Men of Renown – Part xliii – Ruth – Sitting Beside the Reapers –

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Men of Renown

Part xliii

(XLIII) (43)

The Sitting Women

Mystery, Babylon The Great

The Woman

CONTINUES

in the Third and Last Woman

in the book of the Revelation

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:4) And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)

This series called Men of Renown will begin with these verses in Chapter 6 of the book of Genesis because it is the perfect scene setter for whatever and whoever follows that enables men of renown to act in conflict against God and His Word. Verses 4 and 5 are an accurate definition of men of renown.

The game plan is to cover all SIX mentions of a woman, and the woman in Revelation Chapter 17 of Revelation.

1. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:3)

2. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: (Revelation 17:4)

3. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Revelation 17:6)

4. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:7)

5. And here [is] the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (Revelation 17:9)

6. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:18)

To those who are new to this series . . . good luck! We are now dealing with ‘the woman sitting.’ As we follow this simple thread, it will lead us to the last woman found sitting in scripture, which is in the last book of the Bible, Revelation 17:9. One of the interesting points about following ‘the woman sitting‘ is that God the Holy Spirit develops a thread within a thread. One of the many beauties within the word of God is that composers of beautiful music also utilize what the Bible develops within its pages . . . many themes hidden behind the rich sound of the main theme can be heard flowing as complimentary accessories or sometimes even as contrasting companions . . . lovers of classical music or pure jazz understand that many themes in a composition entices, draws and expands the mind to appreciate the brilliancy of its composer and musicians. The Composer of the greatest piece of written literature, the history of the SEEN and UNSEEN universe, is, of course, the Word of God (the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit and God the Father of spirits. Now, onward with our journey into the world of words written by no other than God Himself.

5. And here [is] the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (Revelation 17:9) 6. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:18)

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Introduction to the book of Ruth

And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. (Ruth 2:14)

The book of Ruth is the 8th book in the Old Testament. It is both historical and prophetical. It is placed after the book of Judges and before the book titled 1st Samuel (the beginning of the history of the kings of Israel and especially king David) because in the prophetical aspect the central focus of the book of Ruth is Boaz, and as he prophetically represents the Jewish Messiah, He appears AFTER JUDGMENT and BEFORE the AGE OF HIS KINGDOM. As numbers in scripture have meaning, and names have meaning, so also, placement of books also has meaning. Number 8 basically takes on the meaning of a new beginning, and the book of Ruth prophetically is set as a new beginning not only for the nation of Israel, but also it is an entirely new beginning for the nations and the peoples of the world.

Keep that in mind as we journey into the book of Ruth using the thought of ‘a sitting woman‘ and its relationship to Revelation 17:9. As usual, I recommend that you read the entire book of Ruth which consists of only 4 chapters, (the Earth number) but knowing that reading may probably not be one of your favorite pastimes, I will most likely pretend that you followed my suggestion. There are only two books in the Bible with the title of a woman: Ruth and Esther. In Ruth we have God’s love SEEN through grace, and in Esther we have God’s love SEEN through His Sovereignty.

There are seven named characters in the book of Ruth, of course, there is Ruth, then Naomi, Boaz, Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion and Orpah. God sets the time period. Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. (Ruth 1:1) As the number seven is God’s Perfection, He places each character in their spiritually perfect prophetic setting.

The time period is when the judges ruled. The previous article dealt with the last judge, Samson. However, the last two verses in the book before Ruth speaks volumes concerning the political and social condition of Israel. And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. (Judges 21:24) In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25) The book of Ruth opens during a time period of recovery when ‘judges ruled,’ thus, we do not read about conflicts with the Philistines or the Moabites. There are many things that are NOT written about, nor even mentioned in Ruth, for instance, there is no mention of sacrifice, offerings, blood, judgment, or the priesthood, nor even the name of the current judge. Every man to his inheritance . . . what was the inheritance of every person THEN and what is the inheritance of those of faith TODAY? Never forget that every person HAS an inheritance, it is either everlasting LIFE or everlasting DEATH.

This four-chapter book of Ruth is very different from the previous book of Judges and from what follows in 1st Samuel. It appears as almost as a ‘fairy tale,’ meaning there is a handsome young hero (Boaz) a distressed virgin damsel heroine (Ruth) and a ‘wealthy fairy godmother’ Naomi, except this was not a fairy tale, far from it . . . it could be called the false reality television production of ‘a farmer gets a wife,’ . . . it could be called ‘a love story,’ but the book of Ruth reveals much more than love it could be called ‘the story of grace,’ or even the ‘uniting of a Jew and a Gentile.’ The book of Ruth is NOT about a handsome young hero, nor is it about a distressed virgin damsel heroine, nor about a wealthy godmother. We know what it is NOT about, now let us explore what it is really about.

First, we should begin with the meaning of the names of the characters within the book of Ruth. Ruth means ‘satisfied.’ Boaz means ‘in him is strength.’ Naomi means ‘pleasant,‘ ‘my pleasantness,’ and ‘delight.’ Elimelech means ‘my god is King,‘ and/or ‘God is King.’ Then the names of the two sons of Naomi have almost the same meaning: Mahlon means ‘pining,’ and/or ‘the loss of health;’ Chilion also means ‘pining‘ but in a continuous manner. (I would say these two sons, when born, did not appear to be healthy at birth. These two names are extremely strange to call a newborn child, don’t ja think?) However, their names are spiritually right on. Then the name of Orpah, Naomi’s other daughter-in-law who remained in her homeland of Moab, means ‘stiff-necked,’ ‘stubborn, unyielding‘. Orpah symbolizes the enemies and nations of the world who rejected and still rejects God’s inheritance, His promises and the Son of His love. Jesus, the Christ, the anointed One.

Since we are toe deep in the waters of the meaning of names, let us proceed further into ankle deep water. In Chapter 1 and verse 2 of Ruth, we read, And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. Mahlon and Chilion may have been twins (that is just an opinion) I have no scriptural proof, just the similarities in the names. Mahlon (Ruth’s husband, Ruth 4:10) most probably was the first born as their names appear in this sequence in Ruth 1:2, 5; 4:9) Mahlon, being the first born, would have been heir of Elimelech, if Mahlon had lived. Prophetically Mahlon and Chilion represent the Israelites who left their inheritance and turned away from their Redeemer and died surrounded by the enemies of God in a strange land.

