Zwipo 4 - KBTP & GNTD

But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

The love story of Ruth and Boaz is one of the most heartwarming narratives in the Bible. It highlights loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God. Below is a seven-part exploration of their story, showcasing key moments and lessons we can learn.

1. Ruth’s Loyal Love for Naomi

Bible Verse: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'” (Ruth 1:16)

The story begins with Ruth’s decision to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the loss of their husbands. Despite being a Moabite with no obligation to remain, Ruth chooses loyalty and selfless love over personal comfort. Her declaration of commitment is a profound example of love rooted in devotion and faith.

Lesson: True love often involves sacrifice and putting others’ needs before your own.

2. Ruth’s Humility and Hard Work

Bible Verse: “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” (Ruth 2:2)

Arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately seeks ways to provide for herself and Naomi. She humbly works in the fields, gleaning leftover grain, which was allowed under the law for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10). Her actions reflect love expressed through diligence and service.

Lesson: Love is not just about words but is demonstrated through actions of care and responsibility.

3. Boaz’s Kindness Toward Ruth

Bible Verse: “The Lord bless you, my daughter. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier… You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.” (Ruth 3:10)

Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi, notices Ruth’s character and dedication. He treats her with kindness, ensuring she has more than enough grain and protection while working in his fields. Boaz’s actions are motivated by compassion and respect for Ruth’s integrity.

Lesson: Love involves recognizing and honoring the worth of others, especially their character and efforts.

4. Ruth’s Bold Request for Redemption

Bible Verse: “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” (Ruth 3:9)

Following Naomi’s guidance, Ruth approaches Boaz at night, asking him to act as her kinsman-redeemer. This was not a romantic gesture in the modern sense but a cultural and legal request for protection and provision. Ruth’s boldness reflects her trust in both Boaz and God’s plan.

Lesson: Love sometimes requires stepping out in faith and making courageous decisions.

5. Boaz’s Integrity and Commitment

Bible Verse: “I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” (Ruth 3:11)

Boaz agrees to Ruth’s request but ensures the proper legal steps are taken first. He respects the traditions and laws of Israel, seeking permission from a closer relative before redeeming Ruth. His actions show his integrity and willingness to do things the right way.

Lesson: Love is honorable and seeks to uphold righteousness in all circumstances.

6. The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz

Bible Verse: “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” (Ruth 4:13)

Boaz redeems Ruth and marries her, fulfilling his role as her kinsman-redeemer. Their union is not only a picture of love between two people but also a reflection of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people.

Lesson: God honors love that is rooted in obedience, faithfulness, and His divine plan.

7. God’s Providential Love Through Their Lineage

Bible Verse: “Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’ And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:16-17)

Ruth and Boaz’s love story is woven into God’s grand plan. Their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, placing them in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This demonstrates how God uses love and faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Lesson: Love that honors God has eternal significance, impacting generations to come.

Conclusion

The story of Ruth and Boaz is more than a romance—it’s a testament to God’s providence and the power of love rooted in loyalty, humility, and faith. Their story encourages us to trust God’s plan, love selflessly, and honor Him in all our relationships.

Let this example inspire us to live with the same devotion and integrity, trusting that God is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect plan for our lives.

Zwibhayilo zwe tjibi

1 Yahwe bakadwa Mushe bakati, 2 “Idwa bathu be Iziraela uti, ‘Ha kuna mmwe watjinya ngosaziba, mu tjimwe tje zwithu Yahwe zwabakalaula kuti zwisithamiwe, ngono kathama tjimwe tjazo ngaathame sahwoku:

3 “ ‘Ha ali mpirisiti wakazhodziwa atjinya, kutjinya kukwe kozhisa nlandu mu bathu, ndizo ngaadusile tjibi tjaathama nkong'wana usina bulema kuna Yahwe tjili tjibhayilo tje tjibi. 4 Ayise nkong'wana ihwoyo ku nkoba we nshasha we bushanganilo mbeli kwa Yahwe, abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo we nkong'wana, abe eubhaya mbeli kwa Yahwe. 5 Ngono mpirisiti wakazhodziwa atole mamwe e malopa e nkong'wana aayise ku nshasha we bushanganilo. 6 Mpirisiti adubike tjinyala tjitje mu malopa, abe enyasa mamwe awo katendeka mbeli kwa Yahwe ali mbeli kwe tjisitilo tje bugalo gwakayengemala. 7 Mpirisiti azhodze mamwe e malopa mu nyanga dze tjibeso tje motsha unonuhwa zwinozipa tjimu nshasha we bushanganilo mbeli kwa Yahwe, ngono malopa wose asala e nkong'wana aatebulile pa tjigadziko tje tjibeso tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa tjipa nkoba we nshasha we bushanganilo. 8 Aduse mafuta wose mu nkong'wana we tjibhayilo tje tjibi, lizwizwi ne mafuta wose e zwimukati, 9 ne so mbili ne mafuta adzo kudwila ku thunji ne mafuta apezhugwi kwe tjilopa, azwidusilanye ne so. 10 Mpirisiti unowotola mafuta iyawa ebe eapisa mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo tjagala tjipisigwa zwibhayilo zwinopisiwa, sekwa agala ethama nge mafuta adwa mu ithuwo tjabhayigwa tjibhayilo tje mbakisano. 11 Koga ganda le nkono ne nyama kose ne nsholo wayo ne thozo dzayo ne zwamukati ne nswane wayo, 12 ntumbu wose we nkong'wana usengegwe kuzhe kwe bukotokelo, ku bugalo bubuyanana ku tjizhalanlota, upisiwe mu moto we hwuni pezhugwi kwe tjizhalanlota.

