Women of the Bible in Context: Her God, Her Story, Her Voice

• 028 Naomi & Ruth: Civic Theology in Action (Ruth 4)

  Send us a textWhat if Ruth isn’t a romance but a masterclass in covenant, courage, and community? We step into the city gate of Bethlehem and watch Boaz work redemption in public view—gathering elders, citing law, and taking a costly stand for Naomi and Ruth. From Leviticus 25 to leverite marriage, we break down how land, lineage, and law intertwine to protect the vulnerable, restore a household, and honor a lost name. The details matter: the sandal ritual, the witnesses, and the blessings that invoke Rachel, Leah, and Perez all situate Ruth’s inclusion within Israel’s legal memory, offering a thoughtful answer to hard questions about identity and belonging.Along the way, we highlight how providence meets participation. “Chance” moments—Ruth gleaning in the right field, the redeemer passing by—become turning points because people act with integrity. Boaz leverages power for others rather than himself; Naomi’s wisdom frames the story’s theology; and the women of the town interpret what God has done and even name the child Obed. Their voices reveal the book’s heartbeat: chesed is not sentiment but structure, not just kindness but covenant that binds the strong to the weak. The genealogy to David is brief, but the story has already trained us to see the women beneath the names—Ruth, Naomi, Tamar, perhaps Rahab—whose courage makes the line possible.If you’re ready to rethink Ruth 4 as civic theology in action, this conversation is for you. We read key verses with Hebrew name-meanings, explain how earlier legal precedent shapes later practice, and show why the “nearer redeemer” declines while Boaz risks his inheritance for a larger good. By the end, Naomi’s arms hold fullness, Ruth belongs without remainder, and a community has witnessed justice done. Listen, share with a friend who loves biblical studies and practical theology, and leave a review to tell us what surprised you most. Support the show......................................................Follow We Who Thirst on Instagram, Threads, or YouTube! To join Jessica LM Jenkins' mailing list, or access the full research bibliography for this episode visit www.wewhothirst.com/links . Thank you for supporting the Women of the Bible in Context podcast, your contributions make this ministry possible!

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• 027 Naomi & Ruth: Sexual Tension, Providence, and Choice (Ruth 3)

  Send us a textSexual tension crackles through the midnight air as Ruth uncovers Boaz's feet at the threshing floor. This pivotal chapter marks the moment when human agency takes center stage in what has thus far been a story of divine providence working mysteriously behind the scenes.After watching from the sidelines, Naomi awakens to her responsibility. The formerly bitter widow crafts a bold, risky plan that sends Ruth into a potentially compromising situation. The midnight encounter is deliberately cloaked in ambiguity, with Hebrew words laden with possible sexual connotations. Yet beneath this tension lies something profound – a testament to honor, covenant faithfulness, and moral integrity.Ruth's approach to Boaz brilliantly weaves together personal need with communal responsibility. Her request "spread your wing over me" simultaneously proposes marriage and invokes his duty as kinsman-redeemer. It echoes Boaz's earlier blessing that Ruth find refuge under God's wings, suggesting Boaz himself can become an instrument of divine protection. When she adds "for you are a kinsman-redeemer," Ruth ensures Naomi remains part of the equation, demonstrating her extraordinary loyalty.Boaz's response reveals his exceptional character. Unlike his ancestors who fell to sexual temptation, he maintains absolute integrity. He acknowledges Ruth as "a woman of valor" – the same phrase used for the ideal woman in Proverbs 31 – and pledges to resolve her situation legally, respecting both her virtue and the rights of a nearer kinsman. Through these complex interactions, we discover God's providence often works not through miraculous intervention, but through righteous people acting justly within established systems to protect the vulnerable.What might appear scandalous on the surface actually reveals profound theological truth: God doesn't want passive followers waiting for divine intervention – He wants people who actively reflect His character by caring for those in need. How are you using your position and resources to act as God's hands today? Support the show......................................................Follow We Who Thirst on Instagram, Threads, or YouTube! To join Jessica LM Jenkins' mailing list, or access the full research bibliography for this episode visit www.wewhothirst.com/links . Thank you for supporting the Women of the Bible in Context podcast, your contributions make this ministry possible!

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• 026 Naomi & Ruth: When Trauma Meets Kindness (Ruth 2)

  Send us a textWhen life collapses around us, where is God? The Book of Ruth offers a profound answer where divine providence operates not through dramatic miracles but through ordinary people reflecting God's character.Ruth's gleaning "coincidentally" brings her to Boaz's field – a moment that reveals how God orchestrates circumstances we might dismiss as chance. As Ruth demonstrates remarkable initiative in caring for her grieving mother-in-law Naomi, we witness the striking contrast between two valid responses to trauma: Naomi's withdrawal and Ruth's practical action. Neither approach is condemned; rather, we see how God works through both.Boaz emerges as the embodiment of godly character – a man whose first words invoke God's blessing on his workers. His extraordinary treatment of Ruth teaches us what true compassion looks like: seeing the heart of the suffering, offering practical help beyond what's requested, and publicly restoring dignity to the marginalized. When Boaz invites the foreign Ruth to his table, he makes a powerful statement about her worth that transforms her community standing.The cultural context of gleaning reveals God's design for social systems that protect the vulnerable. Yet what truly stirs hope is watching Naomi slowly awaken from her grief when Ruth returns with an abundance of grain. This powerful moment reminds us that sometimes our faith is carried by others when we cannot carry it ourselves – God didn't love Naomi less because she collapsed under grief, but provided through Ruth's faith and Boaz's obedience.While the chapter concludes with temporary provision, permanent security remains unresolved. The two widows still face uncertain futures, yet hope glimmers as God's care begins to unfold through ordinary human kindness.Have you experienced God's provision through unexpected people during your darkest moments? Does your approach to trauma resemble Ruth's action or Naomi's withdrawal? Join the conversation on social media or reach out via email – I'd love to hear how this ancient story resonates with your journey.You may also enjoy:Heterarchy & Patricentrism: https://youtu.be/OO-E36xt_2E?si=zBiFbkHO5cCG9igx006 Proverbs 31: Woman of Valor (https://wewhothirst.buzzsprout.com/2384822/episodes/15707471-006-proverbs-31-woman-of-valor)023 Tamar: Reclaiming Justice Against All Odds (https://wewhothirst.buzzsprout.com/2384822/episodes/17439747-023-tamar-reclaiming-justice-against-all-odds)021 Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman who won a battle of wits (https://wewhothirst.buzzsprout.com/2384822/episodes/17122565-021-jesus-and-the-syrophoenician-woman-who-won-a-battle-of-wits-matthew-15-mark-7) Support the show......................................................Follow We Who Thirst on Instagram, Threads, or YouTube! To join Jessica LM Jenkins' mailing list, or access the full research bibliography for this episode visit www.wewhothirst.com/links . Thank you for supporting the Women of the Bible in Context podcast, your contributions make this ministry possible!

