Lesson 80 Jan 7

Lesson 80: Ruth 3–4

I. Ruth 3  Ruth proposes marriage to Boaz, but he is unable to accept

---Share a favorite story about a couple becoming engaged to marry.

(Examples might include the engagements of their parents, older siblings, or even characters in books they have read or in movies they have seen.)

                paddles---What qualities are you looking for in the person you want to marry someday?

---List them on the board.

---Why do you think these qualities are important?

---As you study Ruth 3–4, look for qualities that you hope to have in a future spouse, as well as qualities they would like to cultivate in yourselves.

---Remember that Ruth was a widow who was taking care of her mother-in-law, Naomi. They had moved to Bethlehem, Naomi’s former home, and were struggling to gather enough food to live when they were assisted by Boaz, a relative of Ruth’s deceased husband.

---What is a leviarite marriage?

Ruth 3:1–9. Levirate marriage

“A kinsman had the right to purchase (redeem) the land of a deceased relative, marry his widow, and produce offspring—the first of whom would be the heir of the man who had died. Thus a ‘redeemer’ could restore to a widow a degree of security and status she could not of herself attain and even provide for continuation of the seed. Understanding this deepens our appreciation for the prophets’ use of the word redeemer to characterize our Savior

---Read Ruth 3:1–2 looking for what Naomi wanted for Ruth. (look at verse 1, footnote a, to see that the word rest implies marriage.)

                ---What did Naomi want for Ruth?

---What quality did Naomi demonstrate through her concern for her daughter-in-law?

---Remember Levirate marriage. Naomi was suggesting that Ruth marry Boaz.

---Read Ruth 3:3–5 looking for how Ruth was to let Boaz know she was interested in marriage.

---What is a threshing floor? (where the workers separated the grain from the rest of the stem and the chaff after the harvest.)

                ---How was Ruth to let Boaz know she was interested in marriage?

---How might you have felt if you had been in Ruth’s situation?

---Summary of Ruth 3:6–8: Ruth did as Naomi suggested. While Boaz slept next to the grain, Ruth lay down at his feet.

---Ruth’s uncovering of Boaz’s feet was a sign of submission and an action signaling that she wanted him to be her protector and husband.

---Invite a young man and a young woman to come to the front of the class and read aloud the dialogue spoken by Ruth and Boaz in Ruth 3:9–11. Ask the class to follow along, looking for how Boaz reacted to Ruth’s request for marriage. (After they read verse 9, you might want to explain that the phrase “spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid” means that Ruth was asking him to take her under his protection and provide for her and was Ruth’s way of proposing marriage to Boaz.)

                ---How did Boaz react to Ruth’s proposal?

                ---What admirable characteristic did Boaz and the people notice in Ruth? (Ruth was virtuous.)

                ---How will others view us if we live virtuously, as Ruth did?

                ---What blessings did Ruth receive because she chose to live virtuously? What principle can we learn from Ruth’s example of living virtuously?

(If we live virtuously, then we can have faith that the Lord will bless us.)

---Write the word virtuous on the board.

                ---What do you think it means to be virtuous?

---To help students understand what it means to live virtuously, read the following statement by Sister Elaine S. Dalton, who served as the Young Women general president. Ask the class to follow along, looking for how Sister Dalton defined and described virtue.

“Virtue ‘is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.’ It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength.”

                ---What does it mean to live virtuously?

                ---What are some “small decisions” you can make that can help you be virtuous?

                ---Why is it important to look for virtue in the people you date and may one day marry?

---Read Ruth 3:12–13 looking for why Boaz could not immediately promise to marry Ruth.

                ---What did Boaz need to do before he could marry Ruth?

 (According to the law of Moses, Boaz needed to give the nearest kinsman the option of marrying Ruth.)

                ---What did he promise to do if the nearest kinsman declined?

(Marry her himself.)

---In Ruth 3:14–18, we read that Ruth stayed near Boaz until the early morning. Then Boaz sent her home with a gift of grain for herself and Naomi.