13 “ ‘Ha itjaba tjose tje Iziraela tjathama tjibi ngosaziba ngono kwakasumbikala mu mesho e gubungano, bebe bethama tjimwe tje zwithu Yahwe tjabakati tjisithamwe ngono bebe babe ne nlandu, 14 ha tjibi tjabathama tjibe tjizibgwa, gubungano lodusa nkong'wana kube tjibhayilo tje tjibi, ngono banowouzhisa mbeli kwe nshasha we bushanganilo. 15 Bakulu be gubungano babige maboko abo pezhugwi kwe nsholo we nkong'wana mbeli kwa Yahwe, ngono nkong'wana unowobhayiwa mbeli kwa Yahwe. 16 Ndizo mpirisiti wakazhodziwa unowozhisa malopa mamwe e nkong'wana ku nshasha we bushanganilo, 17 ngono mpirisiti unowodubika tjinyala tjitje mu malopa ebe eanyasa katendeka mbeli kwa Yahwe ali mbeli kwe tjisitilo. 18 Ngono mpirisiti unowozhodza malopa mu nyanga dze tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo tjimu nshasha we bushanganilo mbeli kwa Yahwe, ngono malopa wose asala unowoatebulila ku bhato le tjibeso tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa tjipa nkoba we nshasha we bushanganilo. 19 Ngono mafuta e nkong'wana wose aaduse muuli abe eapisila mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo. 20 Sekwa akathama nge nkong'wana we tjibhayilo tje tjibi ndiko zwako kwaanowothama nge nkong'wana ihwoyu. Mpirisiti unowothama gadzano yabo na Yahwe, ngono Yahwe banowobazwiibhatigwa. 21 Ntumbu wose we nkong'wana unowousengela kuzhe kwe bukotokelo kanoupisa sekwa akapisa nkong'wana we kutanga. Etji nditjo tjibhayilo tje tjibi tje gubungano.

22 “ ‘Ha ntungamili athama tjibi ngosaziba mu tjimwe tje zwithu Yahwe Ndzimu uwe tjabalaula kuti tjisithamwe, ngono abe nlandu, 23 ngono ha tjibi tjaathama atjizibisiwa, unozhisa tjipo tjitje ili mbudzi ndume isina bulema. 24 Ngono abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo we mbudzi, abhaye mbudzi iyeyo panobhayigwa tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa mbeli kwa Yahwe, itjetji nditjo tjibhayilo tje tjibi. 25 Ndizo mpirisiti unowotola mamwe e malopa e tjibhayilo tje tjibi nge tjinyala tjitje ebe eabhoma mu nyanga dze tjibeso tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, ebe etebulila malopa asala pa bhato le tjibeso tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa. 26 Ngono mafuta wose aapisile mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo sekwa akapisa mafuta e tjibhayilo tje mbakisano. Sa ikoko, mpirisiti unowonthamila kugadzana ngekwe tjibi tjitje, ngono Yahwe banonzwiibhatigwa.

27 “ ‘Ha mmwe we bathu koga angatjinya ngosaziba, ngoti athama tjimwe tje zwithu Yahwe tjabakalaula kuti tjisithamwe, ngono abe nlandu, 28 ha azibisiwa tjibi tjaathama, azhise tjipo tje mbudzi hadzi isina bulema, edusila tjibi tjitje tjaathama. 29 Ngono ntjinyi abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo we tjibhayilo tje tjibi, abhaye tjibhayilo tje tjibi panobhayigwa tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa. 30 Mpirisiti atole mamwe e malopa atjo nge tjinyala tjitje aabhome mu nyanga dze tjibeso tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, abe etebulila malopa asala pa bhato le tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo. 31 Wakatjinya aduse malopa wose sekwa akaadusa mu tjibhayilo tje mbakisano, ngono mpirisiti unowopisa tjibhayilo mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo kube nnuhwo unonuhwa zwinozipa kuna Yahwe. Sa ikoko, mpirisiti unonthamila gadzano na Yahwe, ngono Yahwe banowonzwiibhatigwa.

