How to get a marriage partner

Chapter One

The Value of Holiness

God Almighty the maker of heaven and earth is a holy God and He does not commit Himself to a person who is not holy. Hence, He deals with a person on the basis of how committed they are to be holy. For example, God did not just tell Abraham that He would bless him and make him a father of many nations without several conditions which would safeguard His holiness. There were conditions like, get out of your country, your relatives and your father’s house.

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

The clear understanding of the holiness of God is very crucial if we desire to have the full revelation of His leading in sensitive matters like marriage partners. The Word of God clearly says that we should “follow holiness without which no man shall see the Lord”. This does not just mean one shall not go to heaven, but also includes that a man shall not see God in action in his or her life here on earth.

Hebrews 12:14

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

What is holiness? Holiness is to be set apart for God’s use. This means that anything that has been separated for God’s use that thing is declared holy. If you declare that your house is God’s property, that house becomes holy. If some men build a house and then set it apart as God’s property, that building becomes holy. This setting a part of a thing or somebody for God’s use is called dedication. The Bible says that every dedicated thing is holy for the LORD. Other words can also be used like sanctification, consecration or even committed. God is a holy God and everything He touches becomes holy. For example when He appeared in a normal wilderness bush, He declared to Moses to remove His shoes because the place where He stood was holy.

Exodus 3:5

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

There is a difference between holiness and Purity.

I tend to believe that purity is a higher level of holiness. This implies that a thing or a person that has been set apart for God is holy. But, can now be cleansed more from every form of filthiness and be declared pure. Purification is more practical than holiness. The Bible says we should be holy, but it also says we should be pure by perfecting holiness. Purity is tested holiness. It is tested purity that enters into God's presence. Then it understands God's will and it then qualifies to serve God.

1 Corinthians 7:1

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 John 3:2-3

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Hence, we can clearly see that our walk with a holy God demands that we be holy and we must keep on walking with the Holy Spirit in order for us to be pure; especially to be pure in heart.

One of the great desires of God is for us to have fellowship with Him eternally. This logically means that if God is holy, then we must desire to be holy as He is holy. Everything about God is holy and any human being who does not prioritize holiness and purity should forget any fellowship with the Holy God of Israel. Those who want to hear any message about marriage from this Holy God must decide to be holy. This is because even the Bible we are going to read is called Holy Bible, for a holy nation which is preparing to go to a holy heaven.

Revelation 4:8

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Psalms 20:6

6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

1 Peter 1:15-16

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Having settled the question of holiness we can now move on to show the way in which God leads His people to the right choices and what they are supposed to do.

Chapter Two

Identifying which kind of person you are

We come to God from various backgrounds. The background which one comes from is important in understanding how God will deal with the person. The Bible categorizes all the people on earth in three groups. The three groups are Jews, Gentiles and the Church of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

The way God dealt with the Jews and Gentiles in old days can be read in the Old Testament. We shall hereby deal with the way God deals with those who enter into the Church of the living God either from the Jews or from the Gentle world. However, all who enter into the church are always brought into fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

The Rebecca type of people

According to my study of the Word of God I believe that there is a certain kind of people who have known about a holy God at early age or have known the way of holiness all through their lives. I compare these people with Rebecca who was brought up in the family which was connected to the knowledge of a holy God and was careful not to displease Him. This family could have heard how Abraham was called by a God called Elshaddai and how He told Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect (Genesis 17:1) and later God blessed him with all things.

Hence, there are several principles which God uses to guide such kind of people to have the right kind of marriage partners. I shall call this way the Rebecca way.

The Ruth type of people

The other category of people is the Ruth type of people. These are people who have come from a background which did not have any idea of a holy God. They lived and even worshipped other gods, did all kind of wickeness but they have repented and completely turned to seek a holy God for their lives. We can see how a Moabites called Ruth came to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Moabites are descendants of lot who came though the wine drinking idea and adultery incest of the daughters of Lot.

Genesis 19:32-38

Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, andlie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.
37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.
38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

This was the background of Ruth which is very similar with the background of millions of believers in Christ. Hence, it gives us great hope to know there is a way in which God makes people of such background to enter in His eternal plan with the right marriage partners. Praise the Lord.

There are similarities and differences in the Rebecca and the Ruth ways; hence it is important to carefully follow the ways of deliverance and the ways of obtaining the inheritance.

Chapter Three

The Rebecca Way

The Rebecca way is shown in the longest chapter of Genesis. This is Genesis 24. It shall be important to read the chapter through several times. We can have two lines of interpretation from this passage. One is more literal and the other is concerning the Body of Christ the Church. I shall discuss the literal interpretation first.

Genesis 24:1

1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

This shows that God has a right time at which human being can be able to discern things for their children. This is what is hereby called old age. Wisdom comes by age at times. Remember wisdom is the application of knowledge. Abraham must have accumulated much knowledge from God and from men. He had done military work in Genesis 14, he had done the shepherd job, priestly job, and he was a husband and a father. Hence, he could be in a position of knowing the demands of a marriage and could easily discern for the children. This simply shows that marriage needs social advice and material preparations which God has been involved in their accumulation.