II. Ruth 4  After the kinsman refuses, Boaz marries Ruth

---Summary of Ruth 4:1–2: Boaz met the nearest kinsman at the gate of the city, where legal agreements were made. He employed 10 elders of the city as witnesses. Boaz knew that according to the custom and levirate marriage rules of their day, the nearest male relative of a deceased man could marry his widow and receive all of his property. The kinsman mentioned in Ruth 4 was the nearest living relative to Mahlon, Ruth’s deceased husband.

---Read Ruth 4:3–6 looking for how the kinsman responded to Boaz’s offer.

                ---According to verse 4, how did the kinsman first respond to the opportunity to acquire or redeem some land from Naomi? Was the kinsman willing to redeem it?

                ---According to verse 5, what did he learn that changed his mind? (He discovered that if he inherited the land he would also need to raise up children with Ruth.)

---In Ruth 4:7–8 we learn that the kinsman gave his shoe to Boaz, signifying that he would not or could not fulfill his obligation to raise up children to his relative (see Deuteronomy 25:8–10).

***Extra quote: Ruth 2:1–2, 20. “The man is near of kin unto us”

The account of Ruth and Boaz includes an example of a time when the nearest kinsman could not (for unknown reasons) perform the levirate duty. Boaz, another near kinsman, was willing to take upon himself the responsibility of “redeeming” Ruth by marrying and providing for her. But for Boaz to do so, Ruth’s nearest kinsman would have to relinquish his rights to the property left by her deceased husband. According to the custom of that time, this was done when Ruth’s nearer kinsman removed his sandal and gave it to Boaz (see Ruth 4:8). After this symbolic but binding act, Boaz was free to marry Ruth and fulfill the promise he had made to her.

---What deeper meaning is here besides a man showing kindness to his kinsmen? Who does it remind you of?

The account of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz goes much deeper than a relative caring for his family. It is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ caring for all of Heavenly Father’s children. Just as a near kinsman in Ruth’s day was to redeem (or buy back) property and marry the widow of his relative, Jesus Christ is the Redeemer for all who come unto Him. He is our near kinsman who has bought back or redeemed us from sin through His Atonement.

---Read Ruth 4:9–10 looking for what qualities Boaz demonstrated in relation to his obligation to Ruth.

                ---What quality do you see in Boaz?

                ---How did Ruth’s actions bless both her and Naomi?

***Extra quote: Ruth 4:1–10. Why did the kinsman refuse to marry Ruth?

“The writer [of the book of Ruth] has not even preserved the name of that kinsman who was willing to redeem the property but not to marry the widow and raise up a son to the name of the dead. The heir of the dead man would get the redeemed property, and thus it would not increase the redeemer’s estate; hence he said selfishly, ‘I cannot redeem it, lest I mar mine own inheritance’ (Ruth 4:6)” (Ellis T. Rasmussen, A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament [1993], 228). Boaz, on the other hand, was willing to take the unselfish step of marrying Ruth and ensuring her safety and well-being as well as Naomi’s. In this and other ways, Boaz is a type of the Savior, who redeemed all of mankind without thought for His own benefit.

---Read Ruth 4:11 looking for the two women the Israelite elders prayed for Ruth to become like. Remember that Rachel and Leah were prominent ancestors of the house of Israel.

---Read Ruth 4:13–14, 17 looking for how Ruth’s son would play a role in building the house of Israel.

                ---Which of Ruth’s descendants would play a large role in building the house of Israel? (King David her great-grandson.)

---Write Matthew 1:1–16 as a cross-reference in their scriptures next to Ruth 4:17.

---Scan through the ancestors listed in Matthew 1:1–16 and call out names that they recognize.

                ---Who else was Ruth the ancestor of? (Jesus Christ.)

---Take a few moments and record in your class notebooks the answer to one or more of the following questions:

                ---How did Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi bless Israel in their day and in the future because of their faithful obedience to the covenants of God?

                ---How will the strength of your commitment to keep your covenants bless your family and your ward or branch?

