Ruth an example of loyalty and faith

Origins and Genealogy

Ruth is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for her loyalty and unwavering faith. She was a Moabite, born in the land of Moab, an area located east of the Dead Sea (currently in Jordan). Ruth became part of the lineage of David and, subsequently, of Jesus Christ, despite being a foreigner.

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Genealogy:

• Nationality: Moabite
• Husband: Mahlon (first husband, Israelite, son of Elimelech and Naomi)
• Mother-in-law: Naomi
• Second Husband: Boaz (a relative of Elimelech)
• Son: Obed (father of Jesse, grandfather of King David)

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Chronology and Journeys

The life of Ruth is marked by several important stages:

1. Marriage to Mahlon: Ruth married Mahlon, an Israelite who had migrated to Moab with his family due to famine in Bethlehem, Judah.
2. Widowhood and Decision to Accompany Naomi: After the death of her husband, Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi, refusing to return to her land and gods. She made the famous declaration: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). This decision reflected her conversion to the God of Israel.
3. Journey to Bethlehem: Ruth accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem, in the land of Judah. They arrived during the barley harvest.
4. Encounter with Boaz: To support herself and Naomi, Ruth began gleaning in the fields, where she met Boaz, a wealthy man and relative of Elimelech. Boaz, impressed by Ruth's devotion to Naomi, treated her generously.
5. Marriage to Boaz: Naomi encouraged Ruth to seek Boaz as her redeemer, a legal concept in Israel where a close relative could marry the widow to preserve the deceased's lineage. Boaz agreed and married Ruth.
6. Birth of Obed: Ruth gave birth to Obed, who became the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the messianic genealogy.

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Archaeological Artifacts Related to Ruth

Although there are no artifacts directly related to Ruth, there are archaeological discoveries that contextualize her story:

• Moabite Inscriptions: The Mesha Stele, found in Dibon, Moab, mentions interactions between the Moabites and the Israelites, providing context for the environment in which Ruth lived before moving to Israel.
• Ruins in Bethlehem: Excavations in Bethlehem reveal structures and artifacts dating from the Iron Age, the period in which Ruth would have lived. These discoveries help to understand daily life in Bethlehem at that time.

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Descendants and Current Situation

Ruth is a direct ancestor of King David and, therefore, is in the lineage of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew) is significant because she was a foreigner, showing that God's grace extends to all nations.

• Descendants: The descendants of Ruth include King David, and, through him, the entire royal lineage of Judah, culminating in Jesus Christ. David's lineage is central to the Jewish people, with many modern Jews tracing their roots back to the tribe of Judah.
• Current Situation: Today, Ruth's lineage continues to be celebrated, especially within Jewish and Christian tradition, as a story of redemption and inclusion.

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Important Facts About Ruth's Life of Faith

1. Loyalty to Naomi: Ruth chose to stand by her mother-in-law, even without guarantees of sustenance or security, demonstrating unwavering faith and familial loyalty.
2. Conversion to the God of Israel: Ruth's decision to adopt the God of Israel as her own was a significant act of faith, especially as she was a Moabite.
3. Gleaning in Boaz's Fields: By working in Boaz's fields, Ruth not only showed her determination and humility but also found God's provision, which eventually led to her marriage to Boaz.
4. Marriage to Boaz: The union of Ruth and Boaz is seen as an act of redemption, not only for Ruth but also for Elimelech's line. This marriage brought Ruth into the lineage of the Messiah, showing how God can transform someone's life, regardless of their background.

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Maps and Charts of Ruth's Journeys

Here is a summary of Ruth's journeys:

1. From Moab to Bethlehem: The journey of Ruth and Naomi from Moab to Bethlehem was a strenuous trip of about 80 to 100 km, crossing the Jordan River and ascending the hills of Judea.
2. Travel Within Bethlehem: In Bethlehem, Ruth moved daily from Boaz's fields to the house where she lived with Naomi, working hard to gather what was left from the harvest.

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Conclusion

Ruth is one of the most remarkable figures in the Bible because of her faith, loyalty, and crucial role in the lineage of David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ. Her story is a powerful testimony of God's redeeming love and how He can use people from all backgrounds to fulfill His sovereign plan. The archaeological discoveries and the historical context of the time help to bring a richer understanding of her life and the circumstances that shaped her journey from Moab to Bethlehem.

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