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The Kinsman Redeemer

—– Boaz—–

There have been many books written concerning the book of Ruth, and I am sorry to say that I can’t remember reading one, but I am very sure that most are probably focused on Ruth. Although one of the many themes in Ruth is about Ruth as the Gentile bride brought into the ‘house of Israel,’ it is Boaz who is the central figure. Ruth’s name appears twelve (12) times and the name of Boaz is mentioned twenty (20) times through eighteen (18) verses. We could develop the meaning within the numbers, but that would only be a minor theme. The fact that Naomi (‘pleasant,’ ‘my pleasantness,’ and ‘delight‘) is mentioned twenty-one (21) times, one more than Boaz, doesn’t set a theme; it sets the tone of the DELIGHT of God throughout this seemingly small unsung book of Ruth ‘satisfied.‘ Through this book of ‘satisfied‘ (Ruth) we see the ‘delight’ of God weaving the UNSEEN into the SEEN nation of Israel through the gathering of a person from the Gentile world. The book of ‘Satisfaction’ Ruth is not only about INHERITANCE, but it also discloses a GATHERING, a drawing together of different peoples and distinct tribes, and it is also about the importance of genealogy.

Boaz, ‘in him is strength‘ kinsman of Elimelech ‘my god is King,’ and/or ‘God is King‘ is the central personality in the book of Ruth. And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. (Ruth 2:1) There is a treasure of information about Boaz in this verse. Boaz was a kinsman, a male relative of Naomi’s husband. Boaz was a mighty man of wealth. The reason why the word male is emphasized is because ‘the kinsman/redeemer’ HAD to be male according to Leviticus 5:15 and 6:6, a RAM offered. (This phrase a mighty man of wealth is only documented ONCE.) Boaz was of the family of Elimelech (‘my god is King,‘ and/or ‘God is King‘ ), and the name of Elimelech is only mentioned three (3) times in the Bible (Ruth 1:2, 3; 2:1), which is another hidden symbolic thread of Elimelech’s name representing the Godhead. The Holy Spirit of God uses shadows of the invisible to reveal the truths within the visible.

Then verse 1 of Chapter 2 ends with his name was Boaz . . . ‘in him is strength.’ Everything surrounding Boaz points not only to the honorable character of this man, but Boaz symbolizes, in earthly terms, the heart and power of God Himself among His people Israel. Now, that is quite a theme, don’t you think? Even in the address location of this verse there is meaning: Ruth ‘Satisfied‘, Chapter 2 (the number of witness), verse 1 (the number of the Godhead) . . . God witnesses of His satisfaction in bringing a Gentile bride into His arms of love and redemption.

Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple. (Psalm 65:4)

He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)

—– The Role and Rights of the Kinsman/Redeemer —–

The theme of the Gentile bride will have to wait for we need to first see the kinsman of Ruth 2:1. Remember the principle of first mention. The beginning or first mention of a concept, or a word, or a phrase or an action will set the theme and this theme will continue throughout the entire Bible right to the last mention . . . this is The Law of First Mention. (The only exception that you may face is that this Law of First Mention ALWAYS (without exception) is valid ONLY in the King James Bible and may NOT always be valid in other Bibles.) So . . . let’s follow the word kinsman. It should come as no surprise that the word kinsman is found more times in the book of ‘Satisfied’ (Ruth) than any other book, in fact, it is found only in the book of Numbers and in the book of Ruth. Remember that a kinsman is a male relative, not a female relative . . . that is an important fact.

➥ Now onward to the first mention of kinsman in Numbers, Chapter 5, verse 8. (The numbers speak of ‘grace’ and ‘new beginning.’) Our study section begins with Numbers 5:5 (double grace).

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (Numbers 5:5)

Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty; (Numbers 5:6)

Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed. (Numbers 5:7)

But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him. (Numbers 5:8)

And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his. (Numbers 5:9)

And every man’s hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his. (Numbers 5:10)

Verse 7 sets the price required by God when anyone trespassed against another: the price of forgiveness or redemption was the principal plus a fifth part added to the principal. (Why did the Holy Spirit set the principal PLUS a FIFTH to be added to the principal?) It is through GRACE that God paid the principal price for the sin of man. Let’s state it another way; God paid the FULL principal price for man’s sin because of His grace.

Although this setting is an economic scene, it is supported by what is spiritual. A trespass or sin against a party by an individual must be settled through financial compensation to the injured party. So, therefore, the first mention of kinsman is seen in economic terms . . . sin committed . . . sin admitted . . . price of forgiveness set . . . price paid . . . now let’s take this from the earthly setting to the spiritual setting because the supernatural spiritual realm of God is the primary world over both the SEEN and the UNSEEN world, and God’s realm is the Supernatural Supreme Court of the SEEN and the UNSEEN universe. Now, please do not tell me that you do not see the connection between man’s trespass and sin against God and the first mention of kinsman.

● Here is sin committed . . . Man (that’s ALL of mankind, past, present and future) has sinned against God, and come short of the glory of God. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)

● Here is price of forgiveness set . . . Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1st Corinthians 6:20)

● Here is price paid . . . Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13). In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14)

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. (Hebrews 9:12)

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:15)

From the book of Numbers 5:8 – 10 when there was no one available to pay the debt of the sinner, then the role of kinsman/redeemer responsibility fell on the priest who then was required to offer the ram of the atonement for the sin of the trespasser. In essence, the priest, through the offering of the ram of atonement, became the redeemer kinsman for the repentant sinner, and from that point onward (from the offering of the ram) ALL belonged to the priest. Does this not describe the role and position of the Lord Jesus Christ as the earthly high priest of God working from the heavenly position as Melchisedec, the heavenly High Priest of God?

And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his. (Numbers 5:9)

And every man’s hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his. (Numbers 5:10)

Everything in the Old Testament that was connected to the tangible priesthood of Aaron represented the Lord Jesus Christ through His priestly ministry as Melchisedec either in His heavenly realm or while He walked on the earth in His manifestation as the Son of God and the Son of man. Through the Lord’s supernatural role of priest in the Old Testament and His earthly role of priest in the New Testament His dual role of priest and sacrifice were always one and the same. After the priest offered the sacrifice (the ram of the atonement) everything brought to the priest (as an offering) became the priest’s. (The priestly prayer of the Lord Jesus in John 17:10 discloses not only His closeness to God the Father, but that ALL belongs to Him, And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.). The Lord Jesus Christ (the Lamb of sacrifice) who is Melchisedec the High Priest of God was and is both sacrifice and Priest paid the price that was required by the offended righteous God. Through His PURCHASE He is the LEGAL OWNER of man. He OWNED man BEFORE sin, and after man sinned and was under the penalty of DEATH through THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. The Kinsman/Redeemer LEGALLY PURCHASED man from the penalty of THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH and through this transaction SATISFIED the LAW OF SIN AND DEATH; thus, ALL is His. And every man’s hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his. The Lord Jesus Christ was and is the Divine Kinsman Redeemer over the house of Israel and over the Church of the living God.

➥ The second mention of kinsman is recorded in the twenty-seventh (27) Chapter, in the eleventh (11th) verse of the book of Numbers, but this second mention is different from the first mention in that the second mention adds another element, the element of inheritance. And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Let’s examine this section of scripture of the second mention of kinsman: Numbers 27:1-11, was a COMMANDMENT (a statute of judgment) of God. We are about to skip over some extremely fascinating names and concepts in order to concentrate on kinsmanship.

