Knowing God More Bible Study

Week 9 - Ruth 1

YouTube Video: Book of Ruth Summary: A Complete Animated Overview by: BibleProject

Read Ruth 1:1-22

Ruth 1:6

“When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.”

Ruth 1:14

“At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.”

Ruth 1:16-17

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’”

Ruth 1:21

“I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.’”

Questions

1. What was the significance of the family's move to Moab during the famine? (Ruth 1:1-2)

   1. Explore the choices Elimelech made and the potential consequences of seeking refuge outside the Promised Land.

2. Reflect on the names of Naomi's sons: Mahlon (sickness) and Chilion (wasting). How might their names foreshadow the events in the chapter? (Ruth 1:3-5)

   1. Consider the symbolic meaning of names in biblical narratives and their relevance to the unfolding story.

3. How do Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth respond to the news of returning to Bethlehem? (Ruth 1:6-14)

   1. Analyze the different reactions and decisions made by these women in the face of adversity, and discuss the implications of their choices.

4. What is the significance of Naomi's decision to change her name to Mara? (Ruth 1:19-21)

   1. Explore the emotional and spiritual transformation Naomi undergoes and discuss the power of naming in the Bible.

5. How does Ruth's commitment to Naomi reflect her character and faith? (Ruth 1:16-17)

   1. Delve into the depth of Ruth's loyalty and the profound statement she makes about her commitment to Naomi and Naomi's God.

6. In what ways can we relate to the themes of loss, loyalty, and faithfulness in our own lives? (Application)

   1. Encourage personal reflections on how the lessons from Ruth Chapter 1 can be applied to contemporary challenges and experiences.