Genesis 24: 2-4

2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: 4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Marriage is a serious matter which does not entertain mistakes, hence God must be involved and people who are emotionally stable are important in guiding the affairs of laying the foundations of a family. Choosing is a God given ability which human beings must exercise in marriage but must be guided by a discernment of the holiness demands of God. You can not just marry anybody.

Genesis 25:5

5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

The woman must also willingly make a choice. Hence, a woman needs to be sensitive to know the will of God and obey it at the right time. This sensitivity can be easy for a person who is not battling with a guilty conscience but by one who is holy.

6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.
7 The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.

Abraham’s experience with God was enormous, and he could clearly understand the ways of God. We hereby notice that angels seem to be also helpful in directing a man or a woman to that right place to meet the right partner. The Bible says that angels are ministering spirits send forth to minister for those who are heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14

8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
9 And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to himconcerning that matter.

10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

This passage shows the need for preparation and the aspect of giving the parents of the girl dowry. This is mainly to assure the parents that the child they are giving is going into safe able hands and hence the detachments will easily be emotionally accommodated.

Positioning yourself for the right partner

Now we come to a crucial stage in this passage as we identify key things which a woman could be doing so as to position themselves for the right person.

Doing the right duty at the right time
11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

The passage here shows there are particular duties and times which communities and nations expect their women to be performing. Hence, a deviation or a lack of understanding of such norms can make it more difficult for a woman to find the right partner. Rebecca came at the right time!

12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

It is important for ladies to understand that men are also praying to the same holy God for the right partners at the right time. To get the right partner seems to the fruit of a faithful life.

13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

The ability to have a good heart without any prejudice is important for women. The person who you communicate to might not be Mr. right but, may be that special connection to your Mr. right. So the way God has set His exam to test your heart attitude might determine your destiny. Its good not to be partial to anybody but consider others better than your self. Do not response according to outward appearance but the fear of God in your life will make you to discern the will and the ways of God in obscure places and times.

2. A woman, must be ready to deny herself and sacrificially serve anywhere

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Rebecca could not know when that moment was to come. It came when she might have been tired and ready to go home. But her reaction was very significant; she brushed aside all the tiredness and served willingly. We also notice that the outward look of a woman is very important. When women are like women they can easily be seen. This is more so when this outward beauty is coupled with the inward purity and aspects of hard work. It is important to notice that Rebecca did not regard her beauty as an hindrance for her to work and serve others.

17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

It is discernable that usually men do not set a high standard for ladies. They usually ask a little drink so that they can see if the lady can willingly go an extra mile in submission and service.

Must be submissiveness, hardworking and ready to offer service

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

We should not imagine that to be submissive is a character which is developed in marriage. In many cases is not so. The art of submissiveness, hard work and sacrificial service is developed by a woman’s background and personal devotion to God. It is known very early even before marriage. It is a character a woman cultivates at girlhood but can be improved in marriage.

Must be able to see a need and strive to meet it.

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

This is excellent for Rebecca. She gives drink to the man and sees the man has other needs and seeks to help him. She is a true helpmate. A woman of substance must be ready to willing see a need and meet it. This is what really baffles men and touches their hearts.

20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

This is significant. When men see what they wished from a woman and even the woman goes beyond what they thought they could offer. Then men always open up their treasures for the woman. And surprisingly men know how to make women beautiful, attractive and very happy. Rebecca must have now feeling highly motivated to serve to the uttermost. This is the law of marriage in which as you fulfill the needs of your marriage partner you directly receive tremendous surprises of benefits which in turn motivate you more to please your mate more. This law needs to be applied by many couples so as to put more fire in their marriages.

23 And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?

Men always want to know a woman’s background. There aim is usually to know whether it is pure or not so as to commit themselves and all that they have to that woman.

24 And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.
25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

Words are an expression of the condition and state of the heart of a person. The way a man builds his trust in a woman is highly enhanced by the accuracy and the grace of the speech. The questions men ask are supposed to be answered accurately for their answers lead to other questions. Hence, men who do not want to waste time are encouraged by women who are accurate in answering and are precise.

26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

This manner of life and speech from a woman can drive a man to worship God. Hence the value of a quite and meek spirit is very precious in the sight of God for it is a form of evangelism.

27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
28 And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.

29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

It seems this family was trained to do things without wasting time. We notice that all of them were running to execute responsibilities. Hence, we can get a clue of where the hard working training of Rebecca could have come from. There is a lot of influence of how a family character can be impacted to a child.

30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

The way one treats a sister can make the emotional attachments which a brother has to a sister to melt away for this assures the relatives that their daughter is in safe arms. This is also a part of the unnoticed dowry which one pays so that the friction of stating a family is eased. Everybody wants his sister to be married well and by a responsible man. Anybody who is not willing to spend the best of substances on the one he loves most is really disoriented.

31 And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
32 And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.

This story is repeated again from verse 33 to verse 49 to show how reliable and accurate it is in guiding us in such matters.

50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

This shows that when one is in the perfect will of God, then all circumstances shall be in agreement with God’s provision and ordering. Even human being shall say. This thing proceeds from the LORD.

