1
Learn the following names:
1a
Ruth’s mother-in-law
1b
Ruth’s sister in-law
1c
Ruth’s brothers in-law
1d
The husband of Ruth’s mother-in-law
1e
The country Ruth’s in-laws came from
1f
The country Ruth came from
1g
The modern day name of Ruth’s country
1h
The leader of the people of Israel during the time of Ruth
1i
The relative, or kinsman, or Ruth’s mother-in-law
2
In a group, read Ruth 1:1 and Deuteronomy 23:3-4 and discuss the following:
2a
Why did Ruth’s in-laws leave their own country?
2b
Do you think God was pleased with their decision? Why or why not?
2c
What was Ruth’s religious background having grown up where she did?
2d
Why do you think Ruth chose to follow her mother in law’s beliefs?
3
In a skit, role play, puppet show or some other activity. Show:
3a
What prompted Ruth’s mother-in-law to return to her home country
3b
How many times she asked her daughters-in-law to return to their family home
3c
The reasons she gave them to return
3d
Ruth’s response to her mother-in-law’s request for her not to follow her
4
Names were very important in the Bible, sometimes used to communicate God’s message or suggesting traits of a person.
4a
What was the meaning of Ruth’s mother-in-law’s name?
4b
What is the meaning of her new name and when did she change it?
4c
Make a chart listing at least three other people in the Bible who had name changes and what their names meant, both before and after they were changed.
5
Write a report, draw pictures or give an oral presentation about the season Ruth and her mother-in-law returned to Bethlehem in, why that season is important and where the harvesting was taking place. Include the following in your report or presentation:
5a
What was being harvested during that season and why were crops so important at this time?
5b
On whose land did Ruth go to glean?
5c
Who was doing the harvesting?
5d
Why was it important for Ruth to find “grace” or “favor” in the eyes of the land owner?
6
We are told we should reflect God’s character in our dealings with people and in all situations. With a group, parent or pathfinder leader, discuss the following, using examples from the Bible:
6a
The attitude Ruth displayed towards her mother-in-law and when she went out to harvest
6b
Compare those qualities to the qualities of God found in Exodus 34:6 and the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
6c
Discuss how Ruth’s attitude toward and treatment of her mother-in-law made an impression on the land owner. What instructions did he give his workers in regards to Ruth gleaning on his land?
7
Describe to a friend what Ruth’s mother-in-law told Ruth to do in order to take care of her future and what it meant. What was the master’s reaction?
8
As was the custom of the time, the closest relative could acquire, or redeem, land from a deceased relative’s family. Be able to answer the following questions when asked:
8a
What made Naomi’s closest relative change his mind after first agreeing to buy her field?
8b
How was the deal finalized as to who would ultimately buy it?
8c
What exactly is a redeemer and where in the Bible is the redeemer rule found?
9
Draw a family tree using Ruth 4:18-21 and Matthew 1:2-6 showing Ruth’s and Boaz’s
children and the descendants of those children. Why were Ruth’s children so important in Bible genealogy?