                ---What qualities exemplified by Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi would you like to live better in order to help build and strengthen the house of Israel? What specific efforts will you make to live this way?

---After sufficient time, consider inviting one or two students to share what they wrote with the class.

---One of the prominent themes of the account of Ruth is that of redemption, which relates to all of us. Ruth was a foreigner and a poor and childless widow, which left her in complete poverty with no source of support. Nevertheless, Ruth faithfully accepted the gospel and joined the Lord’s covenant people. Though she could not deliver herself from her destitute condition, she was ultimately “redeemed” by her kinsman Boaz. Because of Ruth’s faith-driven actions and the kindness of her redeemer, Ruth married again, received an inheritance, and was blessed with children. Like Ruth, we cannot save ourselves but must rely on a Redeemer from Bethlehem, one who is able to lift us from our fallen state and secure our happiness as part of His family. Given this theme of redemption, it is interesting to note that Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of Israel and of all mankind, was one of Ruth’s descendants.

                ---In what ways is Ruth’s redemption symbolic of our redemption?

---What do we know about Ruth’s background before she was married to Boaz?

Ruth was a non-Israelite (Ruth 1:4), a widow (Ruth 1:5), and a convert to the worship of Jehovah (Ruth 1:16).

---Although Ruth was neither an Israelite by birth nor a person of any wealth, from her came the royal line of the house of Israel.

                ---What is more important—our family background or our current willingness to follow Jesus Christ? What truths can we learn from the account of Ruth?

(How we live is more important than where we come from.)

                ---Who are some people who exemplify this truth?

---Share my feelings about the truths taught in today’s lesson.

Supplemental Teaching Idea

Ruth 3–4. Video presentation—“Virtue: For Such a Time as This”

During your discussion about living virtuously, you may want to consider using the video “Virtue: For Such a Time as This” (5:44). In this video several young women explain what virtue means to them and the influence it has had on their lives.

 

Return to Virtue (2:34)
Elaine S. Dalton, who served as Young Women general president, urges young people to develop the strength that comes from living a virtuous life. Instead of having a student read Sister Dalton's statement, consider showing this video.

1.       Ruth 3:1–9. Levirate marriage

“A kinsman had the right to purchase (redeem) the land of a deceased relative, marry his widow, and produce offspring—the first of whom would be the heir of the man who had died [see Bible Dictionary, “Levirate marriage”]. Thus a ‘redeemer’ could restore to a widow a degree of security and status she could not of herself attain and even provide for continuation of the seed. Understanding this deepens our appreciation for the prophets’ use of the word redeemer to characterize our Savior.

“Virtue ‘is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.’ It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength.”

Boaz met the nearest kinsman at the gate of the city, where legal agreements were made. He employed 10 elders of the city as witnesses. Boaz knew that according to the custom and levirate marriage rules of their day, the nearest male relative of a deceased man could marry his widow and receive all of his property. The kinsman mentioned in Ruth 4 was the nearest living relative to Mahlon, Ruth’s deceased husband.

The account of Ruth and Boaz includes an example of a time when the nearest kinsman could not (for unknown reasons) perform the levirate duty. Boaz, another near kinsman, was willing to take upon himself the responsibility of “redeeming” Ruth by marrying and providing for her. But for Boaz to do so, Ruth’s nearest kinsman would have to relinquish his rights to the property left by her deceased husband. According to the custom of that time, this was done when Ruth’s nearer kinsman removed his sandal and gave it to Boaz (see Ruth 4:8). After this symbolic but binding act, Boaz was free to marry Ruth and fulfill the promise he had made to her.

Ruth 4:1–10. Why did the kinsman refuse to marry Ruth?

“The writer [of the book of Ruth] has not even preserved the name of that kinsman who was willing to redeem the property but not to marry the widow and raise up a son to the name of the dead. The heir of the dead man would get the redeemed property, and thus it would not increase the redeemer’s estate; hence he said selfishly, ‘I cannot redeem it, lest I mar mine own inheritance’ (Ruth 4:6)” (Ellis T. Rasmussen, A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament [1993], 228). Boaz, on the other hand, was willing to take the unselfish step of marrying Ruth and ensuring her safety and well-being as well as Naomi’s. In this and other ways, Boaz is a type of the Savior, who redeemed all of mankind without thought for His own benefit.

