to be the Messiah, He said to her, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26). The disciples return to find Jesus speaking with the woman but said nothing. She came to the well for water but leaving her water jar behind, she rushes back to town and invites the others to "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did" (John 4:29). Jesus uses the woman to start a revival. Excited by what she told them, the others came to meet Jesus and begged him to stay after realising for themselves who He was. Jesus stayed for two days teaching on the Kingdom of God. Although the Jewish religious leaders had rejected Jesus as the Messiah, the Samaritans recognised and accepted him.
"we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world." (John 4:42)
The woman at the well shows God’s love and acceptance and is also a lesson for us on effective evangelism. Social and racial barriers will hinder revival, but they can be brought down by reaching out with the gospel. The woman brought others to faith , many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus due to her testimony. God uses those who are willing and available. By reaching out to the Samaritans, Jesus showed the disciples His mission was not only to Jews but also to the Gentiles. Reaching out with the gospel can be difficult. In our human nature, we often view people by their religion, social environment or skin colour, but Jesus views each of us as individuals. The message of the gospel is for everyone, regardless of their lifestyle or background. Jesus often reached out to those no-one else would, the moral outcasts in society.
Samaritans and Jews had different beliefs on how God should be worshipped. The Jews worshipped God in Jerusalem and the Samaritans worshipped God on Mount Gerizim. Jesus doesn’t get drawn into a religious debate on where the right place was to worship, instead, He addresses the more important issues and explains to the woman that the worship God was looking for which was neither Samaritan or Jewish, but worship in spirit and in truth.
Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (John 4: 21:24)
However, there was error in the Samaritan’s doctrine that Jesus did correct. In verse 22 Jesus tells the woman salvation is “of the Jews.” If Samaritans wanted salvation, they would have to acknowledge it only came through the Jews. As Jesus was a Jew, it could only be obtained through Him, as He was the fulfilment of God’s promise. This the Samaritans did when they accepted Jesus as the ‘saviour of the world’. Although salvation came through the Jews, it was not only limited to the Jews.
Many of us would think it rather insensitive or politically incorrect to mention the woman’s sin or bring up her past. When Jesus asked her to get her husband it led to the exposure of her sin. She doesn’t go into detail, instead, she replies, “I have no husband.” This was true but was not the whole truth! Jesus then confronts her with the whole truth, that there had been five husbands and the man she is currently living with was not her husband. Five husbands in those days was unusual, even today. Husbands divorced their wives, but wives did not divorce their husbands. If she had been divorced five times, she would have been ‘put away’ five times by her husband. Although the Bible doesn’t give us details of the woman’s age or if she had been divorced, we know that immorality was now involved as she was currently living with a man outside of marriage, as if she hadn’t even bothered with marriage this time around.
Jewish religious leaders would probably have looked down on the woman, as in the case with the woman caught in adultery in John 8. The woman was brought to Jesus, but no man was brought to give an account for his part in the adultery. The woman at the well was not the only encounter Jesus had with an immoral woman. Luke 7:37-39 tells us of the woman with the alabaster oil who anointed Jesus’ feet. Although the Pharisees viewed this woman as sinful, Jesus viewed the woman differently and speaks out in her defence.
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner”(Luke 7:37-39)
Although times have changed, human nature and emotions have not. Many of us have experienced shattered dreams, failed relationships and just like the Samaritan woman, have jumped from one relationship to another in search of happiness. Even with the right person, no human relationship can satisfy our spiritual need. When Jesus offered the woman ‘living water’, He was offering her something no man could give her. Jesus didn’t give her a lesson on how to live a moral lifestyle, instead, He got to the root of her problem and offered to fill her empty void.
God’s love is reaching out regardless of a person’s sin. However, the truth is still required with the gospel even if it’s not politically correct today. With the woman caught in adultery, Jesus did not condemn her, but neither did He condone her sin, He told her “go and sin no more”! (John 8:11). Jesus does not condemn the woman at the well or make her feel ashamed, but neither could He help her beyond that point until she was confronted with the truth of her sin. Jesus gently brings her to the realisation where she understands she is a sinner and her Samaritan beliefs are not enough to save her. Although she was familiar with Samaritan and Jewish religion, knew about a Messiah and recognised a prophet, she still lived a sinful life. The woman’s sins were obvious, and her reputation would probably have been known. You can live a religious lifestyle with strong beliefs yet live a sinful life without a relationship with Jesus. This woman had an encounter with the living Christ which changed her life!