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51 Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken.
52 And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth.
53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gavethem to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

It is clear that dowry should be also a satisfaction for the woman as she sees her mother and brother being honored with good gifts. The happiness of her relatives is her pride as she gets married. We should never underestimate her emotional attachment to her relatives especially her mother and brothers. Dowry should be more than just dowry as in most traditions. It is an emotional souvenir for all the parties. One needs to search for the best things which are precious and rare things. These are things of significance which the family can treasure for many years.

54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master.

This special party is important as it sooths relational emotions and serves as a special link of a new friendship.

55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

However, some affections are hard to be broken, but in such situations it is the woman to be married who needs to stand strong and tell her relatives that her life must take on another course and they must face and accept the reality.

56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.
57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.
58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.
59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.
60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

To bless their daughter is the best gift which the parents of a girl can give to her. All suitors must strive to marry blessed daughters. Oh, this is very crucial.

61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

62 And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.
63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

With all the preparations on the side of the woman, what could the man be doing? We see that Isaac was busy seeking knowledge and God’s guidance. No wonder he was led to the best woman. He sought from the Lord. Oh, what a glorious man was this, he was waiting upon the Lord to restore back his lib. He lived a life of trusting God’s provision. We see the connection of two people by the Lord even when they were busy in their businesses of their parents. Oh what a mistake do people make to start searching for partners outside the shelter of parental guidance. It does not matter where you are. You might be like Rebecca with the sheep of your parents in the field or like Isaac at home or in the field, the Lord shall connect you at the right time.

64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. (there is spiritual understanding of what is happening… a recognition of authority)
65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself

Rebecca could sense authority even before they were physically joined. The oment her parents send her, she knew her duty was to submit to her husband, and when she saw him she knew him immediately. She knows that her head has come and she covered herself and she made herself ready for more instructions as a helpmate for Isaac.

66 And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.
67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

Summary.

In summary we can see that a woman who is looking for a husband must make herself easy to be found by following these guidelines.

She must be sacrificially hard working at all times.
She must be recognized as a woman at all times.
She must be a submissive woman to all people.
She must be a woman of service for all.
She must be accurate in speech at all times.
She must be ready to be a wife.
She must be self principled.

Chapter Four

The way of Ruth

The way of Ruth is shown in the book of Ruth. It is a very vivid picture of the way we come to God.

1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

The terrible background of Ruth

The book of Judges show that the moral state of the children of Israel was at its lowest. And God was seemingly not happy with the children of Israel. Hence, He struck the land with famine. Everybody was doing what was right in his own eyes, and Elimelech decided to rely on his own understanding and he took his family to Moab. Due to this mistake I believe he died. Because the sons of Elimelech were mature enough to marry. They looked around Moab and married Moabites girls. This was also a mistake due to probably ignorance, but they nevertheless died. The girls were left without husbands. This was the background of Ruth, it was full of mistakes. She had been first married by men who were breaking the laws of God and she lost everything. Naomi said they returned o Bethlehem as bitter beggars. Now, we would like to use such a back ground to see how a woman of such a background can be married again and properly.

The following are the basic attributes of such a woman.

She must have hope in God.

Ruth was following Naomi who had hope in God. The God of Israel had visited His people and was giving them bread. Hope is the first thing which we must have in God that we shall be helped in the future. It is faith which brings these futuristic things to the present realm. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 that, now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.
7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

2. She must have faith in God

Faith means we must be ready to seek the heavenly realm rather than the earthly realm. Ruth was challenged by Naomi to choose between the easy way of returning home and the hard way of waiting on God in a foreign land. Making choices which cause permanent changes always cause people to cry. This is because no body is sure of the best option and the capacity to handle the changes might be overwhelming.

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.

Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

3. She must be fully determined

It is not only the passive faith which is needed but the ability to embrace and own the outcome of their choices. Hence, Naomi challenges them more by giving them logical reasons for them to choose the easier path of life. This was to assure them that, any good which they might expect is only in the realm of faith.

10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.
11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

She must have patience to wait.

This is the ability to endure all kinds of ridicule and yet remain focused on the trust that God has a destiny for my life. This the most difficult part of the test. It is at this stage that Orpha decided to return back. I believe it is the test where the flesh can not be able to sustain a believer. Only those who purely trust God will be able to still remain focused and count it joy to gain the spiritual instead of the earthly.

13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

5. She must have a true love

This is the kind of love which trusts always, believes always, never fails, as in 1 Corinthians 13. It is a love which is not selfish and can boldly say, where you will die I die. It sees the invisible God and denies every other idol and lodges with God.

This determination does not look at circumstances which were evil of doubting but it is steadfastly minded.

15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Chapter 2

1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

She must be able to see a need and submissively strive to meet it

Ruth was really submissive to Naomi. It was like Naomi was everything to her.She saw that Naomi was old and could not go out to look for food. Hence, Ruth decided to seek for food.

2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

7. She must be fearless and bold enough to work in the field.

Ruth came and was bold enough to work in the field with even men and because of the submissive character of her heart the Lord could be able to guide her to the right field. So right was the field she went to reap, that it was of the kindred of her husband! This probability of missing all fields and landing on the chosen field can only be termed as a miracle.

3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

Men will always take special possessive note of any hard working woman. Laziness has been the greatest undoing of many women in the world. Hard work can cover other weaknesses like background tribal tags.

4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

8. She must be humble and hard working

7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

She must be holy and have the right intention.