God set The Law of Inheritance for daughters (women) to protect them from losing what was rightfully and morally theirs to possess. One woman who benefitted from The Law of Inheritance was Ruth, a Gentile, although NOT a daughter, she (through this law) was allowed to inherit because she was a woman connected by widowhood. There are much more than the legal rights of daughters in Numbers Chapter 27. In the second mention of kinsman we have the issue of inheritance and the rights of inheritance for ALL individuals. It is this commandment of Kinsmanship and Inheritance that God deals within the book of Ruth.

Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. (Numbers 27:1)

And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, (Numbers 27:2)

Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. (Numbers 27:3)

Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. (Numbers 27:4)

And Moses brought their cause before the LORD. (Numbers 27:5)

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (Numbers 27:6)

The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them. (Numbers 27:7)

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter. (Numbers 27:8)

And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. (Numbers 27:9)

And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren. (Numbers 27:10)

And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses. (Numbers 27:11)

There are two elements to the concept of kinsman, the first is found in Numbers 5:1-10 which is neither a law, nor a commandment, but what we could call a ‘voluntary, a choice.’ However, the second mention of kinsman is The Law of Kinsman and Inheritance, and the difference is also full of spiritual significance. We will NOT follow every time that the word kinsman is mentioned in the book of ‘Satisfied,’ (Ruth) but instead let us explore the heart and role of the kinsman through Boaz, ‘in him is strength.‘

● He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (Luke 1:51)

● And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2nd Corinthians 12:9)

● Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:12)

● [He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered? (Job 9:4)

● With him [is] strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver [are] his. (Job 12:16)

● Behold, God [is] mighty, and despiseth not [any: he is] mighty in strength [and] wisdom. (Job 36:5)

● Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength: (Isaiah 26:4)

—– Boaz, the Kinsman, Redeems a Bride —–

The scriptural principle of redemption is based on forgiveness and grace. The study of the words: redeem, redemption, and redeemer are a vast area of research, and because we are studying the book of Ruth, we will center mainly on the principle of redemption in the book of Ruth. Also notice that the word grace is mentioned twice in the book of Ruth (Ruth 2:2, 10). And . . . to newly born ones studying scripture . . . what is the number of grace? Five is the number of grace.

● And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy [it] before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem [it], redeem [it]: but if thou wilt not redeem [it, then] tell me, that I may know: for [there is] none to redeem [it] beside thee; and I [am] after thee. And he said, I will redeem [it]. (Ruth 4:4) There are five mentions of the word redeem in verse 4:4. The number 4 (four) is the Earth number, and double 4 is God’s witness to the earth, and five is the number of grace, and through the shadows of the invisible what is revealed? God discloses, through the unseen, His grace is offered to a world that He has redeemed from The Law of Sin and Death. Although man has benefitted, he refuses to accept God’s offer of redemption.

● And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem [it]. (Ruth 4:6) Mankind (as the kinsman who refused to act as kinsman/redeemer) rejects redemption because he loves the world, his world, his inheritance, the things of the world that are only temporal, earthly and terrestrial.

● For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5)

● While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. (2nd Corinthians 4:18)

● Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1st John 2:15)

The nameless kinsman in the book of Ruth is nameless because he symbolizes every person who refuses what God offers through His redemption believing that he has an inheritance, a legacy of life. This is a delusion, for unrepentant man’s legacy is death: physical death, and spiritual death; thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17) However, there IS an inheritance, an everlasting inheritance for ALL who refuse and rejects God’s Redeemer/Kinsman, the Lord Jesus Christ. They will inherit the second death.

● For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:5)

● Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (1st Corinthians 6:9) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1st Corinthians 6:10)

● Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1st Corinthians 15:50)

● Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:21))

●But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

Back to the book of Ruth. Throughout scripture the principle of redemption is associated with the redemption of land, the redemption from slavery, the redemption of the soul, the redemption of the body (man), and the redemption of inheritance. There were two methods of redemption: by money or by blood. There are two types of redemption: eternal redemption of the soul, and redemption of tangible things. The book of Satisfied (Ruth) deals with the themes of the redemption of land through inheritance, and the redemption of man through inheritance. Through the book of Ruth (Satisfied) the Holy Spirit of God presents His ‘Satisfaction’ of both the physical and the spiritual application of the Law of Inheritance through redemption.

● Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. (Ruth 4:5)

● Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. (Ruth 4:10) From the New Testament we have (And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1)

This mandate from Deuteronomy 25:5, was to safeguard inheritance and father-son blood lines in tribal strength and loyalties. The child born from this joint union would have its own rights of inheritance separate from its biological father. If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her. (Deuteronomy 25:5) Consequently, a child born from this authorization would naturally include the child’s mother. In the case of Ruth, she was a Moabite (an enemy of Israel, and although Moabites were born through the incestuous drunken act of Lot and a conniving daughter, the Moabites according to the word of God are considered Gentiles . . . not of the line of the Jews, (the twelve sons of Jacob) but Gentiles. By the way, the meaning of Moab is quite fitting, the name means ‘Whose father?‘ or ‘What father?’ Thus, Moabites were always reminded of their beginnings for they were born from the sin of INCEST. (God was extremely specific setting the rights of inheritance strictly to those who could prove their Jewish genealogy, remember that when Nehemiah and Ezra went back into the land from Babylon to rebuild the walls, and the city of Jerusalem, only those who could prove their rights as true Israelites were allowed to serve in the rebuilding work. This proof of genealogy also relates to the Christian in the Age of the Church because in order to receive our Inheritance we MUST be born again; thus, born into the family of God as adopted children, sons of God.) The proof of genealogy is another significant theme within the book of Ruth. In order to be KINSMAN it becomes necessary to show relationship, for Christ was not only the Son of God, but the Son of man, in order to experience death. Christ was made of the seed of David, and also the Creator of David, Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (Romans 1:3)Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3) The book of Ruth ends with genealogy.

And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:17) Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, (Ruth 4:18) And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, (Ruth 4:19) And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, (Ruth 4:20) And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, (Ruth 4:21) And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David. (Ruth 4:22)

Ruth (although a Gentile) was brought into the rights of inheritance under the laws of Israel through the purchase by a kinsman/redeemer. Now, that is what I would call grace. In the midst of her enemies, this young woman was the object of grace. (Ruth 2:2)

● And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after [him] in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. (Ruth 2:2)

● Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I [am] a stranger? (Ruth 2:10)

As Boaz ‘in him is strength‘ represents the Lord Jesus Christ, of the family of Elimelech, ‘my god is King,’ and/or ‘God is King;’ He (Christ) is Kinsman/Redeemer of both Israel and the Church. Through the book of ‘Satisfied’ (Ruth) God gathers the Gentile world into His plan of redemption, not as Israelites, but as an enemy of God brought to God through the blood of God, as a bride; therefore, making those who were once enemies, children and sons of God, joint heirs with Him who is ALL strength, the strength of His right arm.

