The book of Ruth is one of the historical books of the Old Testament - the Pentateuch to the next section. The first two are the historical books of Joshua, which tells of the entry of Israel into the Holy Land and the Judges, which tells Israel not yet organized in a State: judges, therefore, are those guide the people. The book of Ruth is part of this historical period and culture.
There are three assumptions about the dating of its writing: one dating from the tenth century. BC, a BC around 500/480 and a third hypothesis that identifies a more ancient part, which represents the backbone, and one that shows the details later. If so this little book would have a very important weight: Israel had just returned from the wilderness and exile - a period in which it was contaminated with other peoples - and why he felt the need to rebuild a strong identity. In under the laws of this need began to become very hard, coming to touch and fundamentalism. An example: they were not allowed women marrying Canaanite or Babylonian and who in the past had now seen forced to repudiate. The aim was to purify the race.
choices being made in that direction choices are typical of those who feel weak, the law becomes identity.
At this particular historical period and cultural context in which Israel does not want to mix with foreigners, this book speaks to a foreign woman, Moabite, as if to remind the origins of the great King David.
reminds us that perhaps our desire for separation from others does not make sense to exist, perhaps mix can lead to something good.
Cap.1
In the first chapter, there is often a repetition of the word Bethlehem, the city where David was born. City where Jesus was born
According to Matthew in the lineage of Jesus, that of David, there is Ruth. Jesus is also the result of a foreign woman. In Jesus there is some foreign blood.
The first ten lines say that life is more complex laws, rules, principles: who, for example, married foreign women (in this case mAb) did not do so to break the laws of Israel, but because the reality, with his routes, has led the men in that direction, towards women.
There are, for us, values \u200b\u200bthat are not discussed but it is necessary to pay attention to the complexity of the situation, the reality can not look just a little piece of it, that, perhaps, consistent with our values \u200b\u200b... hence the need not to use the values \u200b\u200bat will, according to our advantage. Sometimes we unforgiving towards anyone, or to certain aspects that we consider indisputable, but we know to be as strict as in other circumstances.
This book is to remind us when we are submissive and vice versa intransigence 1 .
Naomi means "my consolation, my sweetness," but takes away the life of the husband and all children (at that time meant losing everything) why, back in Bethlehem, asks to be called Mara - the Lord has made me love life, I was saddened.
There are other lives easier and more difficult, so that the comparison fails. There are really different lives.
We will ask the weight of our lives ... and so the bill could surprise us ... - It annoys out of our selfishness that puts us on the pedestal of pain, which we folded in the exclusivity of our suffering. There might bother down from that position, also well so dear. There annoys be reported to reality.
The mere presence of those around us, with its hardships, both large and small dramas can teach us to read more about our lives, our way of living, to face it ... hence the need to hand to life, of "dirty hands" but also to wash the soul with their testimony, and then wash our hands potercele "dirty again," 2
This woman known, however, think of the bitter feeling of happiness in-law, urges them to build a new life (vv. 8-13). It is a stretch top of his heart ... Often, on the contrary, there is a form of happiness that envy the happiness of others, so man draws into the vortex of his suffering and misery those who are happy, just because he can not endure the frustration and accept the joys of others. Sometimes the man does it all revolves around his unhappiness. Noemi teacher of happiness - a paradox, yet can we learn from Naomi and manage the 'misery.
Ruth, however, means "friend" Ruth decides to stay near the mother-in-law. Naomi has lost all ties of blood, is supported in an electoral tie, in a friend. (Occasionally some elective ties are stronger or equally strong those with blood. One question that this book poses is: "How do I live my ties elective? I have a "family affection" with which I feel at home ?...).
Verse 16 refers to the passage of Exodus (Chapter 3, v.4), where Moses meets God in the burning bush that looks like "I am who I am." In fact, the step could also be translated: I am the one who will. Similarly Ruth says to Naomi: I am with you, I'll be your friend and I'll be with you because, by virtue of the connection between us will be established. As the faithful relationship between Moses and God Ruth also remains loyal to Naomi. Ruth staying with Naomi, prevents "to cry on, to die out, the show that something good is 3
Despite the time he was living, she widow , decided to give comfort and support to the mother-in-law, perhaps in the eyes of most could not be the right time ... Ruth searches for the strength to give strength to both.
conclude with a question, maybe even a little 'personal, how many times out of season we invent? ... Maybe it is not currently appropriate, it is desirable that some other time ... Knowing how to take this step is a grace ... Often we wait for the opportune moment may never come ... but
1. You must pay attention to what "nature" is simply being there: it could be a lot easier to condemn those who are different from us is much more difficult to convict someone who refers to our limit, albeit reluctantly.
2. By a contribution of Lorenzo when comparing
3. A contribution Alessandra when comparing
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