One of the prominent themes of the account of Ruth is that of redemption, which relates to all of us. Ruth was a foreigner and a poor and childless widow, which left her in complete poverty with no source of support. Nevertheless, Ruth faithfully accepted the gospel and joined the Lord’s covenant people. Though she could not deliver herself from her destitute condition, she was ultimately “redeemed” by her kinsman Boaz. Because of Ruth’s faith-driven actions and the kindness of her redeemer, Ruth married again, received an inheritance, and was blessed with children. Like Ruth, we cannot save ourselves but must rely on a Redeemer from Bethlehem, one who is able to lift us from our fallen state and secure our happiness as part of His family. Given this theme of redemption, it is interesting to note that Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of Israel and of all mankind, was one of Ruth’s descendants.

Lesson 79 Jan 6

Lesson 79: Ruth 1–2

I. Ruth 1  Ruth travels with Naomi back to Bethlehem after the deaths of their husbands

---Read aloud the following scenario:

A young woman has had a close group of friends for a long time, and she cares about each of them. Recently she has noticed her friends begin to change. They have begun to use inappropriate language. Some of them are experimenting with alcohol and participating in activities that are against the law of chastity. The young woman has felt the Holy Ghost prompt her not to go with these friends to parties and other activities, but she has hesitated to obey these promptings.

---Consider whether you have ever been in a situation similar to this.

                ---In what ways might this situation test a person’s courage, faith, and trust in the Lord?

---Look for truths as you study Ruth 1–2 that can help you in situations when you must decide whether you will have faith and trust in the Lord.

---Write the following words on the board:

 Famine, Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, Chilion, Bethlehem, Moab, Orpah, Ruth

---Read Ruth 1:1–5 looking for how each of the words on the board relates to the account of Ruth. Go through them one by one.

---In ancient Israel a widow’s sons were typically responsible for providing her with protection, food, and care. If a widow had no living sons or male relatives, she had to provide for herself. This could be very difficult if she did not own land or have other resources. It appears that Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth were in this situation.

                ---What concerns might you have had if you had been in the position of Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth?

---Turn to Bible Maps, no. 1, “Physical Map of the Holy Land,” in the appendix of the Bible. Locate the city of Bethlehem and the land of Moab.

---Naomi had relatives living in Bethlehem, and Orpah and Ruth had family members living in Moab.

---Read Ruth 1:6–9 looking for what Naomi decided to do and what she told her daughters-in-law to do.

                ---Why did Naomi decide to return to Bethlehem? (She heard that food was again available there.)

                ---What did Naomi instruct her daughters-in-law to do?

---To help students consider the possible advantages and disadvantages of the decision Orpah and Ruth faced, copy the following chart on the board, and invite students to copy it in their class notebooks or scripture study journals:

Orpah’s and Ruth’s Decisions

                                                Stay in Moab       Go to Bethlehem

Advantages

Disadvantages

---What might have been some of the advantages of staying in Moab for Orpah and Ruth?

---Write students’ answers in the “Advantages” section under “Stay in Moab.”

(Possible answers include returning to live with their families and marrying new husbands who would provide for them.)

---Read Ruth 1:10 looking for what Orpah and Ruth said they would do.

                ---What did Orpah and Ruth say they would do?

                ----Based on Orpah and Ruth’s response, what type of feelings do you suppose they had for Naomi?

---Notice the phrase “thy people” in verse 10. The Israelites’ religion and culture differed significantly from those of the people who lived in Moab, who worshipped idols. Although Orpah and Ruth were Moabites, it appears that they had forsaken the worship of idols and instead worshipped the Lord with their husbands and Naomi (see Ruth 1:15).

                ---What might have been some of the advantages of choosing to go with Naomi to Bethlehem?

