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Ruth Bible Study – Chapter 3

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At first glance, the Feast of First Fruits may seem distant from the story of Ruth, but as we dig a little deeper, we find that the feast holds a place in her story. The mention of barley and wheat harvests within the Book of Ruth is far from coincidental. I believe that it’s a deliberate detail, emphasizing the timing and significance of events. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a critical element of the story, pointing us toward a greater harvest and, ultimately, toward Christ.

While the harvest seasons symbolize God’s provision, they also echo the suffering of Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer, and the promise of His resurrection. By integrating the celebration of first fruits into our study of Ruth, we’re invited to see a deeper truth: we serve a living God who rose from the dead, and just as Ruth and Naomi awaited Boaz’s return for his bride (3:18), we too wait with hopeful anticipation for Christ’s return. This connection between Ruth’s story and the feast enriches our understanding, reminding us of God’s perfect timing and the profound promise of His redemptive love.

The waving of the first sheaf of barley during this feast (Leviticus 23:10-11) vividly illustrates the death and resurrection of Christ. In Chapter one, we talked about how Jesus is likened to the first sheaf of barley, signifying He is the foremost among a plentiful harvest. Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24, NIV), we grasp the magnitude of His sacrifice. Through His death, represented by the seed that fell to the ground, life sprang forth abundantly.

In this chapter, we’re given a picture of Boaz on the threshing floor winnowing barley. What I’d like you to take note of is how the process of winnowing and threshing echo the suffering of Christ.

Separating the grain from the chaff with threshing flails, and the subsequent steps of beating, sifting, and refining the barley serve as powerful metaphors for the suffering of Jesus. His flogging, the scorn of a crown of thorns placed upon His head, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross (John 19:1-3), are vivid parallels to the threshing process. They reflect the depth of His trials and the extent of His sacrifice for us.

Every detail of the Feast of First Fruits, from the winnowing process to the waving of the first sheaf, foreshadows the suffering, death, and glorious resurrection of Christ. And so, the threshing floor, a space rich in symbolism and purpose, becomes the sacred stage where the story of Ruth and Boaz unfolds. It is here, amidst the winnowing—the separation of grain from chaff—that Boaz reveals his intentions towards Ruth, offering a vivid reflection of the redemptive love of Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer.

This Week’s Challenge

Consider what ‘chaff’ you might be clinging to in your life – habits or thoughts that don’t contribute to your growth. As the threshing floor was used to separate grain from chaff, seek God’s guidance in your own spiritual winnowing. Pray for wisdom to release the unnecessary and embrace that which truly sustains you.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

TUESDAY: CHARACTER STUDY ANALYSIS

Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife or on Youtube (subscribe while you’re there)

Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.

Read through Ruth Chapter 3.

Print off the Character Study Analysis sheet (click here), and begin to fill it in. If you don’t want to print it out, you can view the headings and record your thoughts in a notebook.

Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY – RUTH 3:1-6 THE PREPARATION PROCESS

Work through the section in you study guide titled: RUTH 3:1-6 THE PREPARATION PROCESS

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

THURSDAY – RUTH 3:7-13 THE THRESHING FLOOR

Work through the section in you study guide titled: RUTH 3:7-13 THE THRESHING FLOOR

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

Respond to at least one other person’s post in the group to encourage others.

FRIDAY – RUTH 3:14-18 SIX MEASURES OF BARLEY

Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s closing thoughts on Ruth Chapter 2.
(You can find this in your email or in the blog section of the website by clicking the menu)
Read the section called RUTH 3:14-18 SIX MEASURES OF BARLEY in the study guide. Answer the questions in that section.
Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

SATURDAY – GLEANING FROM RUTH CHAPTER 3

Complete the sections at the end of Chapter 1 titled: Gleaning from Ruth Chapter 3 & Seeds of Renewal

SUNDAY – REST

MONDAY – catch up day

Use this day to catch up on the study if you are falling behind.

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