Property of Faith Alive Christian Resources. All rights reserved.

Full product can be ordered by calling

1-800-333-8300 or by visiting

www.FaithAliveResources.org

From CRC PublicationsFaith Alive Christian Resources

Discover Your Bible Series

LEADER

GUID

E

Revised

RUTH

bySylvia Boomsma

Grand Rapids, Michigan

LEADER GUIDE

RUTH

We thank Sylvia Boomsma, of Madison, Wisconsin, for writing this study.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations in this publication are fromthe HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, © 1973, 1978, 1984,International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan BiblePublishers.

Cover photo: PhotoDisc

Faith Alive Christian Resources published by CRC Publications.Discover Your Bible series. Discover Ruth, © 1991, 2001 by CRC Publications,2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560. All rights reserved. Withthe exception of brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this book maybe reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission fromthe publisher. Printed in the United States of America on recycled paper. r

We welcome your comments. Call us at 1-800-333-8300 or e-mail us ateditors@faithaliveresources.org.

ISBN 1-56212-148-0

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Contents

To the Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Lesson 1Where You Go I Will Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lesson 2A Glimmer of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lesson 3A Midnight Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Lesson 4Naomi Has a Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Lesson 5A Kinsman-Redeemer for Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Evaluation Questionnaire

To the Leader

Prepare the Lesson

This leader guide is meant to assist small group leaders, not to substitutefor your own personal work. Always answer the study guide questions first,using the suggested basic steps of preparation. Then use the leader materialto enrich your understanding of the passage.

Do not take the leader guide to the Bible study group. You do not want togive the impression that you have an answer book. The answers are in theBible; you are a guide to help your group find the answers in God’s Word.

Prepare thoroughly before each group session so that you can leadwithout frequent references to your notes. This will leave you free toconcentrate on your leadership responsibilities. You will also be able to keepbetter eye contact and listen more carefully.

Get Ready to Lead

Learn to think in questions. As you prepare the lesson, ask yourselfquestions and discover your own answers. There is no better way to prepareyourself to anticipate the group’s questions and help others discover truthsfrom God’s Word.

Lead with Questions

Use questions to direct the discussion. Draw out positive contributionswith questions. Break down difficult or unclear questions with smaller,concise questions. Respond to wrong answers or problems with questions.If you learn to lead others to the truth by questions, you will be a good Biblediscovery leader. The questions in this study are designed to be used withthe New International Version of the Bible, but other translations can beused too.

Help to Apply

Gently help group members discover the meaning of God’s message fortheir own lives. Be careful not to be judgmental of those who are not yetapplying these truths. It’s the Spirit’s work to apply God’s Word to the heartsof men and women. Tactfully let the group know how the Spirit is applyingit in your heart and life. Pray faithfully for the Spirit’s work in others.

Keep application low-key. Be careful not to put any personal pressure ongroup members to apply the truths. Simply try to help group members seethat there is a relationship between the Bible and life. Avoid the use of directpronouns in application. For example, instead of asking, “What does this

5

mean to you?” ask, “What does this mean in our lives?” or instead of asking,“What will you do?” ask, “What action does this passage suggest?”

Leadership Training

If there is more than one group, leaders are strongly encouraged to meetregularly for discussion of the lesson, for prayer, and for mutual support.Every leader should have a copy of the Coffee Break Evangelism Manual withDirector’s Handbook. This book is a basic “how-to” for establishing andleading a Bible discovery group. Reread the book or portions of itperiodically and review it at the beginning of each season. Leading with Lovein the Coffee Break Core Values series is another important tool forleadership development. Leaders will also find it helpful to attend one ofthe many leadership training workshops offered each year. For moreinformation on materials or training, write to Discover Your Bible, 2850Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560 or P.O. Box 5070, STN LCD 1,Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8, or visit www.FaithAliveResources.org.