Harvest Time
Jesus told the disciples the time for harvest was now. The harvest for souls was ready but the disciples had plans for lunch and were unaware of the revival that was just about to happen.
“There are four more months and then comes the harvest," I tell you, look up and see that the fields are already white for harvest! (John 4:35)
Jesus refers to the harvest several times during His ministry. In Matthew 9:35 He mentions a vast harvest that was ready but there very few workers. In Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus compared the harvest to the Kingdom of Heaven.
No miracles were recorded being done by Jesus in Samaria. However, in Acts 8 after persecution had broken out against the early church, the disciples were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip went to Samaria and many of the Samaritans were being dazzled by the power of a sorcerer named Simon. Philip preached the gospel and did many miracles, signs and wonders which amazed many, even the sorcerer. Peter and John then followed, and many new believers were baptised.
Mary & Martha
The Cares of the World
The story of Mary and Martha is in Luke 10, about two sisters from Bethany, near Jerusalem. They were sisters of Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead and were close friends of Jesus. They opened their home for Jesus and all His disciples and provided hospitality for them when they visited Jerusalem. Most Bible scholars suggest they were of similar age to Jesus. It is likely Martha was the older sister. What is most prominent in the story is the difference in their behaviour when Jesus visits their home. God uses the story of the two women to illustrate the kind of relationship Jesus wants to have with us. Both women were believers but had different personalities, reactions and perspectives of what was important in life.
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:38-40)
Martha Complains About Mary
Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening and spending time with Him. Meanwhile, Martha was distracted with all the preparations for His visit. Martha was frustrated, as her sister had left her with all the work to do. Jesus was speaking with those who were content to listen. Everyone was settled, when Martha decides to interrupt. She does not ask Mary to help her, instead, she asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. In other words, Jesus do you realise you are distracting Mary from her chores, I am the only one doing all the work around here!
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
(Luke 10:41-42)
What Was Driving Martha?
‘Martha was distracted’(v40) , she had allowed other things to get in the way of what was more important in life, which was spending time with Jesus! Martha complained to Jesus about Mary. According to Jesus, Mary did the right thing by giving Him all her attention. The Lord did not tell Martha how grateful He was for all her hard work, instead, He told her nothing was going to distract Mary from what was more important. Jesus then gently touches on the root of Martha’s problem, “you are worried and upset about many things.” Jesus was exposing Martha's ANXIETY!
Jesus was saying, Martha, it is not just preparations for My visit you are anxious about, it is more, it is in fact, many things. Martha’s concerns were over earthly matters, while her sister Mary was focused on spiritual things, such as spending time with Jesus. After all, Jesus was more than capable of feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39) and the 5,000 (Matthew 14:14-21).
Mary and Martha in the Church Today
Many of us can become like Martha in our Christian walk, others are more like Mary. It is easy to allow a busy life to distract us from spending time with Jesus. Mary and Martha both represent many professing Christians within the church today. The point of the story is to encourage us that Jesus and His word needs to be priority in our life. We become closer to Jesus in our prayer life, fellowship with others and Bible study, not through our own works and efforts.
Both Sisters Reaction to the Death of Lazarus’
Both women had different reactions to the news that Jesus was coming after Lazarus’ death. Understandably, they were both disappointed and upset that Jesus had not arrived before he died. Martha rushed out to meet Jesus when He arrived, Mary waited at home. Martha approached Jesus, “if you had only come sooner, he wouldn’t have died”. In other words Jesus, where were you when we needed you? Martha ran back to get Mary. Jesus must have asked where Mary was, as when she returned, she said “The Master is come and is asking for you (John 11: 28). John tells us Mary did eventually go to Jesus, she fell at His feet weeping. Jesus was deeply moved by her grief. Jesus then went to the tomb of Lazarus and raised him from the dead (John 11:39).
When Christians Are Distracted
Martha was distracted by work and many worries. It is important in our Christian life to be on guard against distractions, they hinder our relationship with Jesus. The enemy brings subtle schemes to keep us distracted, even Christian duties in the church. Serving others and doing good works should stem from having Christ at the centre of our life. Serving is a good thing, Jesus came to serve, but it is essential we spend time with Him first. If not, we become easily discouraged and like Martha, frustrated. Are you worried and anxious? Anxiety is a heavy burden God does not want us to carry. It weighs a person down and can dominate our life if not dealt with (Proverbs 12:25).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Esther
For Such a Time as This!