It is not an accident that the book of Ruth is the 8th book in the Old Testament: eight is the number of a new beginning. It is placed after the book of Judges and before the book titled 1st Samuel for a particular reason. Since Ruth represents the Gentile brought into an inheritance, we should see that the placement of this book comes BEFORE the kingdom of David, who is a type of Christ as King over His kingdom. The Church Age comes before the millennial kingdom, and the Church taken from the Gentile world is the Bride of Christ. Do you understand that even through numbers that the Holy Spirit of God lays down spiritual concepts drawing the redemption of the Gentile bride (Ruth) as the connection to the redeemed Gentile Bride (His Church) that was gathered into His Kingdom as a new beginning? Shall I draw a diagram for you connecting Ruth, the Gentile bride, with Boaz the Kinsman/Redeemer and the Age of the Church of Gentile beginnings with the Redeemer/Kinsman, the Lord Jesus Christ? Remember that the gospel first went out to the Jew and then to the Gentile world. (Romans 1:16; 2:9, 10)

● And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)

● And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

● That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:7)

● For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, (Ephesians 3:1) If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: (Ephesians 3:2) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (Ephesians 3:3) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (Ephesians 3:4) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (Ephesians 3:5) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (Ephesians 3:6)

● But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1st Corinthians 1:30)

● In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)

● Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. (Hebrews 9:12)

The last verse, verse 40, (the number of testing and trial for the sons of God) in the FAITH Chapter in the book of Hebrews GATHERS both the Old Testament saints TOGETHER with the New Testament saints, as the book of Satisfied (Ruth) includes the Gentile bride in the eternal and incorruptible INHERITANCE reserved in heaven for those of faith. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (Hebrews 11:39) God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40) Since the book of Ruth (Satisfied) prophetically and spiritually brings together children of God from the Old Covenant together with the children of God born from the New Covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ is SATISFIED, the GODHEAD bodily is SATISFIED. He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

● The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

● And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)

● Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1st Peter 1:3) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1st Peter 1:4) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1st Peter 1:5)

◆

Boaz the Kinsman/Redeemer and the Battle of Inheritance

—–The House of Joseph (Ephraim) versus the House of Judah—–

It was through Boaz, ‘in him is strength’ that the Holy Spirit of God centered on a tremendous uniting between a Gentile woman (without a husband) and an Israelite. It was through Boaz that God the Holy Spirit also brought the house of Joseph (through Ephraim) and the house of Judah together as one. Boaz became a pivotal point in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was through Boaz ‘in him is strength’ that the inheritance of the house of Joseph was preserved. It was through Boaz ‘in him is strength‘ that the inheritance of the house of Judah was reinforced. Understanding the importance of the man called ‘in him is strength’ Boaz is essential to grasp how great our God is as He works within the personal affairs of His creation and His creatures. How did the man Boaz represent the everlasting strength of the LORD JEHOVAH? How did the man Boaz represent the Kinsman/Redeemer position of the Lord Jesus Christ? How did the man Boaz become the main convergence and unification factor of the inheritance of the nation of Israel? Let us go back to the beginning to understand the end . . . well . . . not exactly the beginning but let us use Ruth 1:1 and 2 as a springboard to jump into the gene pool of inheritance.

Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. (Ruth 1:1) And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. (Ruth 1:2)

We are informed twice of the connection to Bethlehemjudah that Elimelech (‘my god is King,’ and/or ‘God is King’) had with Bethlehem in Judah. Then God the Spirit adds one more piece of information for us to see that within (‘house of bread’ <Bethlehem> and ‘he shall be praised'<Judah> the family of Elimelech had set their roots in the land of their inheritance of their tribe of Judah. However, sharing their inheritance was the tribe of Ephraim because they were Ephrathites. And right now, you are thinking . . . what? . . . huh? . . . who cares? You have an important choice to make now . . . take an aspirin, or go on to another site where you can pick up shiny trinkets laying on the surface without any effort . . . or be willing to crawl through buried caverns encrusted with supernatural jewels from the mouth of God penned by His prophets of old just for you. I personally do not know what jewels lie ahead for us, but I know that they have been placed there by the Holy Spirit of God to reveal to us the mighty power and strength of God through the beauty within Himself. We do err . . . not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29) To know the scriptures is to know the power of God in the words of God. Forward and onward my little spiritual speleologists . . . .

—– The House of Joseph (Ephraim)—–

The families of Elimelech were Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. People from the tribe of Ephraim were called Ephrathites. Is this a contradiction? Boaz was of the family of Elimelech, but Boaz was also of the tribe of Judah? Genealogy matters. Was Boaz of Judah or of Ephraim (through Joseph)? And why should it matter? Genealogy matters. The last words in the book of Judges, Chapter 4:18-22 confirms that Boaz was a direct descendant of Judah through Judah’s sexual intercourse with his daughter-in-law Tamar. So, how and why does the Holy Spirit of God connect Boaz to the line of Ephraim? This is another gathering point.

Ephraim means ‘fruitful,‘ or ‘fruitfulness.’ Names of geographical locations (through time) change, merge, and take on meanings relevant to the peoples or citizens of different eras. When Israel crossed the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua, and before they became a nation, the names of towns, villages and cities had been named previously by many different peoples who had settled into various areas. Through Genesis 35:19 and 48:7 Bethlehem was named Ephrath (fruitfulness). This was BEFORE the naming of the twelve tribes, and BEFORE Ephraim’s birth in Egypt.

● And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem. (Genesis 35:19)

● And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet [there was] but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same [is] Bethlehem. (Genesis 48:7)

The double meaning of Bethlehem, house of bread, and its ancient name of Ephrath (fruitfulness) is not only connected historically, but also spiritually. Now let’s carry this thought into the book of Ruth. When the word Ephrathite or its plural is documented in Ruth, it directs us back to its original history in its first meaning, that which is fruitful, and that within this small village setting known for its rich abundance of wheat and barley, it was the bread basket for this area . . . fruitful . . . in fact, so fruitful that from this village would be born Emmanuel, God with us, our Bread of Life. Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah are DOUBLE fruitful. (Was not Joseph considered being double fruitful?) The following verse is taken from Genesis 49:22 during the prophetic discourse of Jacob concerning his sons. Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall. (Genesis 49:22) Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah . . . ‘fruitful’ of ‘fruitfulness of praise,‘ or it also can be written ‘those of fruitfulness from the fruitful One called Praise.‘

● But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

● And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Luke 4:4)

● I am that bread of life. (John 6:48)

When you follow Ephrathites this is what you will discover. The word Ephrathite is recorded three times in scripture.

