Please read pages 37-42
Lets discuss two points before getting into the homework:
#1 (p. 39) - In Ruth's day, a single woman had few ways to support herself. She could beg, sell herself into slavery or prostitution, look for a husband among eligible men in the village (where pickings were often slim), or seek help from a male relative. Or, during those two months of harvest, she could glean. Ruth chose to glean to support herself & her mother-in-law.
What does this tell you about Ruth?
#2 (p. 42) - Although this custom is not mentioned anywhere else in ancient writings, the context makes it clear that Ruth was asking Boaz to marry her. Boaz didn't think she was promiscuous. Garments were often used symbolically. When Ruth asked Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her, she was proposing marriage. & when Boaz consented to her request (although it doesn't actually say he wrapped his garment over her, their conversation makes it obvious), he was symbolizing the protective rest he would give her as her husband. Though there was nothing culturally unusual about Naomi's instruction & Ruth's behavior, it was risky for Ruth to lie at the feet of a man who had likely been drinking heavily.
What are your thoughts about Ruth doing this?
HOMEWORK
*Read Ruth 2:1 - 3:18
*Q's 3-4 & 6-9
*GO DEEPER & MEMORY VERSE
No comments:
Post a Comment