The story of Esther is detailed in the book named after her in the Old Testament. She was adopted by Mordecai, her older cousin after her parents died. Mordecai was amongst the captives taken from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Esther was living in Persia 100 years later. King Ahasuerus or Xerxes, was the son of the Persian King Darius I. He ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 B.C covering India to Ethiopia. Persia is modern-day Iran. Esther lived in the citadel of Susa, where king Xerxes lived.
Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl, rescued her people from a plot to be annihilated. Esther became Queen of Persia, replacing Queen Vashti, who was vanquished, as the king had requested Vashti’s presence wearing her crown at one of his banquets so he could show off her beauty, but she refused, which was against their laws.
The attendants of King Xerxes searched throughout the land for beautiful young virgins to replace Queen Vashti. Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah, was among the virgins taken to the palace. At Mordecai's request, Esther concealed her Jewish background. Mordecai visited the king's harem each day for a report on Esther. All women were to receive a year’s beauty treatments before meeting the king. Esther obtained the King’s favour and eventually became queen.
For such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13–14).
Haman, a descendant of Agag (king of the Amalekites) was promoted to highest official in the King’s court. The Amalekites had been Israel’s greatest enemies (Exodus 17:14–16). God had instructed King Saul years earlier to destroy all of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3) but had disobeyed. Mordecai sat at the palace gate. All royal officials at the king's gate bowed down to honour Haman, except for Mordecai, he refused. Haman had discovered that Mordecai was a Jew and so devised a plan to have him and all the Jewish people annihilated. Haman craftily acquired a royal decree that was issued to all provinces saying that all the Jewish people young and old, women and children on 14th day of the month of Adar were to be annihilated. There was great mourning amongst the Jewish people. Haman had gallows built ready on which to hang Mordecai.
Sometime later, while sitting at the king's gate, Mordecai overheard two officials plot an assassination attempt on King Xerxes life. Mordecai passed on all the information to Esther and she reported it to king Xerxes, even though the Jews were exiles there. As a result, the assassination attempt had been thwarted. Mordecai’s name was then recorded in the king’s chronicles as the man who revealed the plot to save the king’s life.
Esther was unaware of Haman’s plan to destroy her people. She was informed by her maids that Mordecai was in distress, wearing sackcloth and ashes, wailing loudly and bitterly. He refused clothing that Esther had sent him. She had sent a messenger to enquire what was wrong. Mordecai informed Esther of the royal decree and asked her to go before the king to beg for mercy, to plead with him on behalf of her people (Esther 4:8). It was not lawful for her to enter the king's presence without being invited. Esther had not been in the presence of the king for the last 30 days. Esther sent word back to Mordecai she was unable to help, but Mordecai responded:
"Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13–14).
Haman had the king’s support for his plot, but the king was unaware of Haman’s intent. If the Jews were to survive, then Haman’s plot would have to be stopped. Esther agreed to go and speak with the king, even though it put her life at risk. The lives of her people demanded she took the risk. Esther asked the Jewish people to fast for three days while she and her maids fasted also.
"Then I will go to the king, though it li against the law,” she said, “and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).
On approaching King Xerxes, he was pleased to see her. He held out the golden sceptre towards her in his hand, which was the sign he accepted her presence. The king called for Haman, while he asked Esther what she would like, even up to half the kingdom. Esther invited Haman and the King to two banquets. At the second banquet the following day, she would present her request, both men agreed. King Xerxes had difficulty sleeping that night and ordered the records of his reign to be read to him. The King heard the account of Mordecai uncovering the assassination attempt that saved his life. The king learned that nothing had been done to repay Mordecai, so the King pondered over how he could honour him. Haman went home and told his family how honoured he was to be invited to a banquet by the Queen. Haman was unaware of Esther’s Jewish background. Haman had seen Mordecai on his way home which made him furious, he had showed no honour or fear in Haman’s presence. Haman’s wife and friends had suggested he build gallows on which to hang Mordecai (Esther 5:9–14). Haman built 75-foot-high gallows.
Haman went to approach the king over Mordecai, before he had an opportunity, the king asked Haman's advice on how he could honour a man. Haman in his pride, thought the King was referring to him, and so suggested parading the man through the town wearing a royal robe while riding on a horse, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honour!" (Esther 6:9). King Xerxes was not aware of Haman’s plot and ordered Mordecai to be honoured. To his humiliation, the king ordered Haman to carry out the honour right away. Haman had to obey the King’s order and paraded Mordecai, the man he hated intensely, through town wearing a royal robe he thought was for himself, while proclaiming the king’s admiration for Mordecai.
So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honour!" (Esther 6:11)
Haman rushed home with his head covered in grief and told his wife and friends of the event. Haman’s wife and advisors saw that this was the start of Haman’s downfall.