---Write students’ answers in the “Advantages” section under “Go to Bethlehem.”

 (Possible answers include caring for Naomi and worshipping the Lord with others who believed in Him.)

---Read Ruth 1:11–14 looking for Naomi’s response to Orpah and Ruth.

                ---Why did Naomi discourage Orpah and Ruth from going to Bethlehem with her?

---Write students’ answers in the “Disadvantages” section under “Go to Bethlehem.”

                ---What other disadvantages might Orpah and Ruth have experienced as a result of going to Bethlehem?

---Add students’ answers to the “Disadvantages” section under “Go to Bethlehem.”

(Possible answers include needing to provide for themselves and being strangers in a land distant from their homes and families.)

                ---What disadvantages would Orpah and Ruth have experienced as a result of staying in Moab?

---Add students’ answers to the “Disadvantages” section under “Stay in Moab.”

(They would not be with Naomi, whom they loved, and they may not be able to worship the Lord with others who shared their faith.)

                ---What would you have done if you had been in Orpah and Ruth’s position? Why?

---Read Ruth 1:14–15 looking for what Orpah decided to do and report.

                ---What could the words “gone back unto her people, and unto her gods” (Ruth 1:15) suggest about Orpah’s relationship with the Lord? (Orpah may have chosen to return to her old gods and ways.)

---Read Ruth 1:16–17 looking for what Ruth decided to do.

                ---What do you think about Ruth’s response?

                ---How do Ruth’s words show that she trusted in the Lord?

---After students respond, write the following incomplete statement on the board:

If we choose to trust in the Lord, then …

---Look for what happened as a result of Ruth’s decision to trust in the Lord as they continue to study the book of Ruth.

---Summary of Ruth 1:18–22: Naomi and Ruth traveled to Bethlehem. Since they were extremely poor, they desperately needed to find a way to support themselves.

II. Ruth 2  Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz

---Read Ruth 2:1–3 looking for how Ruth and Naomi obtained food in Bethlehem.

                ---How did Ruth and Naomi obtain food? What does glean mean?

(You may need to explain that to glean means to pick up grain that remains in the field after the crop has been harvested.)

---Remember that the law of Moses instructed those who owned fields not to harvest the crops in the edges of their fields. The law allowed the poor to harvest these crops, ensuring that they would have something to eat. After the harvest was gathered in, the poor were also allowed to go into the field and glean the crops that had been missed by the harvesters (see Deuteronomy 24:19–22).

***extra quote: Ruth 2:1–2, 20. “The man is near of kin unto us”

The levirate law of marriage stated that when a man married and then died before having a male child, his nearest male relative (usually his brother or another near kinsman) was to marry the widow. The first son of that union was considered to be the son and heir of the deceased husband so that the deceased man’s family line could continue. In order to provide an inheritance for the heir, this “kinsman [also] had the right to purchase (redeem) the land of [his] deceased relative.” By purchasing this land, providing for the widow’s needs, and ensuring the continuance of the family line, this kinsman essentially became a redeemer or protector to the widow. The levirate law is recorded in Deuteronomy 25:5–10. Genesis 38 includes an application of the levirate law that involves the three sons of Judah. Naomi also referred to this law (see Ruth 1:11).

---Read Ruth 2:5–7 looking for what Boaz did when he saw Ruth gleaning in his field.

                ---What did Boaz want to know?

---Read Ruth 2:8–10 aloud looking for what Boaz decided to do for Ruth.

                ---How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth?

---Read Ruth 2:11–12 aloud looking for two reasons why Ruth had been blessed.

                ---According to the first part of verse 11, why did Boaz show such great kindness to Ruth?

(Because of the love and kindness she had shown to Naomi.)

                ---What principle can we learn from Ruth’s experience about what can happen as we show love and kindness to others? (When we show love and kindness to others, we invite the Lord’s blessings into our lives.)

                ---When have you or someone you know received the Lord’s blessings after showing love and kindness for others?

---Ponder ways in which you can show love and kindness to others. Find ways to do so during the next few days.

