Leviticus 23 Summary of Festivals

The seven major festivals of the Jewish faith are all outlined in Leviticus 23.

In brief review, Ruth is read at Shavuot, which corresponds to Pentecost.

Concluding Genealogy

The Bible is countercultural in many ways, but Jesus' genealogies honor contemporary NT Jewish culture and expectations.

Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 both connect Jesus through his earthly father Joseph back to King David and Boaz.

This was vitally important to establishing Jesus' spiritual and royal qualifications.

How amazing that Obed's mother, Ruth, was not originally Jewish, but only became one through conversion. This was one clear step on the pathway toward allowing Gentiles into the family of God.

What Was He Thinking?!

The unnamed first-in-line kinsman-redeemer in 4:1-12 blew an opportunity to be the great-grandfather of king David, and a direct ancestor of Jesus!

He stepped aside because of temporary concerns about his estate.

Thus, Boaz receives credit as Obed's father.

This is especially unusual because the firstborn of a kinsman-redeemer is typically credited to the late husband.

Because of Boaz's extraordinary devotion and character, he is honored forever alongside Ruth.

What risks have I refused because they seemed too risky? What may I have lost long-term as a result? What risk should you take, dear Reader?

People of Action

In chapter 3, we see that Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz are all people comfortable with decisive action.

In under 24 hours, Naomi proposes that Ruth ask Boaz to serve as a kinsman-redeemer, Ruth follows through, and Boaz prepares to bring her proposal to the city elders.

Why wait when there is important business to transact?

Ruth Meets Boaz

Verses 11-12 sum up Boaz's admiration of Ruth.

Why do I admire people? What really impresses me?

Boaz focuses on the core of Ruth's being. That's what ought to impress me, too. But too often it isn't.

Mara

In verses 6-22, we see Naomi leave Moab and return to her hometown, Bethlehem.

Orpah honors Naomi's guidance and returns to her family, but Ruth shares one of the classic statements of faith in verse 16:

Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Despite Ruth's loyalty, Naomi changes her name to Mara (lit. "bitter").

Brutal Times

In 1:1-5, we meet Naomi (lit. "pleasant").

She and her husband and two sons moved from Bethlehem to Moab to escape famine in their hometown.

This would have been a temporary move for the family, but Naomi's husband died. Then, within ten years, her sons both died, too. She was left with two kind daughters-in-law, but no source of income or property.