➥ 1. The father of the prophet, priest and seer, Samuel, was of mount Ephraim, an Ephrathite. Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: (1st Samuel 1:1) Although Samuel was not directly from the line of priesthood through Levi and Aaron, he was established by God to be a prophet. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD. (1st Samuel 3:20) Samuel through his role the offerer of a burnt offering also disclosed that God had not only established Samuel’s priesthood, but God accepted his offering, and the LORD heard him. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. (1st Samuel 7:9) God often stepped outside of His own conditions set for man in order to bring about a new direction for His creatures, for example in Hebrews 7:11-14. The main thought in Samuel, being of the tribe of Ephraim, is to include the house of Joseph into God’s dealing with the house of Judah. (Think Bethlehemjudah.)

➥ 2. David was documented for being of the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah through his father Jesse in 1st Samuel 17:12, Now David [was] the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name [was] Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men [for] an old man in the days of Saul. But this verse is NOT about David, it is about his father Jesse whose name means ‘firm,’ ‘strong,‘ ‘of him who is,’ and ‘substance.’ The family from the line of Judah lived in Bethlehem in the tribal territory of Judah, but also living in the same tribal territory of Judah were families from Ephraim. When Joshua oversaw the division of the inheritance of Israel, the tribe of Ephraim asked for additional land because of their immense population, and they (as the tribe of Simeon) were allowed to settle into the inheritance of the tribe of Judah; thus, we have Ephrathites in Bethlehemjudah. (Read Joshua Chapters 17 and 18.) Therefore, the house of Joseph lived peacefully in and among the house of Judah, but this time of peace did not remain peacefully for a long time . . . but this is another story. This second documentation is an important one, but I leave that thought with you for now. Two tribes, two houses, sharing an Inheritance . . . although these two tribes (Judah and Ephraim) had different areas of territory assigned to them, they become united together IN Bethlehemjudah. This was another GATHERING IN TOGETHER by God the Holy Spirit. There were also other individuals from different tribes who sought their inheritance in Bethlehemjudah. We know this because scripture informs us that the tribe of Simeon also sought their inheritance in Bethlehemjudah. God, through His foreknowledge, secured the inheritance for other tribes besides Judah and Benjamin. Remember, what we call ‘the ten lost tribes,’ well they are not ALL really lost are they? Simeon and Ephraim found their inheritance in Bethlehemjudah, and we know this through scripture. (Zebulun was also allocated Bethlehem, Joshua 19:15).

● And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. (Joshua 19:1)

● Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. (Joshua 19:9)

Here is the main theme of Ruth seen through the unification of two different tribes. The Holy Spirit of God leads His children slowly and gently into comprehending spiritual concepts with a wider range of application. First, two different tribes are brought together into an Inheritance greater than their individual inheritance. Next, Ruth, a Gentile, is brought into the Inheritance of a people strange to her. Then, the application follows of people taken out of the Gentile world (the Church) brought into an Inheritance equal with and greater than those who first received the promise of Inheritance. Through the last application, Gentile and Jew, different peoples (different tribes) yet one thing is the unification glue . . . FAITH.

● Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (Romans 2:9) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: (Romans 2:10) For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:11)

● Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. (Galatians 3:6) Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7) And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. (Galatians 3:8) So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:9)

● But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (Galatians 3:11) And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. (Galatians 3:12) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:14)

● Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Galatians 3:16) And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (Galatians 3:17) For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. (Galatians 3:18)

● But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Galatians 3:22)

● Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:25) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Ruth was the woman without a husband, of enemy heritage, who was brought into the Inheritance through a male kinsman who redeemed her, paid for her, and together they displayed God’s plan of gathering entirely different tribes and different peoples THROUGH FAITH. (Isaiah 49:22, 60:3, 62:2, 66:12; Malachi 1:11; Acts 15:14, Romans 3:29, 15:10; 1st Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:14)

➥ 3. And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. (1st Kings 11:26) The third mention of Ephrathite sets the tribe of Ephraim on its deadly course of national and political intrigue against God. Jeroboam was the first king of the divided nation of Israel who was an Ephrathite (an Ephraimite). Thus, the peace between the house of Ephraim and the house of Judah ended when the nation of Israel divided into two separate nations: the ten tribes of the north with Samaria as its Capitol, and the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin as the house of Judah with its Capitol in Jerusalem. (Do not forget that when Israel divided that within the inheritance of Judah there was also a remnant from other tribes.) From this time forward these two forces: the house of Joseph (Ephraim, Ephrathities also known as the ten tribes/ also Manasseh) and the house of Judah (the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin) were enemies. However, in the book of Zechariah, Chapter 10 and verse 6, the Holy Spirit, through Zechariah, said, And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.

As you are well aware of this by now, I love going back to the beginning of a story . . . sooooooooooooooo, back to the blessing of Ephraim by the hand of Israel/Jacob, the father of Judah (the 4th son) the father of Joseph (the 11th son), and the grandfather of Ephraim.

And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. (Genesis 48:12)

And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him. (Genesis 48:13)

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. (Genesis 48:14)

And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, (Genesis 48:15)

The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. (Genesis 48:16)

And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head. (Genesis 48:17)

And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. (Genesis 48:18)

And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. (Genesis 48:19)

And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh. (Genesis 48:20)

Man’s inherent life principal that inheritance rightfully belongs to the first born is deeply ingrained in mankind. Throughout His word, God has deviated from this principal for a very specific purpose. The first time God turned from this principal was with Cain and Abel, when Abel received God’s approval instead of Adam and Eve’s first-born Cain. Then when Isaac (the first born from Sarah) was given Abraham’s inheritance instead of Ishmael who was the first born from a Gentile outside of the Hebrew promises. And again, when Jacob was selected by God to receive the blessing of inheritance instead of Esau, the first born. And again, Joseph was set apart by God to be the deliverer kinsman redeemer for his brothers, it was Joseph who received a double blessing through his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph was the 11th (eleventh) son born and Judah the 4th (fourth) son born received the Kingship. (Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 33) Although Joseph knew from prophecy and visions from God that he would have a vast inheritance of blessings beyond understanding. Joseph was NOT the first born of Jacob, but Jacob had made Joseph HEIR by the coat of many colors which made Joseph’s brothers envious. Joseph, however, was the first born of Rachel. Remember that Rachel was NOT a Hebrew, she was of the house of Nahor which had not received the promises that Abraham had received . . . she was brought in under grace, and Joseph was the evidence of that grace to his own brethren. Yet, at the meeting with his father Jacob in Genesis Chapter 48, he told Jacob, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. (Genesis 48:18) Somehow during this exchange between Israel and Joseph over the rights of the first born and inheritance didn’t play out as Joseph envisioned, but his second born son (Ephraim) received the greater blessing. Israel, being led by the Holy Spirit of God, through faith understood that God had placed Ephraim above his brother Manasseh. And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it.