His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him-you will surely come to ruin!" (Esther 6:13).
The king's eunuchs came for Haman to take him to the banquet. In the attempt to expose Haman’s plot, Esther revealed to the king she was Jewish, and how her people were destined to be massacred by a royal decree that had been issued. Esther informed the king her people had been sold to be annihilated. Esther said if they had only been sold into slavery, she would have kept quiet as “no such distress would justify disturbing the king” (Esther 7:4). The king was shocked someone would do such a thing to the queen’s people. Esther revealed to the king the man who was behind the plot, “this wicked Haman” (verse 6). King Xerxes left the room enraged. Haman stayed to plead with Queen Esther for his life. Upon his return, the King saw Haman appealing to the queen for mercy, which he misunderstood to be an attempt to seduce the queen. One of the eunuchs informed the king Haman had prepared gallows for Mordecai to be hanged on.
Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?” (Esther 7:8)
Haman received the punishment which he had planned for Mordecai. The king ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had built. As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. After Haman was hanged, King Xerxes gave Esther Haman's estate and gave to Mordecai Haman’s signet ring, which gave Mordecai the same authority as what Haman had. The ten sons of Haman were also hanged.
"Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them." (Proverbs 26:27)
Esther reminded the king the decree to annihilate the Jewish people was still in force. A royal decree, once issued could not be revoked. So instead, another decree was issued that allowed the Jews to arm and defend themselves. When the day arrived, nearly 75,000 enemies of the Jewish people were killed in the Persian kingdom. The Jews keep this day as a feast, the annual festival of ‘Purim’, which is to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews.
Anti-Semitism
Haman is an example of what happens to those who oppose God’s people. Haman was not the first to try to annihilate the Jewish people, neither was he the last. No other race of people have endured as much persecution as the people of Israel. Hitler also tried to annihilate the Jewish race. Many of us are aware of events of the Holocaust, where Hitler imprisoned, tortured and killed more than 6 million Jews. Haman wanting to eliminate an entire race due to one man’s refusal to bow down to him seems extreme. Haman’s hatred was more deep-rooted than just for Mordecai, it extended to all Jewish people. Haman was the source of anti-Semitism in Esther’s day, just as Hitler was in the Holocaust.
For Such a Time as This!
Esther is an example of courage and faith. God positions people in government, business and personal situations so His plans and purposes can be fulfilled. We can even see God’s influence on the timing on King Xerxes failure to sleep one night. We may not understand what God is doing or realise why we go through certain experiences at the time or why we are connected to certain people, but there will be times we can look back and see how God positioned us in the right place at the right time, like Esther and Joseph. God placing them in positions of power was not a coincidence. Esther was placed in the kingdom when Haman was promoted into a position of power. Esther was positioned into the Persian Kingdom to intercede on behalf of her people, “for such a time as this!” Esther trusted God, even if it cost her life. Being faithful and obedient while unsure of the outcome is not easy. The story of Esther shows God’s intervention, protection and deliverance. It shows us God is in control, even when we cannot see it.
Ruth The Moabite
A Foreigner in the Land
The story of Ruth is one of love and devotion. It is focused on the life of Ruth, a young Moabite woman who returned to Judah with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Due to a great famine in Judah, Elimelech went from Bethlehem to live in the pagan land of Moab along with his wife, Naomi and two sons. This had been during a time of great instability in Israel, when everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). Both sons married young Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Elimelech had died and sometime later so had both of his sons. Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were left as widows. Naomi had heard that the famine had come to an end in Judah and so decided to return home to Bethlehem. She urged both of her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab to find husbands from among their own people. Orpah decided to remain, but Ruth was determined to go with Naomi, even though Naomi had tried to persuade her otherwise.
“Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
While living in Moab, Naomi was an influence on Ruth. Ruth had chosen to serve the God of Israel, and was determined to go with Naomi even with uncertainty of how things would turn out. Ruth moving to Judah was a big step in that culture. She was leaving her homeland, her people, and the gods of Moab for a new life where she would be a foreigner. Ruth loved Naomi, and she was not going to forsake her. The custom in Israel then was that a man had to take his deceased brother’s wife to continue the family line. Since Ruth’s husband’s only brother also died, she and Naomi would have to support themselves. Ruth was not thinking of herself, as she was also considering the future of her mother-in-law. Ruth showed commitment, love and humility.
“When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her” (Ruth 1:18).
