Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) wcg chap. 15.
Analysis of Chapter 15. Naomi and Ruth: They stayed together in difficult times
What would I say?
In what ways did Naomi and Ruth demonstrate courage?
Naomi showed courage by moving forward despite losing her husband and two sons and by choosing to return to Bethlehem. She also showed selfless love by considering the well-being of her daughters-in-law. Ruth showed courage by leaving her homeland and family to join Naomi and worship Jehovah. Furthermore, she worked hard to support them both and acted with humility and confidence when speaking to Boaz, asking him to fulfill his responsibility as the redeemer. Their examples teach us that true courage lies in continuing to do what is right despite pain, fear, and hardship.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Naomi showed courage in facing the loss of her husband and two sons, yet still undertaking the journey back to Bethlehem to return to Jehovah's people. She also showed generosity in seeking the well-being of her daughters-in-law and wisdom in guiding Ruth to request the repurchase of Boaz.
Ruth, for her part, showed courage by leaving her country, her family, and her false gods to serve Jehovah alongside her mother-in-law. Furthermore, she worked humbly to support Naomi, despite the potential mistreatment she faced as a foreigner, and she faithfully followed her mother-in-law's instructions by approaching Boaz to ask him to act as a buyback.
Investigate a little more
1. Why can we say that the gleaning that took place in Israel was unique in the ancient Middle East? (ia 39 par. 23, footnote).
Gleaning was unique because Jehovah, through his Law, allowed the poor and widows to gather the remaining grain in the fields to obtain food and support themselves. This contrasted sharply with the situation in other parts of the ancient Near East, where childless widows could be left destitute and without means of survival. This shows that Jehovah not only feels compassion for those who suffer but also takes concrete steps to help them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Gleaning was unique in Israel because it did not depend on the charity or goodwill of landowners, but was a right guaranteed by Jehovah's Law. Thanks to this commandment, widows, orphans, and foreign residents could obtain food through their own labor without losing their dignity. In this way, Jehovah demonstrated himself to be a just and merciful God, concerned with protecting and caring for the most vulnerable.
2. How do we know that Ruth did not approach Boaz with improper motives? (ia 47 pars. 17, 18).
We know that Ruth did not approach Boaz with improper motives, for her intentions were pure and selfless. Boaz did not interpret her conduct as immoral, but rather commended her for her loyal love. He recognized that Ruth was not seeking a young husband, whether rich or poor, but desired to help Naomi and preserve the name of her deceased husband. This demonstrates that Ruth acted with humility, dignity, and a deep love for Jehovah and for her family.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that Ruth did not approach Boaz with improper motives for two reasons: first, because she acted modestly and respected the legal procedures of the time, following Naomi's instructions and waiting until Boaz had finished eating and resting. Second, because Boaz praised her morality and loyal love, acknowledging her as an excellent woman. Furthermore, he emphasized that she had not pursued the young men, confirming that her intentions were noble and that she trusted in God's plan.
3. Why is it significant that Boaz called Ruth “my daughter”? (Ruth 2:8; w16.11 3).
Boaz called Ruth “my daughter” to convey affection, tenderness, and respect. As a foreigner, she might have felt insecure, but these words reassured her and made her feel valued. Furthermore, Boaz acknowledged her loyal love for Naomi. This teaches us that a kind word can greatly encourage those going through difficult times. Therefore, we should treat others with the same compassion and tenderness that Boaz and Jesus demonstrated.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This is significant because the expression “my daughter” reflected that Boaz was considerably older than Ruth and that he felt a protective affection for her, like that of a father figure. Furthermore, it conveyed affection, security, and spiritual peace. In this way, Ruth, a Moabite foreigner and vulnerable, could feel welcomed and protected by a mature servant of Jehovah who cared for her well-being.
4. Unlike John Doe, how did Boaz show generosity when he agreed to marry Ruth? (w23.03 14)
Boaz demonstrated generosity by not thinking of his own interests, but rather the well-being of Ruth and Naomi. He agreed to marry Ruth to preserve the name of Elimelech's family and protect his inheritance, even though it meant assuming expenses and responsibilities. His example teaches us that true generosity consists of being willing to make sacrifices to help others, without seeking our own benefit.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Unlike So-and-so, who thought only of his own interests and protecting his inheritance, Boaz showed generosity by putting Jehovah’s law and the well-being of Naomi and Ruth above his financial advantages. He was willing to use his own resources to repurchase Elimelech’s property and perpetuate the deceased man’s name, thus demonstrating loyal love and a true spirit of sacrifice.
Think about the lessons
Ruth was hardworking and grateful; how can her example help us when we are going through financial difficulties?