6

Introduction

You are about to study a little book that has been called “the perfectstory.” It reads almost like a fairy tale, complete with romance, suspense,and a happily-ever-after ending. It’s the story of three people who probablynever expected to become part of written history. They were ordinary folks,living quiet lives and minding their own business. One was an elderlywidow who had endured great losses, including her interest in life. One washer daughter-in-law, who gave up everything and ended up finding God, anew life, and a loving family. One was a man of wealth and standing whoresponded in love to the needs of others and became the father of a healthyson. That son was an ancestor to Jesus Christ, whose own life and workturned out to be surprisingly similar to the story in Ruth.

Through these characters we see the blessings that result from friendship,obedience, and family loyalty. Yet they were unimportant people involvedin relatively unimportant events. The hero and heroine, if interviewedtoday, would probably modestly comment that they were simply in theright place at the right time. And they were: God put them there. This is astory directed and produced by God. It was no fairy-tale magic that broughthappiness into the characters’ lives; rather, happiness came to them at thehand of the God they trusted. God brought them together, blessed them,and filled their lives with joy. Through this story we’ll see God’s obviousinvolvement in history, and we’ll watch as God prepares the way to send hisSon, Jesus.

7

Glossary of Terms

David—the second king of Israel and a direct ancestor of Christ. Known forslaying the giant Goliath and for writing many psalms, he was called“a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). David’s story is found in1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2.

elders—Israelite men who had some legal authority and were called uponto witness or settle criminal cases, civil complaints, and family matters.

ephah—a dry measure used by the Israelites, about 3⁄5 bushel or 22 liters.

Ephrathah—the region surrounding the town of Bethlehem in Judea.

Ephrathites—residents of Bethlehem.

glean—to follow after the harvesters and gather the grain that they left ordropped in the field.

Israel—the descendants of Jacob and his wives Leah and Rachel. Israel wasGod’s chosen nation in the Old Testament and the nation throughwhich Jesus came into the world.

Judah—the fourth son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:35); father of one of thetwelve tribes of Israel.

judges—those who ruled Israel during Ruth’s lifetime. Many of the judgeswere corrupt and led Israel into a time of national confusion and weakness.

kinsman-redeemer—an Israelite man who took responsibility for needyrelatives, for example by marrying childless widows and buying backland that family members were forced to sell (Deut. 25:5-6; Lev. 25:25).

Leah—Jacob’s wife; one of the mothers of the Israelite nation (Gen. 29).

Mara—Hebrew word meaning “bitter.”

Moab—a land adjoining Canaan and near Bethlehem. Relations betweenthe residents of Israel and Moab were not good during Ruth’s time.

Perez—a twin son of Judah; ancestor of Boaz, David, and Jesus.

Rachel—Jacob’s wife; one of the mothers of the Israelite nation (Gen. 30).

sheaves—bundles of grain stalks bound after reaping.

Tamar—mother of twin boys by Judah, one of whom was Perez (Gen. 38:27-30).

thresh—to loosen grain from the stalk, which was commonly done bywalking cattle over it.

town gate—the opening in a city wall for people to pass in and out, also acommon gathering place in Old Testament towns.

winnow—to throw threshed grain into the air so that the wind blows awaythe chaff and straw, leaving behind the heavier grain.

8

Lesson 1Ruth 1:1-22

Where You Go I Will Go

Introductory Notes“In the days when the judges ruled . . .” sets the stage for the story of

Ruth. Scanning the book of Judges, which precedes Ruth, reveals that thiswas a time of unfaithfulness to God, disunity, and foreign oppression inIsrael (see Judg. 2:10-19). In fact, the book of Judges portrays the Israelites assemi-barbarians who blundered along with their backs toward God while“everyone did as he saw fit” (Judg. 21:25).

This was the situation in Israel while Ruth grew up in the neighboringcountry of Moab. Little did Ruth know that her path would cross with thatof Naomi, a Jewish woman who would someday bring her to Israel. Thestory of young Ruth’s adventures is an account of the Jewish remnant thatremained faithful to God. Through this intimate glimpse into the activitiesof a Jewish family, we see everyday sorrows and joys, loyalty, generosity,tradition, and a sense of community, despite strife on the national scene. Wealso see that God was at work on a much larger plan.