This means to be set apart from any common use. This means she is supposed to follow only the instructions of the Lord in where to go and what to do.

8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

10. She should trust only on the Mercy and grace of the Lord

10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.
14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

She must not listen to reproaches

15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

12. She should have a confidant

18 And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Chapter 3

1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

She must know how to dress like a woman and know the right time and place.

This is might be to supplement her natural beauty which could have been eroded by her past life and age.

3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

14. Her obedience to her confidant must be absolute
5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

15. She must be accurate, gracious in her speech and virtuous in character

9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

In summary

We see that the way of Ruth had the following attributes.

1. She must have hope in God.
2. She must have faith in God
3. She must be fully determined
4. She must have patience.
5. She must have a true love
6. She must be fearless and bold enough to work in the field.
7. She must be humble and hard working
8. She must be holy and have the right intention.
9. She should trust only on the mercy and grace of the Lord
10. She must not listen to reproaches
11. She should have a confidant
12. She must know how to dress like a woman and know the right time and place.
13. Her obedience to her confidant must be absolute.
14. She must be accurate, gracious in her speech and virtuous in character

Chapter Five

The virtuous woman

In Ruth 5:11, Boaz praises Ruth as virtuous woman. Bible also gives the characters of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

We have here listed 10 main qualities which any woman can use in order to be a virtuous woman.

1. She is trusted by her husband.

The virtuous woman knows that husband is number one. The first thing she sets out to do is to win the heart of her husband. I can reasonably say like this to all ladies:

“Just after you are married, seek ye first the trust and the favour of your husband and all these other things shall be added unto you”

This means the virtuous lady’s words and her actions are the predictable in the husband’s sight and mind. She is basically absolutely honest with all she says and does. Hence her promises can be trusted. She is guided by the new divine nature which rejoices only in holiness and righteousness. Those who are born of God can not sin because the seed of God is in them. Read 1 John 3:9.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

This means:

(a) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life (v. 11-12).

(b) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her (v. 11).

2. She is a diligent seeker.

God has always used and produced hard workers who can decide even not to give slumber to there eye lids (Psalms 132:4-5). The virtuous woman knows the value of hard work. She knows that in all labour there is profit.

This means:

(a) She seeks Wool and flax (v. 13).

She is like the merchants’ ships.

She bringeth her food from afar.

(b) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household (v. 14-15).

3. She has a clear personal and practical vision.

God is pleased with those who put into action what they have learnt from Him. The virtuous lady considers as in psalms 4:4. I am always blessed every time the word “consider” appears in the Bible. For it signifies a juncture to choose the best destiny in life. The virtuous lady; considers, buys and plants! Hallelujah. This does not at any place bounder with carelessness.

(a) She considereth a field, and buyeth it with fruit of her hands.

She planteth a vineyard (v.16).

(b) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.

Her candle goeth not our by night (v. 18).

4. She is an “any job” worker.

When the virtuous lady decides to work; every thing movable will move! Why? Because:

(a) and worketh willingly with her hands (v. 13).

(b) She layeth her hands to the spindle and her hands holds the distaff (v. 19).

(d) She maketh herself covering of tapestry (v. 22).

(e) She eateth not the bread of idleness (v. 27).

5. She is compassionate to the poor.

This brushes away every tinge of pride from her life. She knows the pain of work and the pain of suffering. She even goes an extra mile and stretches her hand beyond the poor people around her. This signifies of a person who shall be praised for her good deeds. Her righteousness endures forever says the book of psalms and she shall never be moved.

(a) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor.

(b) Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

6. She opens her mouth wisely.

When the virtuous lady speaks, she drops wisdom and her words build, her words encourage, her words give hope, her words comfort, her words bring light. If she can control her mouth, James 3, then she can control anything in her life.

(a) She openeth her mouth with wisdom.

(b) and in her tongue is the law of kindness (v.26).

7. She is known from the heart to the gate.

She is famous, why? Because the stability of her works, the words of her mouth, the works of her hands and the appearance of her family stands at a class of there own. She is described as unique. She is an ambassador of another kingdom. But the beauty of her fame begins from home outwards. She knows a happy stable family is the best runway for the saints to reach the world for Christ. Wow, even her children rise up and call her blessed! Who really blessed her? The answer is her obedience and submissive hard work made her to be blessed.

(a) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her (v. 13).

(b) Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her (v. 28).

8. She is a selling factory.

The virtuous lady is never a burden to anybody, she her self has discovered the potential which God has placed in her. She rises early and starts to work. She plans and considers her work to the extent that her trading is always profitable! She is not having what we call trial and error. She sees that her efforts are not wasted. Who can make all things to work for good at all time? Who can be in a state of all things is possible. This person must be fully amalgamated to the Lord of lords and King of kings.

(a) She maketh fine linen and selleth it.

(b) and delivereth girdles unto the merchant (v. 24).

9. She keeps her family prepared.

The virtuous lady has a foundation which is based on giving priority to the family at all times. She knows the needs of her family at all seasons. This is due to her visionary. She trust in God and hence she has no fear at all. She knows all her family even the maidens find refuge under the shadow of her wings. The future is secure.

(a) She looketh well to the ways of her household (v. 27).