Yes, this is about the nation of Israel, and how God prophesied concerning each of the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel, but it also has much that the Christian can appropriate, not being Jews or of the nation of Israel, but as sons of God and our inheritance as adopted children of God. Inheritance was a major part of Israel’s formation as a special people destined by God to inherit the earth. Inheritance was NOT based on birth placement, nor was it based on the better of two individuals. Inheritance was and is TOTALLY based on God’s will and purpose. Christians are also special in that we are NOT of the Jews, but we have been ADOPTED to enjoy and receive undeserved blessings and we are joint heirs WITH Christ THROUGH Christ and IN Christ BECAUSE of Christ.

Israel was created FIRST to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests for God (Exodus 19:5, 6) Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. God also created secondly a peoples also born for a span of time to be a spiritual house, a royal priesthood, also called a holy nation to offer up spiritual sacrifice . . . known as the Body of Christ, the Church, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1st Peter 2:5) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1st Peter 2:9) This was the Church. Two common and yet contrasting points meaning that both were created for only a span of time, both made as a peculiar treasure and a peculiar people, both made priests: one as a kingdom (earthly) of priests, the other as royal priests (heavenly). Even the span of time has a commonality and contrasting elements. The first (Israel) is currently living in the shadows of her former glory waiting for her promised glory, while the second (the Church) is also currently living in the shadows (and she knows it not) waiting for her promised eternal glory. Both Israel and the Church failed their assigned positions. Israel became worshipers of the Law instead of the Lawgiver. The Church became worshipers of the Church instead of worshiping the HEAD of all things: the Lord Jesus Christ the Creator God.

The principal of Inheritance in the Old Testament is there for not only Israel, but for all New Testament saints to appreciate how God has, through adoption, brought in the Gentile world to His plan of Redemption and Salvation. As we continue in the book of Satisfied (Ruth), we will discover, that Ruth represents the Gentile bride brought into inheritance through the man Boaz. Through Ruth, we, the undeserving Gentile find rest and grace in our Boaz, the Lord Jesus Christ. The word rest occurs three times in the book of Satisfied.

❶ The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each [of you] in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. (Ruth 1:9) The first mention sets the scene of finding rest in the house of a husband. Now if there are any emotionally stressed feminists reading this (and I doubt it) this may be a bit above your comfort level . . . again, I will say, that this first mention of the word rest is found in the house of her husband, spiritually!

➋ Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? (Ruth 3:1) The second mention of rest is Naomi’s ‘delight‘ that her faithful and loving daughter-in-law would find rest, that it may be well with thee. (Notice the address 3:1).

❸ Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day. (Ruth 3:18) The third mention of rest discloses that the man Boaz, who symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘in him is strength,’ will not rest until he has FINISHED the work of bringing Ruth into His Inheritance. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)

Three times in scripture the word rest and inheritance are mentioned together. (Deuteronomy 12:9; 25:19; Joshua 17:6) The following verses in 2nd Corinthians and Matthew 11:28 answers to finding rest in the house of a husband. Our (those of faith) inheritance is in the house of our strength, our Savior, our husband, Christ. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ. (2nd Corinthians 11:2) Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) And finding rest in the house of the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer it is well with us. The works of God at the cross of Calvary were accomplished because God FINISHED that part of His redemption plan, thus, the three mentions of rest in the book of Ruth not only satisfied God, but all answered and was completed in Him, our Boaz.

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She Sat Beside the Reapers

Here we are deep into this article and yet, we have not even begun to examine the theme of a woman sitting. In verse 14, Ruth sat beside the reapers. The themes running through the book of Ruth somewhat overwhelms me, and I am finding it difficult to stay focused on writing about fewer themes. Nevertheless, let us together attempt to see another stalactite jewel in the Spirit’s encrusted cavern of lights and perfection. Following the plural of reaper (reapers) opens another immense glistening supernatural grotto. From the first mention of reapers to the last mention of reapers will probably be another journey of great spiritual value because the Spirit of God NEVER fails to enrich us through His word.

1 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech. (Ruth 2:3)

2 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. (Ruth 2:4)

3 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel [is] this? (Ruth 2:5)

4 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It [is] the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: (Ruth 2:6)

7 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. (2nd Kings 4:18)

9 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:39) (Revelation 19)

In the 8th book of the Bible, Ruth, the word reapers are documented more than in any other book. Six times, the word reapers appear. (Six the number of man) AND note that the total number of times that the word reapers are found in the Bible 9 times. (Nine is the number of finality, the end, the completion, it’s all over baby.) AND the word reapers is ONLY documented twice in the New Testament (two is the number of witness), and both are in the 13th Chapter of the book of Matthew. (Thirteen is the number of sin, corruption, rebellion, and judgment.) It ain’t lookin good! As we continue, keep this thought in the back of your mind, Why the book of Ruth, ‘Satisfied’?

As you read through the verses with the word reapers in the book of Ruth, step out of your mind of the earth and step into the spiritual world of the Holy Spirits’ classroom. The key is that the reapers are the angels. The angels are of the Supernatural spiritual world of the UNSEEN; therefore, every one of the NINE mentions is of a SPIRITUAL nature.

1 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech. (Ruth 2:3) She (the Gentile bride, the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ) followed after the things of God and was fed in the field of the world of the True Boaz ‘in him is strength,’ the Lord Jesus Christ, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech, ‘my god is King,‘ and/or ‘God is King. Thus, in Ruth 2:3, we have the witness (number two) of the Godhead (number 3) drawing and feeding the Gentile bride, the Church. Every child of faith is represented in this lesson plan of the Holy Spirit of God, but it is specific to the Gentile bride of Christ that as we follow (went and came) we glean being led and fed by the ministering spirits of angels.

● And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:7)

● Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

2 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. (Ruth 2:4) Christ, the Boaz of redemption, came from Bethlehem, and in this we have the documentation at the birth of Christ when the angels said, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2)

3 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel [is] this? (Ruth 2:5)

4 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It [is] the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: (Ruth 2:6) As Ruth, we were once enemies of God, and away from His salvation. Was not the woman at the well of Samaria, a lost woman in John Chapter 4? In verses 5 and 6, the name of Ruth is NOT mentioned, but she is described as ‘the Moabitish damsel’ out of the country of Moab. Moab means ‘Whose Father?‘ ‘What Father?‘ Surely, this describes everyone who is born, that all are born in sin, as Moab was the product of an incestuous act. (1st Corinthians 6:9, 10, 11) As Ruth came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab, it could be said of those of faith that they were also led out of the country without a Father by Delight (Naomi). The Holy Spirit of God through the redemptive act of the Lord Jesus has drawn many citizens out of the territory of Satan into the land of the joy of the Lord. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, (Jude 1:24) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

Chapter 2, verses 5 and 6 could be said to be ‘the gospel call’ of the people of faith of the New Testament.