Optional Opening Share QuestionCan you think of a friend or family member who showed selfless love

to you? What did that person do?

1. Ruth 1:1-7

a. Describe the situation in which Naomi found herself ten years after hermove to Moab.

b. What might have attracted Naomi to the idea of returning to her home-land? Why do you suppose her daughters-in-law planned to go with her?

Why did Elimelech move to Moab? What was Naomi left with after tenyears? To appreciate the meaning of this story, group members shouldunderstand that Naomi and her husband were Jews, citizens of God’s chosenOld Testament nation. God had set these people apart, forbidding them tomingle with other nations or to take up pagan religions. Elimelech’s situationmust have been extreme, because a Jew would not choose to move his familyto a foreign land. Although the text does not mention it, there was con-siderable hostility and suspicion between the nations of Israel and Moab.

9

After their move, Naomi suffered one loss after another, until at last shefound herself nearly alone in a foreign land. How do you imagine Naomifelt as she looked at her past and her present situation? Try to help yourgroup get into Naomi’s experience. The Jews shared a history and religionsteeped in tradition and ceremony. Naomi may have been the only Jew in thearea, religiously isolated and unable to observe the customs of her people.Though she had her daughters-in-law, the men in her life were gone. Moreimportantly, she had no descendants in a time when children were awoman’s source of self-esteem and worth. Future verses reveal Naomi’sfeelings more fully, but at this point we can understand that the “emptying”of her life (1:21) caused feelings of displacement, futility, and bitterness.

Under these circumstances, it isn’t surprising that Naomi would chooseto return to her homeland at her first opportunity. In Bethlehem she wouldbe with her own people, where she could find comfort in old friendshipsand common beliefs and customs. It appears from these verses that both herdaughters-in-law would accompany her. This was an act of great loyalty, fordespite the casual description of their departure, it was probably traumaticfor Orpah and Ruth, who were leaving their own land and people whomthey would probably never see again.

2. Ruth 1:8-13

a. What do these verses reveal about the relationship of Naomi and her twodaughters-in-law?

b. Why did Naomi encourage Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab? What weretheir prospects there?

Clearly, Ruth and her daughters-in-law were extremely close; even thethought of separation caused them to weep aloud. Apparently their sharedgrief caused them to bond deeply. Verse 8 reveals that Orpah and Ruth hadremained kind and loyal to Naomi since their husbands’ deaths. But at thispoint Naomi encouraged them to leave her. For a widow in Old Testamenttimes there was only one pleasant prospect—to remarry. Naomi hadnothing to offer her daughters-in-law in this regard.

Naomi’s argument in verses 11-13 refers to an Old Testament law that youcan find in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. If you are leading a grow group you maywant to look at verses 7-10 as well. If a man died without a son, his brother(even if already married) was obliged to take his widow as his own wife andraise a son with her in the name of his dead brother. What does this lawreveal about the importance of descendants among the Israelites? How doyou think Naomi’s childlessness affected her feelings about herself?About her situation? In Naomi’s day much of a woman’s esteem came fromproviding descendants, especially sons who would carry on the familyname. Why do you think she saw her own plight as more bitter than that ofher daughters-in-law? Why did she think God’s hand was against her?

10

Though Naomi had produced sons, the evidence of her life’s work was takenaway. It is probably this fact that caused her to feel that the Lord’s hand hadgone against her. Though Orpah and Ruth had suffered losses, Naomi didnot see them as victims of God’s hand. Perhaps behind Naomi’s commentwas a belief that God was punishing her for leaving Israel, or some otherperceived wrong. Furthermore, Ruth and Orpah were young and couldlikely remarry; Naomi saw no such prospect in her own future.

3. Ruth 1:14-18

a. Describe the final decisions of Ruth and Orpah. What do these decisionsreveal about the two women?

b. In your own words, what commitment did Ruth make?