(b) She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet (v. 21).

10. She knows how to keep personal secrets.

She is not loud in the streets. She knows what is best as her clothing. She cloths herself with honour! She knows the secret of the inner beauty of the spirit, which is that of a quite and meek spirit. She is diligent to make her election and calling sure. She is working out her salvation with fear and trembling. And the beauty of beauties is that she fears the Lord.

(a) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry, her clothing is silk and purple (v. 22).

(b) Strength and honour are her clothing and she shall rejoice in time to come.

(d) She knows that favour is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the LORD shall be praised (v. 30).

The Husband

What is the role of the husband of the virtuous woman? The answer of this question is found in the book of Genesis. The woman was to be a helper, hence the husband does all the above commandments as the virtuous woman helps him. The husband does not worry at about the family; he has a reliable vision partner. He has a reliable supporter even in time management and in seasonal preparedness.

Chapter Five

How Christ is obtaining His Bride according to Genesis 24.

The book of Genesis Chapter 24 and the Book of Ruth also both show how Jesus Christ is getting His bride, the Church. In both cases we see the vital role of the Holy Spirit in preparing the Church. I shall hereby outline the role of the Holy Spirit and how He is preparing us for His coming.

In Genesis 24

In this book we see several types. Abraham is seen as a type of God the Father in the last days. This is just after He has conquered His enemy the devil and has blessed us in Christ Jesus with all spiritual blessings.

Ephesians 1:3

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Genesis 24:1

1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

The eldest servant of Abraham’s house is seen as a type of the Holy Spirit. While, Isaac is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; Rebecca is the Church; the country of Abraham is the World and the Kindred of Abraham is the Christianity world. The Holy Spirit is the one in charge of seeking and preparing the bride of Christ on earth. He has been commissioned not to do His will but what He hears that is what He does so that He can glorify Christ. See; John 15:26 which say, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

One of the most surprising thing about His mission is to the many who are called. He is busy separating the chosen from the called. He is calling the overcomers from the multitude of those who seem to profess Christianity. The servant was to go to the home country and specifically to the kindred of Abraham and not to call everybody but only the bride. The Holy Spirit is only seeking the Bride in the house of faith although He is still convicting the world of sin and judgment.

Genesis 24: 2-4

Genesis 25:5

5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

The bride of Christ must be willing to follow the Holy Spirit. Every believer who wants to be the bride of Christ must also willingly make a choice to be led by the Spirit. Romans 8:14 says: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

One thing that is clear is that God the Father will not allow Jesus to come and die for us again. It is us to make ourselves ready and meet His Son in the air at the last trumpet of God. God has send us all that we need to be ready, He has send His Word, His Holy Spirit and His holy Angels to help us.

The Holy Spirit has come loaded with spiritual gifts and ministry gifts to help to know that for sure God has prepared his Son by raising Him from the dead. Just like Abraham received Isaac as from the dead at MountMoriah. It is exciting to know that when Peter preached in Acts 2: 38-39 he said for the gift of the Holy Spirit is for as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 2:38-39

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

I think the camels might be a type of fellow believers who are serving the Lord on the earth. This should be this time of the last days when it is still spiritually dark on earth. The bride of Christ must be ready to wash other believers and supply them with spiritual food even at trying moments.

11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

The Holy Spirit is always in intercession for us so that we can be at the right place and at the same time. The Bride of the Lord must be sensitive and obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit. It seems the fellowship of a believer with the Holy Spirit is very important before the believer can be able to fellowship and meet the needs of other believers. Hence, the principle seems to be give drink to the Holy Spirit until He is satisfied with your fellowship with Him. Then automatically you shall know and see others believers who are in spiritual wilderness and then meet their needs. One of the mysteries of God is that even the one the Holy Spirit is meeting have been foreknown and predestinated by God the Father and placed to love the Lord Jesus Christ.

12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

The bride of Christ is already at work. They have their pitcher on their shoulders. They are not sleeping. They are being led by the Spirit to the right place.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

The Bride of Christ is Holy. They have not been contaminated with any things of the flesh. They are absolutely spiritual and holy as they do their work. Oh, when they fill the pitcher they always fill it completely so that they can supply maximum amount of spiritual food.

16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

The bride of Christ is submissive, hardworking and ready to offer service. She knows the value and place for authority and she is a redeemer of time. This is a demonstration of maturity.

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

The bride of Christ has spiritual perception and can discern need and meet them cheerfully. It can be hard to quench the thirst of camels especially for a woman in the evening, but the bride of Christ has added excellence in her faith and she does not offer anything to the Lord which does not cost her all her strength and heart. I can imagine the way she was running up and down!

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

There is a service and devotion which can make the Holy Spirit to wonder! And if such a service is given the Holy Spirit immediately beautifies such a saint with spiritual gifts. It is noteworthy that only golden gifts were given. This signifies a promotion to a higher service for the bride. The earing and the bracelets are really significant. She is a true sheep whose ear hears her shepherd and a true coworker who labours with the Lord taking care of the little ones of the Lord. Not only giving of a cup to those who belong to the Lord but full pitchers.

21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

The Holy Spirit loves to dwell and manifest Him in the houses of those who have the commandments of the Lord and love Him truly. This makes Him to prepare them fully. These kind of believers have extra rooms for believers and the Lord also to dwell.