32 “ ‘Ha nthu angazhisa pkhwizi kube tjipo tjitje tje tjibi, azhise ili hadzi isina bulema. 33 Abige luboko gugwe pezhugwi kwe nsholo wayo, abe ebhaya pkhwizi ili tjibhayilo tje tjibi pa bugalo gunobhayigwa tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa. 34 Ndizo mpirisiti unowotola mamwe e malopa e tjibhayilo tje tjibi nge tjinyala tjitje, ebe eabhoma mu nyanga dze tjibeso tje tjibhayilo tjinopisiwa, ebe etebulila malopa asala pa bhato le tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo. 35 Ngono unowodusa mafuta ayo wose sekwa kunodusiwa mafuta e pkhwizana ye tjibhayilo tje mbakisano, ngono mpirisiti unowoapisila mu tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo, pezhugwi kwe zwipo zwinopisiwa mu moto kupisigwa Yahwe. Sa ikoko mpirisiti unowonthamila kugadzana na Yahwe ngekwe tjibi tjaathama, ngono Yahwe banonzwiibhatigwa.’ ”

Offerings for Unintentional Sins

1 The Lord commanded Moses 2 to tell the people of Israel that anyone who sinned and broke any of the Lord's commands without intending to, would have to observe the following rules.

3 If it is the High Priest who sins and so brings guilt on the people, he shall present a young bull without any defects and sacrifice it to the Lord for his sin. 4 He shall bring the bull to the entrance of the Tent, put his hand on its head, and kill it there in the Lord's presence. 5 Then the High Priest shall take some of the bull's blood and carry it into the Tent. 6 He shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it in front of the sacred curtain seven times. 7 Then he shall put some of the blood on the projections at the corners of the incense altar in the Tent. He shall pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar used for burning sacrifices, which is at the entrance of the Tent. 8 From this bull he shall take all the fat, the fat on the internal organs, 9 the kidneys and the fat on them, and the best part of the liver. 10 The priest shall take this fat and burn it on the altar used for the burnt offerings, just as he does with the fat from the animal killed for the fellowship offering. 11 But he shall take its skin, all its flesh, its head, its legs, and its internal organs, including the intestines, 12 carry it all outside the camp to the ritually clean place where the ashes are poured out, and there he shall burn it on a wood fire.

13 If it is the whole community of Israel that sins and becomes guilty of breaking one of the Lord's commands without intending to, 14 then as soon as the sin becomes known, the community shall bring a young bull as a sin offering. They shall bring it to the Tent of the Lord's presence; 15 the leaders of the community shall put their hands on its head, and it shall be killed there. 16 The High Priest shall take some of the bull's blood into the Tent, 17 dip his finger in it, and sprinkle it in front of the curtain seven times. 18 He shall put some of the blood on the projections at the corners of the incense altar inside the Tent and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar used for burning sacrifices, which is at the entrance of the Tent. 19 Then he shall take all its fat and burn it on the altar. 20 He shall do the same thing with this bull as he does with the bull for the sin offering, and in this way he shall make the sacrifice for the people's sin, and they will be forgiven. 21 Then he shall take the bull outside the camp and burn it, just as he burns the bull offered for his own sin. This is an offering to take away the sin of the community.

22 If it is a ruler who sins and becomes guilty of breaking one of the Lord's commands without intending to, 23 then as soon as the sin is called to his attention, he shall bring as his offering a male goat without any defects. 24 He shall put his hand on its head and kill it on the north side of the altar, where the animals for the burnt offerings are killed. This is an offering to take away sin. 25 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood of the animal, put it on the projections at the corners of the altar, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 26 Then he shall burn all of its fat on the altar, just as he burns the fat of the animals killed for the fellowship offerings. In this way the priest shall offer the sacrifice for the sin of the ruler, and he will be forgiven.

27 If any of you people sin and become guilty of breaking one of the Lord's commands without intending to, 28 then as soon as the sin is called to your attention, you shall bring as your offering a female goat without any defects. 29 You shall put your hand on its head and kill it on the north side of the altar, where the animals for the burnt offerings are killed. 30 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood of the animal, put it on the projections at the corners of the altar, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 31 Then he shall remove all its fat, just as the fat is removed from the animals killed for the fellowship offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar as an odor pleasing to the Lord. In this way the priest shall offer the sacrifice for the man's sin, and he will be forgiven.

32 If you bring a sheep as a sin offering, it must be a female without any defects. 33 You shall put your hand on its head and kill it on the north side of the altar, where the animals for the burnt offerings are killed. 34 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood of the animal, put it on the projections at the corners of the altar, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 35 Then he shall remove all its fat, just as the fat is removed from the sheep killed for the fellowship offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar along with the food offerings given to the Lord. In this way the priest shall offer the sacrifice for your sin, and you will be forgiven.