At last, Naomi’s logical argument convinced Orpah to return to Moaband her own people. What motives do you think Orpah had for returningto her people? For what reasons did Ruth remain faithful to Naomi? Wearen’t given much information about Orpah’s decision, but we can assumethat life and possible remarriage among her own people looked much morepromising to her than traveling with two other widows to a strange land.

Orpah’s decision to return to Moab only highlights Ruth’s devotion.Rarely do people act with pure motives, but Ruth’s selfless decision seemsto have had its source in nothing but love and loyalty to a desolate friendand family member. She not only insisted on accompanying Naomi toIsrael, but made a lifetime commitment to her. In the process, Ruth alsoagreed to shed her old beliefs in order to believe in Naomi’s God. Whatdoes this reveal about Ruth’s character? Ruth’s faith? What is significantabout each promise Ruth makes? What would it have meant for her tomake Naomi’s God her God? How strongly does she feel about herdecision? Why does Naomi finally consent to Ruth’s plan?

We have already seen that living as a foreigner and a widow inBethlehem held little promise for Ruth. Yet she was willing to put Naomi’sneeds before her own and take on a lifelong responsibility to stand by her. Inan act of loyalty and faith, Ruth accepted Naomi’s people and Naomi’s Godas her own, turning her back on that which was familiar and committingherself to behave as a true daughter of Naomi. What are some thingsindividuals today may have to decide between? What might they have togive up in order to follow their convictions? Be sensitive to groupmembers who may be facing family ridicule or rejection if they commit theirlives to Christ. The struggle for them is very real, and pat answers or piouscliches hurt deeply. Be empathetic and supportive, acknowledging howdifficult it is to make these choices.

11

4. Ruth 1:19-22

a. Describe the response in Bethlehem to Naomi’s return. What does thewomen’s question suggest about Naomi?

b. Why did Naomi want to change her name? What do her words revealabout her view of God and her own experiences? (Also see v. 13.)

Naomi’s return to Bethlehem created a stir, literally, “a buzz of conversa-tion” among the women in particular. What do you suppose they talkedabout with regard to Naomi? Why do you think her return caused a stirthroughout the town? You may want to point out that Bethlehem was asmall town, and most residents of Bethlehem probably rememberedNaomi’s departure ten years earlier. Because the Jews frowned uponassociation with foreigners, there was likely plenty of gossip about Naomi’slife among the Moabites and her return with a Moabite relative. Thewomen’s question, “Can this be Naomi?” suggests that a decade ofloneliness and sorrow had taken a toll on Naomi’s appearance.

As you discuss the second question, explain that among the Jews hard-ship was almost always considered a punishment from God. This thinkingwas so deeply ingrained that each individual misfortune was, if possible,attributed to a particular sin. Naomi’s words in verses 13 and 20-21 revealthat she viewed her own loss as a reproach by God, probably for leavingGod’s people. How does Naomi seem to feel about God at this point? Inwhat was likely a very emotional reunion, she openly admitted her sorrowand bitterness to her old friends. How does she describe herself? Noticeher description of herself as “empty.” The book of Ruth is, in one sense, thestory of the refilling of Naomi. The first hint of this happy outcome lies inverse 22, as the women arrive in Bethlehem at barley harvest time. Barleywas the first grain to be harvested (in April) and marked the beginning of atime of fullness and plenty.

5. Ruth 1:1-22

a. What does this chapter reveal about true friendship and devotion?b. For what reasons does God allow our lives to have full times and empty

times (v. 21)? What’s good about each?

As you look at the first question, use your own questions to explore theissue of friendship. Do you feel that Ruth went too far above and beyondthe call of duty? Why or why not? Should she have given more considera-tion to her own needs as a young, childless widow? Can her devotion toNaomi teach us anything about a believer’s commitment to Christ? Toothers? How can we balance our commitment and devotion to others withour own needs? Must we always put the needs of others before our own?