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

23 And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?

The bride of the Lord have not lost their identity, they have maintained the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. They can easily know and testify of how they came to know the Lord. Moreover they have studied the Word of God and have known the bouty of the house of the Lord. They can openly declare that the earth and the fullness thereof is the LORD’s.

24 And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.
25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

The Holy Spirit is leading us to know the One Whose is due to all glory.

26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

It seems the soulish life, which is represented by Laban at first gets excited about the spiritual moves and gifts of God but is usually not ready to surrender to all the promptings of the Lord. The body is represented by the mother.

28 And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.

29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

The soulish life is always full of activity, but it is always based on the principle of self. It always counts on how much it can benefit but not on how the Lord may benefit. Hence, both the soul and the body just wonders at what the Lord demands but does not prepare for the spirit to meet the Lord. It actually even tries to block the Lord.

Although, the flesh can still agree on the moves of God, It still can not be reliable. But the discipline of making them to agree on the dictates of the Spirit can be pleasing to the Lord. This makes Him to open new provisions of the work of the cross so as to deal with the flesh. Silver always represents redemption. Raiment represents spiritual strength mainly through the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and gold represents godliness.

51 Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken.
52 And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth.
53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gavethem to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

This provision of the cross and from the resurrection of the Lord provides the ground and the strength for fellowship at this dark time before the Lord comes for His bride.

54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master.

But, the flesh (the body and soul) will still need to be disciplined when a higher level of devotion is demanded by the Lord for the spirit. This battle has to be won by strengthening the inner man by the Spirit; so that the spirit can make a decision without the interference of the body and soul and follow the Lord.

55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

It is amazing that the Holy Spirit still requires the cooperation of men in setting apart those whom He has called. Remember Acts 13: 1-2 which says, “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

Jesus is just waiting for the Church to be ready and to be presented to Him by the father. He is living to make intercession for us. When we shall see Him every knee shall bow before Him and we shall confess that He is Lord. He is the head of the Church so we all have our heads covered before Him.

64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.
65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself

The Holy Spirit’s work is well recorded. It is surprising that the Bible says that Isaac loved Rebecca but it does not say that Rebecca loved Isaac. In the same way the Bible says that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it. But, it does not say that the Church loved Christ. We should love Christ truly.

Chapter Six

How Christ is obtaining His Bride according to the Book of Ruth

The book of Ruth also shows clearly how the Holy Spirit is involved in getting and preparing the Bride of Christ.

Chapter 1

Verse 1: Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land.

I would like you to know that the days when the judges ruled were days when God (Jehovah) was really angry with His children (of Israel). After the death of Joshua and they started worshipping idols. So the LORD sent warning after warning but they never took heed. Every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 20:25). Exactly this is the present condition of the present Israel. All do what they want. Only traces of Jehovah are left. When people disobey God He sent His arms of war, pestilence and lastly famine. And now in the land of Israel it was famine time. It was at that time that the word of God says in verse 1.

And a certain man of Bethlehem – Judah went out to Sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.

The word of God says, “Lean not on your own understanding”. But this man of Bethlehem – Judah used his mind and decided to leave the house of bread. Bethlehem means, “house of bread”. It is in the land of promise. The land were God can actively be called and He response. But this man decided to disobey the Law of Moses, which had already said, “make no league with the nations around you”. But, he had a reason was, there was no food. The same man could have read about Isaac in Genesis 26:3 where God told him, “Sojourn in this land, I will be with thee…”. V 12 says, “Isaac sowed in that land, received in the same year a hundred fold, and the LORD blessed him”.
This man went to Moab. Moab is the kind of people who are drunk, who can play incest, adultery and immoral acts in darkness (Read19:30-38). The children born from, Lot a man who was fully influenced by Sodom. Hence Moab is the world or the Gentile world.

These are people who did not have the fear of God (Genesis 20:19).
Moab might hereby represent the Gentile world.
Here we see a man of covenant who joins himself with the heathens. That is extremely dangerous. He might die soon. The Bible marks each person in that family so clearly.

Verse 2: And the name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehm – Judah.

God knows all people by name. He knows what you have planned and your influences on other people He knows it altogether. He knows your village completely well. You can’t hide from God. The name of the man was so and so! So you can refuse to tell anybody where you are taking your family physically, spiritually or mentally but in the final analysis God knows and weighs all your actions. You are marked.

The name of Elimelech means “God his king”. He suppose to set God as his King to obey Him to be blessed with bread, but now he disobeyed God and decided by himself and made this wrong decision.

Verse 3: And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died and she was left, and her two sons.

This is very important for the whole book of Ruth. It shows that person who is important, fundamental for understanding all the events. In this one verse Naomi is referred to three times. She is connected to her husband, and she is connected to her children. If you have sharp eyes, you can see that after Jesus died and went to heaven, the Holy Spirit was left in charge of the church and the tribe of Israel. Naomi means “Pleasant” hence I can say that Naomi is the Holy Spirit in the Gentile world. The tribe of Israel has rejected the Messiah. We shall see clearly why I believe that Naomi is the Holy Spirit type in this book.