5 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. (Ruth 2:7) This is the summary of the Bride’s time on earth. The Christian gleans and gathers among the sheaves of the ministering spirits of God from the morning of their spiritual birth while we tarry a little in the house . . . whose house are we. But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Hebrews 3:6) (The people of faith are labeled as wheat in scripture. Matthew 13) Gleaning and gathering is what the Christian is called to be occupied with, not only gleaning and cultivating the rich field of scripture, but to work planting the seeds of the gospel in the field of the world while we tarry in the house of the Lord.

6 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn], and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. (Ruth 2:14) This is the central verse of this article . . . she sat beside the reapers. The woman sitting here represents the person of faith, the Gentile Bride, the Christian sitting beside the heavenly angelic ministering spirits. Also, the Spirit of God beautifully portrays the Gentile Bride as eating, sufficed (satisfied) and LEAVING. The tangible and the spiritual are two threads joined together in Ruth 2:14. Here is the witness (two) of double seven (14). God the Holy Spirit witnesses to the measure of spiritual perfection in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, typified through the earthly man Boaz, ‘in him is strength.’ This last mention of the reapers in the book of Ruth is saturated with celestial insights into the Gentile Bride, the Church. And I love how this verse ends, and left . . . SHE LEFT.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (1st Thessalonians 4:15) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (1st Thessalonians 4:16) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1st Thessalonians 4:17)

And she sat beside the reapers foretells of a time when those of faith, Christians, those of the Bride of Christ, the Gentile Bride will appear TOGETHER with the reapers (angels) following the WORD of God, the anointed of God to the earth to reign with Him as citizens from a celestial sphere. ALL saints, Old Testament saints and New Testament saints with the host of God’s angels will come TOGETHER.

● And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14)

● And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, (Jude 1:14)

● When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31)

● To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1st Thessalonians 3:13)

The 7th mention of the reapers at first reading appears to stand out as NOT being connected. But everything in scripture is placed at its perfect position. (Read the 4th Chapter of 2nd Kings, verses 8 thru 37.) I am so sorry, but this section is too immense to just charge through, so let us rely on the Spirit of God to summarize the connection among the first six mentions and why God has placed this as the seventh mention. Be brave . . . and please read your assignment of 2nd Kings: 8-37.

The first six documentations of the reapers dealt with the Gentile Bride. The seventh documentation breaks from the Gentile Bride since she LEFT. Translated from the earth and gathered to God into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Body of Christ is no more on earth. Remaining on earth will be the false counterfeit world church, The Beast and his kingdom, hate and hunt Israel. (Revelation Chapter 12) Therefore, what the Spirit of God does with the words the reapers is to isolate this one verse from the complete story line to disclose the spiritual condition of Israel and its physical survival.

7 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. (2nd Kings 4:18) The grown child represents Israel in its mature state as a nation. And it will fall in ONE DAY when The Beast, the man of sin, turns against Israel after 3 ½ years from signing a 7-year treaty with Israel. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (Revelation 12:6) Then a remnant of Israel will flee into the mountains seeking refuge from the armies of the nations . . . he went out to his father to the reapers. During the period while thousands of Jews frantically run for their lives, the reapers, the ministering spirits of angelic beings will supernaturally lead and provide a sanctuary for Israel. (Revelation Chapter 12) There in the wilderness, a remnant of Israel, will find solace and safety under the wings of God their Father.

The supernatural escape of Israel from her enemies cannot be summarized any shorter than that. Since this article is about the sitting woman, and Ruth, we need to stay focused on the smaller issue at hand, and that is the 7th mention of the phrase the reapers. Do you see how the placement of the 7th documentation of the reapers comes after the Gentile Bride LEAVES and before the 8th and 9th mention in the 13th Chapter of the book of Matthew in the New Testament? The Holy Spirit of God employs details beyond all spiritual appreciation. He separated this one verse from 2nd Kings Chapter 4 and totally took it to another level. Yup . . . men wrote the Bible . . . in your dreams! NO, we have not yet arrived at our destination. So onward to the New Testament, and Chapter 13 in the gospel of Matthew, the gospel of the Kingdom.

8 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:30) The reapers now minister in gathering, bundling and burning the tares. These angels supernaturally are not only ministers of judgment, but they also have the responsibility of safeguarding the children of faith under God’s protective roof.

9 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:39) The last mention of the reapers can’t be placed in a better position that being the 9th mention, in the 13th Chapter, in verse 39. The END OF THE WORLD is not to be taken lightly, yet how the Holy Spirit of God displays His use of words, numbers and placement is amazing for man to fully appreciate. Sometimes I feel that the greatest part of studying scripture is not so much as what the Spirit of God reveals IN scripture ABOUT scripture, but what He reveals of Himself, His glory, His UNSEEN power in communicating with the creatures formed from His breath. The God of the universe desires to communicate to the lowest part of His universe, man. God, through the Holy Spirit of God, activated by His ministering spirits speaks to us . . . AWESOME!

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The House of Judah and the Inheritance

—–The History of the Attack Against the Heavenly and the Earthly Inheritance —–

The book of Ruth has many characters and themes flowing through its pages; Boaz is the central figure, and the central theme is INHERITANCE. The first WAR in the UNSEEN supernatural universe was over INHERITANCE. Lucifer wanted the dominion of Melchisedec, the Priesthood; and the place of Sonship of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ (as the visible image of the invisible God in the UNSEEN realm of God).

CLICK HERE to read why Satan was cast out. CLICK HERE to read the rage of Satan when he was defeated by the armies of God after he attempted a coup against God, God’s Christ and High Priest Melchisedec, and God’s realm.

The first WAR in the SEEN universe was over INHERITANCE. Satan wanted Adam’s dominion. The first murder in the SEEN realm of mankind was over INHERITANCE. Cain killed Abel because God had accepted Abel’s sacrifice and rejected Cain’s sacrifice, thus accepting Abel’s place as head of the tribe of mankind as the more excellent sacrifice. It has always been about INHERITANCE. And mankind is part of the prize in this conflict instigated by Lucifer. Not only did Lucifer attempt to rob God through attempting to rob Melchisedec’s position as God’s High Priest, but man also has attempted to rob God by robbing Christ’s earthly position as the Head of the Church and robbing the work of the Holy Spirit of God through His work in His own Church. A thrice God has been robbed thrice: the Fatherhood of God, the Sonship of God, and the Life-Giving Spirit of God; as Father, as Son and as Spirit, the Godhead bodily has been robbed.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. (Job 33:4)

The Church itself has robbed GOD. It robbed God of His position and His place in His own house.