On return to Bethlehem, Naomi asked the people to call her Mara, meaning 'bitterness' after the ordeal she had been through. The two women arrived in time for the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi and Ruth were both poor widows returning in humbles circumstances and were without a male provider. Ruth went to glean in the fields to support both her and her mother-in-law. Not knowing, Ruth had to glean in the fields of a wealthy land-owner, Boaz. Boaz just happened to be related to Naomi, from her husband’s side. Ruth went there everyday during harvest time. While Ruth was working, Boaz noticed her. He had heard of all Ruth had done for her mother-in-law from one of his servants, how she had left her own land to return with Naomi. Ruth found favour with Boaz. Boaz showed exceptional kindness towards her as he was aware of her situation.
“It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge” (Ruth 2:11-12).
Boaz offered Ruth food along with his other workers, and he encouraged her to stay and work in his field, close to the other women, where she would be safe. He instructed the men not to touch her, but to leave behind them grain for her to pick up. Ruth went home and informed Naomi of all that had taken place. Naomi, realising Boaz was a possible kinsman redeemer, devised a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz for possible marriage, to secure a better future for Ruth.
Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do." (Ruth 3:3-4)
Naomi knew Boaz was a close relative on her husband’s side and therefore would have a legal right to wed Ruth. Naomi encouraged Ruth to go down to Boaz during the night and present herself as willing to accept a marriage proposal from him. Ruth humbly submitted to Naomi’s plans. Boaz was asleep on the threshing floor, so Ruth lay down at his feet. When awakened, Boaz understood Ruth was asking him to take her as his wife.
“Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative”
#(Ruth 3:9).
It was custom in Israel in that day for a close relative to marry a widow, so the family name could be carried on. Boaz was much older in years than Ruth, he referred to her as daughter. Boaz was overwhelmed, he blessed her and was thankful she had pursued him rather than one of the younger men. Ruth laying down at Boaz's feet during the night seems forward. In that culture, Ruth was simply showing her desire to continue the inheritance of her husband. Boaz told Ruth he would deal with matters the next day, which indicates this was not a sexual advance.
“Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:10-11).
However, there was still a relative before Boaz who was a possible Kinsman redeemer closer to Naomi who had first right to wed Ruth. If he was not willing, only then Boaz would be able to marry Ruth.
“Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day” (Ruth 3:18).
Boaz had to sort out the issue of the other kin before he was able to redeem Ruth. The next day, Boaz met with the other relative, but he was not prepared to marry Ruth, it would have hindered his plans of inheritance. In the presence of all the elders, Boaz purchased Elimelech’s property which gave him legal right to marry Ruth.
“Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him” (Ruth 4:14-15).
Boaz and Ruth were both wed, and God blessed them with a son, Obed. Naomi’s misfortune turned to joy, she was able to help nurse and raise Obed. Obed was the grandfather of King David and from King David came Jesus.
“Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.” (Matthew 1:5–6)
Lessons from Ruth For Today
Ruth’s decision to leave Moab changed her destiny. Ruth was a widow, and a foreigner in Judah and had chosen to help support Naomi instead of herself, which brought God’s blessings on her life. Commitment to God leads to His favour on your life.
Divine appointments - The right place at the right time!
God worked out an amazing plan for Ruth, it was not coincidence she went to work in the fields of Boaz, who just happened to be related to Naomi’s husband. This had been orchestrated by God. It was divinely appointed circumstances! This reassures us God is in control even if we don’t see it or understand our current situation.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Elimelech and his family may have escaped the famine, but their move to the pagan land of Moab led to further disaster. God often works through tragic circumstances. God worked out circumstances in an amazing way. The story of Ruth gives us insight into God’s blessings and direction during difficult times. Ruth was committed to helping Naomi and blessed by God for her faithfulness. Ruth and Naomi were both poor widows without a male provider. But the Lord God of Israel was their protector and provider.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
(Psalm 68:5)
Ruth is symbolic of a Christian an the Church today, Boaz is a picture of Jesus Christ as our redeemer. In the New Testament, Jesus is our redeemer. God is concerned for those of different nationalities, race and status. Ruth, a foreigner in the land became an ancestor of Jesus.
Redemption and restoration is possible in our own life. Ruth’s story was a long and difficult journey. No matter where you have come from or what you have endured, God has a great plan for your life. No matter the season you are in at present, God is working matters out for the best. When reading Ruth, we can be assured God works for the good of His people. Although you may not see it, God is working things out on your behalf.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:2)
Don’t let the past hold you back. Ruth is an example of how God can change someone’s life and gives it a different direction. Naomi’s misfortune turned to joy. God is still a God of recovery and restoration!
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
