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Sadness swallowed up by joy...

 [WOMEN in the Old Testament]  

NAOMI: Sadness swallowed up by joy_ 

Ruth 3-4 

 
It’s been said that life is like a grindstone... whether it grinds you down or polishes you depends on the stuff you’re made of. It also depends on your view of God. Some people seem to get more hard knocks in life than others, and if you say, “That’s not fair,” you’re probably right. Life isn’t always fair. But the question is, even in the hardest circumstances, is God in control? If the answer is “yes” then that means God can change the bitterness of our hard experiences. 

 
[Group discussion starter] What hard experiences are you presently undergoing that you feel are testing what you are made of? 

What difference does confidence in God make in handling your pain and disappointment? 

 
Naomi is a case study in hardship. During a time of famine, her family became refugees in a foreign land. There she lost her husband, and her two sons. Now it seems she has very few prospects other than a lonely and difficult future. Despite Naomi’s trials, Ruth’s insistence on returning with her is a strong indication of God’s care. 
Gradually, it dawns on Naomi that Gd has provided for her and Ruth in ways that she never expected. In these two chapters, we’ll see Naomi’s bitterness turned to joy... 

 
[Read Ruth 3-4] 

 
“Previously on ‘Ruth’...” 

Naomi’s name means “pleasant”. When she returns to Bethlehem, why does she suggest a change of name (1:20-21)? 

 

 
A ‘kinsman-redeemer’ was responsible for protecting the interests of his extended family. In Ruth 2:19-23, what new hope comes to Naomi as a result of Ruth meeting Boaz? 

 
In 3:9 we read “spread the corner of your garment over me”. This was a cultural request for marriage. Why might this have been a risky plan? 

 
 

What is Naomi’s opinion of Boaz’s character? 

How would you evaluate him from his actions in these two chapters? 
 

 
What is the connection between your own willingness to take risks in your relationship to God and your confidence in God’s character? 
 

 
What does Naomi gain from the transaction that takes place? 

In 4:13-17, why does the birth of Obed mean so much to her? 
 

 
What do you see as the turning point in Naomi’s life, from the bitterness she expressed as she returned to Bethlehem (1:20) to the joy she feels at the end of this story (4:16)? 
 

 

In what way has God provided a ‘kinsman-redeemer’ for us? 

 
 

 
Ruth’s son becomes an ancestor to King David. Although Ruth is a Gentile, she is mentioned (like we saw with Rahab) in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. 
What do you learn about God from the amazing ways in which God blesses Naomi after all her tragedies? 

 

 
How does this story encourage you personally? 

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