                ---According to verse 12, what was another reason why Ruth had been blessed? (Because she trusted in the Lord.)

                ---How would you use Boaz’s words in verse 12 to complete the statement on the board?

(If we choose to trust in the Lord, then He will reward us for our faith.)

---Summary of Ruth 2:13–23: Boaz showed additional kindness to Ruth by inviting her to eat with him and the reapers, the people he hired to harvest his fields. Boaz also told the reapers to leave extra portions of grain for Ruth to harvest. Ruth returned to Naomi and told her what had happened. Together they rejoiced in the Lord’s blessings and kindness to them.

---Read again the scenario discussed at the beginning of class.

                ---How could the principle we identified about choosing to trust in the Lord help the young woman in this scenario?

After students respond, invite a student to read aloud the following statement by Elder Richard G. Scott:

“At times you may feel lonely and misunderstood … because you don’t fit in with the crowd. Be grateful that your righteous life molds you so that you don’t fit where you don’t belong. This is a temporary period of personal testing and growth. It will be replaced in time with true friends and greater happiness” (“The Power of Righteousness,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 70).

                ---When have you felt that the Lord rewarded your faith because you chose to trust in Him?

---Testimony of the truths you have discussed.

---Invite students to act on these truths by trusting in the Lord and showing love and kindness to others.

Video clip:

Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley: Be a Little Kinder (1:39)
President Gordon B. Hinckley teaches the Saints to show kindness and love to all. You might choose to show this video as students ponder ways in which they can show love and kindness to others.

 quotes for students to read:

1. A young woman has had a close group of friends for a long time, and she cares about each of them. Recently she has noticed her friends begin to change. They have begun to use inappropriate language. Some of them are experimenting with alcohol and participating in activities that are against the law of chastity. The young woman has felt the Holy Ghost prompt her not to go with these friends to parties and other activities, but she has hesitated to obey these promptings.

2. In ancient Israel a widow’s sons were typically responsible for providing her with protection, food, and care. If a widow had no living sons or male relatives, she had to provide for herself. This could be very difficult if she did not own land or have other resources. It appears that Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth were in this situation.

3. Notice the phrase “thy people” in verse 10. The Israelites’ religion and culture differed significantly from those of the people who lived in Moab, who worshipped idols. Although Orpah and Ruth were Moabites, it appears that they had forsaken the worship of idols and instead worshipped the Lord with their husbands and Naomi.

4. Remember that the law of Moses instructed those who owned fields not to harvest the crops in the edges of their fields. The law allowed the poor to harvest these crops, ensuring that they would have something to eat. After the harvest was gathered in, the poor were also allowed to go into the field and glean the crops that had been missed by the harvesters

5. Ruth 2:1–2, 20. “The man is near of kin unto us”

The levirate law of marriage stated that when a man married and then died before having a male child, his nearest male relative (usually his brother or another near kinsman) was to marry the widow. The first son of that union was considered to be the son and heir of the deceased husband so that the deceased man’s family line could continue. In order to provide an inheritance for the heir, this “kinsman [also] had the right to purchase (redeem) the land of [his] deceased relative.” By purchasing this land, providing for the widow’s needs, and ensuring the continuance of the family line, this kinsman essentially became a redeemer or protector to the widow. The levirate law is recorded in Deuteronomy 25:5–10. Genesis 38 includes an application of the levirate law that involves the three sons of Judah. Naomi also referred to this law (see Ruth 1:11).

6. Boaz showed additional kindness to Ruth by inviting her to eat with him and the reapers, the people he hired to harvest his fields. Boaz also told the reapers to leave extra portions of grain for Ruth to harvest. Ruth returned to Naomi and told her what had happened. Together they rejoiced in the Lord’s blessings and kindness to them.

7. Elder Richard G. Scott:

“At times you may feel lonely and misunderstood … because you don’t fit in with the crowd. Be grateful that your righteous life molds you so that you don’t fit where you don’t belong. This is a temporary period of personal testing and growth. It will be replaced in time with true friends and greater happiness.”