Ruth's example teaches us that when we face financial difficulties, we should be hardworking, seize opportunities to improve our situation, and trust in Jehovah. Furthermore, we should be grateful for the help we receive and appreciate the support of those who care for us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Ruth’s example teaches us not to let pride prevent us from accepting any honest work that will help us provide for our family’s needs. It also encourages us to be hardworking, maintain a positive attitude, and not complain about our circumstances. Furthermore, we should be grateful for Jehovah’s provision, appreciate the help of the congregation, and trust that he will bless our efforts when we act diligently and honestly.
When Naomi felt devastated, Ruth was there to help and encourage her. For her part, Naomi was humble and accepted the help. What can we learn from each of them?
From Ruth we learn that we must be attentive to those who are suffering and offer them support and encouragement, even when we too are experiencing difficulties.
From Naomi we learn that we must be humble and accept the help others offer us with love. In this way we demonstrate loyal love and strengthen each other in difficult times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
From Ruth we learn to demonstrate loyal love and perseverance by standing by our siblings and family members when they go through difficult times. It is not enough to express our affection with words; we must also offer comfort, companionship, and practical help.
On the other hand, from Naomi we learn to be humble and gratefully accept the support of others, especially our spiritual family, without isolating ourselves when we are distressed. In this way, we can receive the encouragement and help we need to regain our strength and strengthen our faith.
In what other ways can you copy the example of courage set by Naomi and Ruth?
We can imitate the courage of Naomi and Ruth by trusting in Jehovah when we face difficult situations, even when we feel fear or sadness. We can also make choices that please him, make sacrifices for our family, and support those in need. Their example teaches us that true courage lies in continuing to do what is right and demonstrating loyal love, even in the most difficult times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can copy the example of Naomi and Ruth in several ways:
First, by putting the worship of Jehovah above our comfort, leaving behind customs or relationships that may harm our spirituality.
Second, facing tragedies with faith, without becoming bitter against Jehovah and seeking comfort within his organization.
And third, by acting with prudence and loyalty, following Bible counsel and maintaining impeccable moral conduct, always trusting in Jehovah's protection.
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What does this account teach me about Jehovah?
This account teaches me that Jehovah is a loving, compassionate, and generous God who cares about those going through difficulties. He does not abandon his servants when they suffer but provides them with help and comfort. I also learn that Jehovah values loyalty, humility, and our efforts to help others, and that he can bless us in ways we may not imagine when we trust in him completely.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account teaches me that Jehovah is a loving, just, and merciful God who never abandons those who trust in him. He values loyal love and rewards those who show it. He also cares especially for the most vulnerable, such as widows and the needy, and establishes measures to protect them and preserve their dignity.
Furthermore, He has no prejudices based on people's origin or nationality, but accepts all who demonstrate sincere faith and seek refuge under His wings, just as He did with Ruth.
How does this account relate to Jehovah's purpose and the main theme of the Bible?
This account relates to Jehovah’s purpose because it shows how he prepared the circumstances so that, through Ruth and Boaz, David was born and, in time, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. Thus, Jehovah’s purpose to sanctify his name and accomplish his will through Jesus was fulfilled. This also teaches us that, despite human difficulties, Jehovah never abandons his purpose but fulfills it with love and faithfulness.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account relates to Jehovah's purpose because it shows how he preserved the genealogical line that would lead to the Messiah through the buyback marriage between Boaz and Ruth, from which Obed, an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ, was born.
Furthermore, it shows that the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom would be available to people of all nations who demonstrated sincere faith, as Ruth did. Thus we see that, despite human difficulties, nothing can prevent Jehovah from fulfilling his purpose to sanctify his name and vindicate his sovereignty through his Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ.
What would I like to ask Naomi and Ruth when they are resurrected?
I would like to ask Ruth how she managed to maintain such courage and loyal love for Naomi despite the difficulties, and what helped her to trust so much in Jehovah.
I would ask Naomi how she felt when she saw Jehovah transform her sadness into joy and allow her to regain hope. I am sure that her experiences would strengthen my faith and help me to trust in Jehovah even more when I face difficult times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
I would like to ask Naomi how she felt when she returned to Bethlehem full of bitterness, thinking that Jehovah had left her empty-handed, and how she felt when she saw that he blessed her in such a beautiful way by giving her a grandson who would be part of the genealogical line of the Messiah.
I would ask Ruth what went through her mind when she decided to leave her family and her gods behind to serve Jehovah, and how her faith was strengthened by experiencing his protection and the benefits of his Law.
Finally, I would ask them both what they felt when they held little Obed in their arms and if they ever imagined that Jehovah would grant them the honor of being part of the genealogical line of Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
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