Verse 4: And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other was Ruth: and they dwelt there about ten years.

These uninformed boys made the mistake of mistakes. Their father probably never told them their covenant with God. So they followed their father who taught that it is possible to assume God. The LORD, had told the children of Israel never to intermarriage with other tribes. The boys did “ignorantly”. But the wages of sin are just the same – death, the word of God says in Romans 6:23. God knows your acceptable wife. Some wives can mean death to you if they are not in the permissible will of God (Romans 12:2).

Verse 5: And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them: and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

They died both of them. God is no respect of persons. So far the woman has not done any mistake. But after the death of her husband, she is free to obey God or not. If she continues in Moab she will die, bur if she returns she will live.
Again, you can see the emphasis of the woman in the verse 5. She is mentioned three times again. In five verses she is mentioned eight times. She is the only one in the land of Moab who has a covenant with Jehovah God. She is the only one who knows the conditions of Jehovah, the Holy God. This is the situation in the world today. It is only the Holy Spirit who knows the only true and living God. Without the Holy Spirit we can not know the God of Israel. We can’t even know our way to heaven. Now the Holy Spirit wants to go back.

Verse 6: Then she arose with her daughters in law, she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited His people in giving them bread.

Glory to God, you can see the word here. “She arose with her….” She was in complete control that she might return….The only reason, which makes a Gentile to come to the God of Israel, is because bread has been provided by Jehovah. That bread is Jesus. He said I am the bread of life (John 6:48). For God so loved the world (Moab) that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). But Naomi has a problem, she knows the conditions of God, Jehovah will not allow a Gentile just simply as the two daughters thought. These are Moabites, people who are earthly minded. They must be heavenly minded before they can fit into the family of a heavenly God. They are too much husband minded (early minded). This has to change. Hence the Holy Spirit has this problem with every one who wants to go and be with the heavenly family. They must be ready to face the reproach of the “Jews” at the other side. The Jews will look at the girls as Moabites. The Jews are not ready to marry anybody like a Moabite. So if that is your priority you’d better go back.

Verse 7: wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

I thank God for His wonderful word, I desire to sit down and worship such an intelligent God. The word of God says, “She went forth out of the place”.
She took them until they were sure they had left Moab or rather they were leaving Moab. Not only that, but for them to be sure that they are truly going. They went on the way to return. This is the initial stage of salvation. When the Holy Spirit decides to have you for Christ you will sense the great sanctifying power (separating energy) from the world.
Oh, at this stage men really a mixed multitude. Their minds a fully worldly set. They are just taking Moab to Israel out of us and fix our eyes on the eternal issues. Paul said, “we look not at the things which are seen but on things which are not seen” (II Corinthians 4:18).

Verse 8: And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, go, return each to her mother’s house. The LORD deal kindly with you as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

This is the shock of shocks. Naomi ……. What are you saying? The journey was smooth and it was heaven all the way? “No, please, my daughters…….you will not go from this point like you are. You must understand deeply the lesson of holiness and if you can’t bear it please settle on the lowest godly blessings called “Orpha blessings”. Sincerely speaking my dear brethren, many believers have returned home instead of going on to see and be married to Jesus (Boaz). They have gone to their mother’s house. They are receiving the LORD’s blessing at salvation level. But they will never go to heaven, though they were God’s elect in the first. Most of such will be saved during the tribulation period.

We reach this stage with the Holy Spirit, where the Lord urges us to put off the old man and put on the new man so that we can be created in the image of our husband (Jesus). God open your understanding so that you can understand the scriptures (Luke 24:45)

9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

They cried when they knew they needed to make a decision to determine their destiny.

The Holy Spirit demands faith and personal determination; this is to believe beyond hope. The true heirs shall inherit the promises through faith and patience (Heb 6:12). They shall overcome if they are faithful do not love their lives even unto death (Revelation 2:10). I believe the work of the Holy Spirit to bring believers to a relationship with Christ is a very hard work. It involves a complete change of all the aspects of the life of a man or woman. There is need for a complete denial of the past life and a complete embracing of the new life. This decision is usually challenged by all kinds of trials so that it will be genuine. The flesh will also bring its appeals. But, a believer who is faithful even up to death shall be allowed by the Holy Spirit to achieve a higher ground in the walk with the Lord. This requires steadfast mind, in which a believer has his or her mind set on the Lord only.

The grace of God and His ways are wonderful. The LORD has called us into His kingdom when all things are ready. He has provided salvation for us alone. We just have to receive all things by simple faith. The bread of heaven, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, has come and we just need to receive Him. Bethlehem means house of bread.

22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Chapter 2

Jesus Christ is related to us. He is the one who took flesh and came and dwelt with us. He is man and God. Hence, in the spiritual realm we have one who is in touch with our infirmities. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords and all things have been given to Him for ever. He is exceedingly wealthy in all forms of substance and wisdom. He came through the line of the Jews in the human plane.

1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

For a gentile to enter into the commonwealth of the Jews and be in covenant with the Almighty God he or she must be guided by the Holy Spirit (Naomi) and enter into the field (The Word of God) and glean the parts of the Bible which are specifically referring to the Gentile world. It is clear in the scriptures that the Gentiles are fully welcome into the Kingdom of God but, they need to select the parts which make them to also enter and be full heirs.