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• 025 Naomi & Ruth: Stumbling through Grief (Ruth 1:6-22)

  Send us a textGrief can blind us to hope, pushing us to stumble forward without clear direction. In Ruth chapter 1, we witness the raw aftermath of devastating loss as Naomi returns to Bethlehem from Moab with nothing but bitterness and her foreign daughter-in-law by her side.This moving episode explores the heart-wrenching journey of two widows navigating an uncertain future together. Naomi, whose name means "Pleasant," insists on being called "Bitter" after losing her husband and both sons in a foreign land. When she decides to return to her homeland after hearing God has "visited his people to give them bread," she urges her daughters-in-law to stay behind where they might find new husbands and security.The story pivots on Ruth's extraordinary declaration of loyalty—"Where you go, I will go"—a statement often romanticized in modern contexts but actually fraught with risk and sacrifice. Ruth wasn't just expressing affection; she was surrendering her entire identity, nationality, and religious affiliation to follow Naomi into what might have been mutual destitution or death. This wasn't a decision made in hope but in steadfast commitment regardless of outcome.What makes this narrative so powerful is how it honors the reality of grief without rushing to resolution. Naomi doesn't pretend everything will be fine. She openly questions God's goodness while still acknowledging His sovereignty. The text doesn't criticize her bitterness or offer quick explanations for suffering, instead allowing us to sit in the discomfort of unanswered questions.Yet beneath this darkness runs a subtle current of hope. They arrive "at the beginning of barley harvest"—a seemingly minor detail that signals God's provision is already underway though invisible to grief-stricken eyes. God works not through dramatic intervention but through ordinary means: a timely harvest, established systems of care for the vulnerable, and people willing to show compassion.Whether you're wrestling with loss, questioning God's goodness, or standing with someone in their pain, Ruth's first chapter offers profound wisdom about faithfulness in life's darkest valleys. Join us as we explore how God meets us in our honest questions rather than our polished answers. Support the show......................................................Follow We Who Thirst on Instagram, Threads, or YouTube! To join Jessica LM Jenkins' mailing list, or access the full research bibliography for this episode visit www.wewhothirst.com/links . Thank you for supporting the Women of the Bible in Context podcast, your contributions make this ministry possible!

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• 024 Naomi & Ruth: When Everything Falls Apart (Ruth 1:1-5)

  Send us a textWhat if everything you thought you knew about the book of Ruth was missing the heart of the story?Forget the Hallmark-style romance narrative—Ruth's story plunges us into a world of devastating loss, social vulnerability, and unexpected redemption. The true power of this ancient text lies in how it showcases God's compassion for the marginalized through ordinary people acting justly within divinely established systems.In this opening episode of our five-part Ruth series, we explore how this book fits within the broader biblical narrative using the Bible Story Path framework. We decode the rich meanings behind Hebrew names—Elimelech ("my God is king"), Naomi ("pleasant"), and her sons whose names eerily foreshadow their fate—to uncover layers of meaning invisible to modern readers.The historical context proves crucial: Moab's origins from an incestuous relationship, its prohibition from Israel's assembly "to the tenth generation," and its history of enticing Israelites into idolatry all create a backdrop of danger when Naomi's family seeks refuge there during a famine. When her husband and both sons die in this foreign land, Naomi is left utterly destitute with two Moabite daughters-in-law and little hope of restoration.Rather than rushing to neat theological answers, this exploration invites us to sit with Naomi in her profound loss. Where is God when everything falls apart? How does divine compassion manifest through human justice rather than miraculous intervention? These questions resonate deeply with anyone who has faced devastating circumstances and wondered if God sees their pain.Connect with me @WeWhoThirst on social media to share how Naomi's story resonates with your own experiences of loss and vulnerability as we await the next chapter in this remarkable journey of redemption through righteousness.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wewhothirst/Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@wewhothirst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wewhothirstYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@wewhothirstpodcast Bible Story Path: https://wewhothirst.com/product-category/bible-story-path/ or https://www.etsy.com/shop/wewhothirst/?etsrc=sdt&section_id=33867342 Support the show......................................................Follow We Who Thirst on Instagram, Threads, or YouTube! To join Jessica LM Jenkins' mailing list, or access the full research bibliography for this episode visit www.wewhothirst.com/links . Thank you for supporting the Women of the Bible in Context podcast, your contributions make this ministry possible!

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