Thursday, July 07, 2005

The Book of Ruth presents a story from Christ's lineage that focuses upon the plight of two widows. There plight is such that they need to be "brought out" of their condition. Much like the way God heard the cries of the tribe and brought them out of Egypt, referenced in the passage below.

God redeemed Naomi and Ruth through His grace and mercy. They did not redeem themselves.

Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing. Deuteronomy 24:19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thyfield, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. Deuteronomy 24:20 When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. Deuteronomy 24:21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. Deuteronomy 24:22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.