The second question may lead to some sharing about the full and emptyseasons of our lives. Take this opportunity to listen carefully and discern12

whether your group members regard their own hardships as punishment orsuffering inflicted upon them by God. Make it clear, if you can, that thoughour misery often results from our own mistakes, God does not afflict us withhardship in order to punish us for bad behavior. You may need to explainhow evil entered the world after Adam and Eve sinned (see Gen. 3). Hope-fully, your discussion will touch on the good side of “empty” times—theyteach us to lean on and support each other and to depend upon God. Aftergroup members have shared from their own experiences, take a few momentsto offer a prayer of support for those whose lives seem empty and a prayer ofthanksgiving for the many good things with which God fills our days.

13

Discover Your Bible Series

STU

DY G

UID

E

Revised

RUTH

RUTH

bySylvia Boomsma

Grand Rapids, Michigan

STUDY GUIDE

We thank Sylvia Boomsma, of Madison, Wisconsin, for writing this study.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations in this publication are fromthe HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, © 1973, 1978, 1984,International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan BiblePublishers.

Cover photo: PhotoDisc

Faith Alive Christian Resources published by CRC Publications.Discover Your Bible series. Discover Ruth, © 1991, 2001 by CRC Publications,2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560. All rights reserved. Withthe exception of brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this book maybe reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission fromthe publisher. Printed in the United States of America on recycled paper. r

We welcome your comments. Call us at 1-800-333-8300 or e-mail us ateditors@faithaliveresources.org.

ISBN 1-56212-150-2

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Contents

How to Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Lesson 1Where You Go I Will Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Lesson 2A Glimmer of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lesson 3A Midnight Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Lesson 4Naomi Has a Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Lesson 5A Kinsman-Redeemer for Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Evaluation Questionnaire

How to Study

The questions in this study booklet will help you discover for yourselfwhat the Bible says. This is inductive Bible study—no one will tell you whatthe Bible says or what to believe. You will discover the message for yourself.

Questions are the key to inductive Bible study. Through questions you willsearch for the writers’ thoughts and ideas. The prepared questions in thisbooklet are designed to help you in your quest for answers. You can andshould ask your own questions too. The Bible comes alive with meaning formany people as they discover for themselves the exciting truths it contains.Our hope and prayer is that this booklet will help the Bible come alive for you.

The questions in this study are designed to be used with the NewInternational Version of the Bible, but other translations can also be used.

Step 1. Read the Bible passage several times. Allow the thoughts andideas to sink in. Think about its meaning. Ask questions of your own aboutthe passage.

Step 2. Answer the questions, drawing your answers from the passage.Remember that the purpose of the study is to discover what the Bible says.Write your answers in your own words. If you use Bible study aids such ascommentaries or Bible handbooks, do so only after completing your ownpersonal study.

Step 3. Apply the Bible’s message to your own life and world. Askyourself these questions: What is this passage saying to me? How does itchallenge me? Comfort me? Encourage me? Is there a promise I shouldclaim? A warning I should heed? For what can I give thanks? If you senseGod speaking to you in some way, respond to God in a personal prayer.

Step 4. Share your thoughts with someone else if possible. This will beeasiest if you are part of a Bible study group that meets regularly to sharediscoveries and discuss questions. If you would like to learn of a studygroup in your area or if you would like more information on how to start asmall group Bible study, write to Discover Your Bible, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave.SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560 or P.O. Box 5070, STN LCD 1, Burlington, ONL7R 3Y8, or visit www.FaithAliveResources.org.

4

Introduction

You are about to study a little book that has been called “the perfectstory.” It reads almost like a fairy tale, complete with romance, suspense,and a happily-ever-after ending. It’s the story of three people who probablynever expected to become part of written history. They were ordinary folks,living quiet lives and minding their own business. One was an elderlywidow who had endured great losses, including her interest in life. One washer daughter-in-law who gave up everything and ended up finding God, anew life, and a loving family. One was a man of wealth and standing whoresponded in love to the needs of others and became the father of a healthyson. That son was an ancestor to Jesus Christ, whose own life and workturned out to be surprisingly similar to the story in Ruth.