2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

The Holy Spirit will always be guiding in the background if we make a move to search the ways of God. We might not always be aware but He is always there. The most exciting thing is that if the Holy Spirit is guiding, He shall always lead us to the Lord Jesus Christ using the scriptures so that He can satisfy our spiritual hunger.

3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

The Lord Jesus came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). He brought peace between God and man by being the substitute for our sins. He is aware of all those who come to seek Him. Even though other reapers may not recognize you, the Lord Jesus is full aware of you. Especially if you have asked and followed the Holy Spirit with all your heart and you are hard working.

It pays a lot to recognize who is the Lord of the harvest. We must seek also His guidance in the harvest field, so that we might not interfere with other reapers. The other important thing is to make sure that we follow after other reapers. This is the following of those who are in the faith and have inherited the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12).

7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

We must be not mix the seeking the Lord with other things. We must be set apart as holy and only seek to be feed from His table. The Holy Spirit will teach us to abide in Him at all times (John 15). We are also to abide in Him with other believers in the Lord. The Lord is a good shepherd and He shall make sure that those who are young in the faith are not harassed by the older ones. Spiritual maturity is clearly a product of benefiting from the revelations of those who have been before us who have been taught of the ways of the Lord.

This means to be set apart from any common use. This means she is supposed to follow only the instructions of the Lord in where to go and what to do.

As we seek the Lord we shall find that He is very merciful and gracious to us. We will find that none of us is insignificant in the eyes of the Lord. He truly said that He shall be no means cast out those who come to Him. He even knows all of our details in life, even before we began seeking His favour. The Lord is extremely gracious. He always makes sure that He does exceedingly above all that we can ask or think according to His riches in glory (Ephesians 3:20). He is a rewarder and defender of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

The Lord wants all those who seek Him to abide with those who are young and active in the faith and are reaping so that they can be mature and be taught how to serve Him. This order is to continue until His coming for the Church. The Holy Spirit will also make sure this order is kept in our memories.

21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Chapter 3

Our cooperation with the Holy Spirit is very important for it is Him who shall teach us how to find rest in the Lord Jesus Christ. The closer walk with the Holy Spirit makes us to be true sons of God. Hence He is not ashamed to call us His brethren. We hereby see Him calling us “my daughter”. He knows the seasons of the Lord’s work and He shall show us our inheritance in Christ.

The bride of the Lord is beautified by the Lord, so that the Lord can have a Church that is holy and without any blemish (Ephesians 5:26-27). The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of holiness and purity. He empowers us to put on garments of righteousness as we approach the throne of God. The Holy Spirit teaches us how we ought to pray for we do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26). The Holy Spirit does not tell us what the Lord should tell us, but He brings us to Christ so that we can hear and obey our Lord.

5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

When we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we shall find the bountifulness of the Lord. Although we are not perfect and we might feel unworthy, the Lord shall tell us not to fear for He has already prepared the necessary provisions for us to be accepted in the beloved. This kind of preparations require that we add to our faith
virtue, excellence, goodness, faithfulness, diligence, love and self control in our walk with the Holy Spirit.

11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Chapter Seven

The right priority in marriage

Many Christians have many their lives difficult by not setting their priorities well. The Word of God has shown us the right order of setting priorities. In Genesis 26:25 The Bible shows how Isaac set his priorities. He eventually managed to keep the family together and also to fullfil the plan of God in His life. He was able to balance between his family, God and business well.

Genesis 26:25

25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.

The Bible show that the first thing he did when he arrived in a place was to build an altar. This was to establish fellowship with God in the land where he wished to stay. We should also set God as the first thing in our lives. Our relationship with God must be maintained as the first priority. The Word says, in all our ways we should acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths. The second thing to do is to build a tent. This is the place where his family was to dwell. This suggests that the family is the second thing for us to set as of importance. The last thing Isaac did was to dig wells. This was the business of Isaac.

If we set our priorities in this order we can be guaranteed success. The other way in which other people have arranged their order of priorities and made a mess out of their lives are.

Job, family, God.
Job, God, family.
God, Job, Family.
Family, God, Job.
Family, Job, God.

There are others who even do not have some of these important components of life. Hence, some just concentrate on only Job or on family and this has made them to be devastated eternally at the end of their lives. Those who set God as the only reason for living simply because of the respect they had for the call of God in their lives, like Elijah and Paul, have not regretted eternally.

Philippians 1:21

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Latest comments

09.09 | 19:56

I would like to do a doctor of ministry! What are the requirements? Do I do coursework or thesis only.I have a masters degree in education, bachelor of theology,bachelor of prophetic ministry, bachelo

24.07 | 20:58

Amazing work of Christ Jesus

09.05 | 11:51

be blessed Tebla, I hope to see you in the Kingdom, hold on to the four steps and the Holy Spirit shall mature you as a child of God.

05.05 | 06:03

Powerful teaching,am blessed by it

How to get a marriage partner

Chapter One

The Value of Holiness

Chapter Two

Identifying which kind of person you are

Chapter Three

The Rebecca Way

Chapter Four

The way of Ruth

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

How Christ is obtaining His Bride according to Genesis 24.

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

The right priority in marriage

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