Ruth – Chapter 1 – Lesson 2
Tragedy’s Garment
In This Lesson
A New Home in Moab
From Bad to Worse – Naomi’s Tragedy
Instructions: Read Ruth 1 once through silently. Afterwards, read today’s text below aloud.
Text: Ruth 1:3-5 (NIV)
Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.
From memory, paraphrase our scripture from yesterday. What is the basic storyline so far?
A New Home in Moab
Moab and Israel have a long history together as distant relatives and as nations. Yesterday, we noted the promise of God to Abraham concerning the land of Israel. He left the land of his home to go to the land God would show him.
· Genesis 12:4 Who, beyond his immediate family, did Abraham take with him on God’s journey?
· Genesis 13:5-11 Abraham offers Lot first choice of land. He extends an open hand of faith in God to accomplish what was promised. How did Lot make his choice?
· Genesis 19:30-38 What two nations of people descended from this incident?
· In the footsteps of their father, Lot’s daughters feel the pressure to control their future by logical means. Yet, what did they compromise?
Moab and Israel go way back. They maintained a familiar relationship with one another throughout
biblical history, sometimes congenial and sometimes in conflict. So, as Elimelech moves his family
to Moab, we understand that the land has a history of being abundant and “well-watered” (13:10),
and is familiar through ancestry. Moab could provide hope and a good home, but Naomi instead
experiences great loss.
· If she were to remember Abraham’s open hand of faith to Lot, in what ways might Naomi find strength?
From Bad to Worse
After only three short verses, Naomi moves center stage. The author allows us to look at Naomi as she stands in the midst of a harsh 360 degree mirror. Though she probably would have never expected it, life in a new land includes being a widow. Luckily, her two sons marry Moabite women and provide for her for ten years. But they, too, die. Naomi is a mother of tragedy.
· Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Mahlon and Kilion marry Moabite women. What does the Bible state as the danger in being married to a foreign woman, someone who does not know God?
· On the family tree in Lesson 1, draw line through Elimelech, Mahlon, and Kilion to represent their death.
· Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Mahlon and Kilion marry Moabite women. What does the Bible state as the danger in being married to a foreign woman, someone who does not know God?
· On the family tree in Lesson 1, draw line through Elimelech, Mahlon, and Kilion to represent their death.
· What do you learn about life as a widow in the following verses?
James 1:27
1 Timothy 5:3-16
Mark 12:38-44
In the time of judges, life in the vicinity of Israel is agriculturally driven and patriarchal.[1] Farmers work the ground with instruments made by themselves or craftsmen. They harvest grain that would be fully processed in the home prior to eating. Houses consist of a few rooms without furniture, and extended family sometimes lived together. Clothes are simple, usually handmade and plain. Each day a fire provides heat and cooking ability. Families gather water at a well or collect it from rain. Daily existence requires the whole family at work.
Men act as the business and industry leaders in Naomi’s community. Traveling commerce is not yet developed, so men carried out official business in town among other men. Women depend on men of the family to help provide for their welfare, so having sons both prolongs the family name and offers financial security. Once Elimelech dies, Naomi depends on her sons. When her sons die, both Naomi and her daughters-in-law must look to benevolent individuals for needs that arise.
· How is life as a widow similar or different today?
Conclusion
Today we end with very heavy thoughts. Life has some difficult moments, and we don’t know how we’ll respond until they happen. But we have the ability to begin to choose the type of outfit we will wear when troubles rise. Do you want trustworthy fabric and construction? Is beautiful detailing part of the plan? By shaping our character and heart, we begin to compose a lovely garment that can be worn in troubled days. All of this starts by knowing the character and nature of God. He can design and tailor a beautiful garment even through tragedy.
· When we meet with difficult times, we may find ourselves asking, “Where is God when I need Him?” In what experiences, if any, have you asked this question?
· For Abraham to offer Lot the open hand of faith, he remembered what God promised. Do you remember any promises God gives to you in Scripture?
· What current challenges are you facing?
· Brainstorm some of the attributes you would like to be known for in the midst of trial, i.e. what details do you desire to be a part of the garment you’ll wear. Write them below.
· When the presence of God feels absent, we strengthen ourselves by remembering his character and former actions. In the space below, spend some time giving accolade to God for who He is and what He has done in your life.
2009
[1] Howard F. Vos, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Pulbishers, 1999,
132-144.