Through these characters we see the blessings that result from friendship,obedience, and family loyalty. Yet they were unimportant people involvedin relatively unimportant events. The hero and heroine, if interviewedtoday, would probably modestly comment that they were simply in theright place at the right time. And they were: God put them there. This is astory directed and produced by God. It was no fairy-tale magic that broughthappiness into the characters’ lives; rather, happiness came to them at thehand of the God they trusted. God brought them together, blessed them,and filled their lives with joy. Through this story we’ll see God’s obviousinvolvement in history, and we’ll watch as God prepares the way to send hisSon, Jesus.

5

Glossary of Terms

David—the second king of Israel and a direct ancestor of Christ. Known forslaying the giant Goliath and for writing many psalms, he was called “aman after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). David’s story is found in1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2.

elders—Israelite men who had some legal authority and were called uponto witness or settle criminal cases, civil complaints, and family matters.

ephah—a dry measure used by the Israelites, about 3⁄5 bushel or 22 liters.

Ephrathah—the region surrounding the town of Bethlehem in Judea.

Ephrathites—residents of Bethlehem.

glean—to follow after the harvesters and gather the grain that they left ordropped in the field.

Israel—the descendants of Jacob and his wives Leah and Rachel. Israel wasGod’s chosen nation in the Old Testament and the nation throughwhich Jesus came into the world.

Judah—the fourth son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:35); father of one of thetwelve tribes of Israel.

judges—those who ruled Israel during Ruth’s lifetime. Many of the judgeswere corrupt and led Israel into a time of national confusion and weakness.

kinsman-redeemer—an Israelite man who took responsibility for needyrelatives, for example by marrying childless widows and buying backland that family members were forced to sell (Deut. 25:5-6; Lev. 25:25).

Leah—Jacob’s wife; one of the mothers of the Israelite nation (Gen. 29).

Mara—Hebrew word meaning “bitter.”

Moab—a land adjoining Canaan and near Bethlehem. Relations betweenthe residents of Israel and Moab were not good during Ruth’s time.

Perez—a twin son of Judah; ancestor of Boaz, David, and Jesus.

Rachel—Jacob’s wife; one of the mothers of the Israelite nation (Gen. 30).

sheaves—bundles of grain stalks bound after reaping.

Tamar—mother of twin boys by Judah, one of whom was Perez (Gen. 38:27-30).

thresh—to loosen grain from the stalk, which was commonly done bywalking cattle over it.

town gate—the opening in a city wall for people to pass in and out, also acommon gathering place in Old Testament towns.

winnow—to throw threshed grain into the air so that the wind blows awaythe chaff and straw, leaving behind the heavier grain.

6

Lesson 1Ruth 1:1-22

Where You Go I Will Go

1. Ruth 1:1-7

a. Describe the situation in which Naomi found herself ten years afterher move to Moab.

b. What might have attracted Naomi to the idea of returning to herhomeland? Why do you suppose her daughters-in-law planned togo with her?

2. Ruth 1:8-13

a. What do these verses reveal about the relationship of Naomi andher two daughters-in-law?

b. Why did Naomi encourage Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab? Whatwere their prospects there?

7

3. Ruth 1:14-18

a. Describe the final decisions of Ruth and Orpah. What do thesedecisions reveal about the two women?

b. In your own words, what commitment did Ruth make?

4. Ruth 1:19-22

a. Describe the response in Bethlehem to Naomi’s return. What doesthe women’s question suggest about Naomi?

b. Why did Naomi want to change her name? What do her words revealabout her view of God and her own experiences? (Also see v. 13.)

5. Ruth 1:1-22

a. What does this chapter reveal about true friendship and devotion?

b. For what reasons does God allow our lives to have full times andempty times (v. 21)? What’s good about each?

8