All were first attacked in the SUPERNATURAL HEAVENLY SPHERE and then they were all attacked in the earthly tangible realm of mankind by man and by Satan. Unlike our corrupt system called Justice, God’s justice is neither corrupt nor blindfolded, but He will reward mankind according to man’s works. If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. (Deuteronomy 32:41) As Israel’s judgment began where rebellion began (in the Tabernacle and in the priesthood of Nadab and Abihu and continued later by the sons of Eli, in Hophni and Phinehas) when God REMOVED His presence through the Ark of the Covenant, and the glory of God DEPARTED. (Isaiah 4:21, 22; Ezekiel 10:18; Hosea 10:5) The Church also has been judged and is being judged according to its own works. Peter wrote as documented in 1st Peter 4:17 that JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD. For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God? WHY? The house of God, the Church of God MUST be judged because it is the Church itself that has robbed GOD. It robbed God of His position and His place in His own house. This is no light thing, for Lucifer was cast out of the SUPERNATURAL unseen realm of God for attempting to rob God, and the Church will also be cast out by God. The world Church was cast off centuries past and the only valid remaining testimony of the Living WORD of God and the written word is no longer centered in the collective, nor in the corporate, but it is in the individual.

● Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Revelation 2:5)

● Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (Revelation 2:22) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)

● Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (Revelation 3:3)

● I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (Revelation 3:15) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16) I WILL SPUE THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH. The Church was spewed out of God’s mouth a long time ago. Let me correct that last statement . . . The FALSE Church was spewed out of God’s mouth a long time ago.

The inheritance (spiritual and earthly) battle, although it began in the SUPERNATURAL realm, continued into the realm of the tangible. Israel is the earthly evidence of a nation struggling from before its birth to its re-emergance as a nation in 1948 to acquire their promised inheritance. (Revelation 12) This widow nation (without a Husband) still believes that they can achieve their promised inheritance WITHOUT their Messiah.

The very existence of Israel is evidence that there is a God. The very existence of Israel is an insult to Lucifer/Satan that he failed to stop God’s program and plan. The very existence of Israel is a slap in the face to the haters of God; this is why the haters of God are foaming at their mouths as rabid dogs furiously attempting to annihilate any evidence of the power of God to sustain and maintain His people. I have written this many times, it is NOT because Israel is righteous, IT IS NOT, but GOD IS. Christ died on the cross not for righteous people, but because He ALONE could satisfy ALL of God’s righteousness.

The book of Ruth plays an important part in the history of Israel because it discloses God’s active hand behind the scenes in the seemingly ordinary lives of ordinary people overcoming obstacles and enemies to acquire a measure of grace and rest. Ruth, Naomi and Boaz were three individuals who were brought together through trial, despair, and hope to become heirs (from many previous heirs) of the heirship of the glory days of the kingdom of Israel under king David.

The placement of the book of Ruth is also important because it came at a time when the nation of Israel was NOT yet a nation, but eleven tribes struggling for a place of inheritance. (Eleven tribes because the tribe of Levi was not given a specific territory.) And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. (Numbers 18:20) (Joshua 13:14, 33; 14:3-4)

As the Church is a heavenly people, our warfare is spiritual, although many are giving their physical and tangible life for the service of their calling as Antipas did; however, the ancient tribes and families of Ephraim and Judah were seeking to settle into their inheritance, their battles were both physical and spiritual; they were tired, they were drained, and many could not endure the price that their inheritance required of them: to battle for their inheritance. Once more, the comparison is striking, for the Church also faced and still faces a battle for its inheritance, many capitulated and others were murdered over their rights of inheritance.

The professing Church (not the Spirit possessing Church) viciously fought against those who upheld the truth of God: that the word of God (as the written word of God) IS the ONLY AUTHORITY just as the Living WORD of God WAS AND IS the ONLY AUTHORITY, NOT THE CHURCH; that man was not the HEAD of the CHURCH that there is ONLY ONE HEAD and that is CHRIST that by denying the RIGHTS of Jesus Christ as COMPLETE DEITY as the ONLY HEAD OF THE CHURCH, they also rejected the workings of the Spirit of God IN the Church. Scores of illustrious and eminent men of academic achievement had very few avenues to gain wealth and position. Thus, religion became an occupation, a means for advancement and fame. The first three hundred years of Church history set the stage for a coup d’etat to unseat Jesus Christ as Head of the Church. Then onward during the next three hundred years, this coup usurped the Spirit of God within His own Church . . . then onward through time, replacing the written principals of God with convenient and changing doctrines formed by the merchandising of so-called church leaders, and adding the worship of Mariology and saints by selection, worshiping idols and images made of stone, creating rules of worship and service, rules for living, rules for salvation, rules for ordination, rules for acceptance, and even rules for eating. Remember, eat fish on Friday or your soul became endangered eternally from heaven, and so robbery became the norm, and Christianity was compromised, disfigured and undermined and true Christianity was no longer recognized by the world. As a FALSE Church, a PRETEND Church (as a false degenerate demented shell of a man pretending that he is President, and a false and pretend government seemingly rules over a nation hiding the face of the true unseen ruler) has hidden the face of its real ruler, Satan.

As rebels (as the rebel angels) rejected the rights of CREATORIALSHIP and OWNERSHIP and INHERITANCE of the GODHEAD, as the false Church grew and spread, it also rebelled against the rights of the Godhead bodily. The Age of the Socially Accepted Church is rightfully called The Dark Ages because wherever this world religion went it spread DARKNESS, FEAR, MURDER and DEATH. The inheritance for many has been stolen from them, and they knew it not then and they know it not today. Every born-again child of God has been given a gift or gifts, and a spiritual inheritance, and many then and now, as Israel then and now fought for their inheritance, they have quietly allowed the enemy to take the gift or gifts away. SHAME on them then and SHAME on those today who still cling with a deadly grasp onto their religion KNOWING that it is evil, yet, and in spite of their understanding that their religion is evil, refuse to cast it off. WHY? They have many excuses, but the one thing that there is no excuse for is that they love the world, they love their sin, they love their heritage, and they love their religion more than they love God.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)

Choosing a false and evil religion because of heritage is not rationalizing, it is saying that heritage is more important than God. Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . serve what is against God or serve God . . . Ruth made a choice when she said to Naomi, thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Orpah ‘stiff necked‘ also made a deadly decision to remain with her nation, to stay with her heritage and to stay with her gods.

And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. (Ruth 1:15) And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: (Ruth 1:16) Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1:17)

Ruth acted in complete FAITH by deciding that her heritage, her country, her family and the gods of her family were not worthy of her loyalty . . . because she saw IN Naomi a depth of ‘pleasantness,’ and ‘delight‘ in following the LORD GOD JEHOVAH that she had not seen in her own family and country. In spite of Naomi’s spirit being broken through the death of her husband and two sons, Naomi KNEW of something that Ruth did not have . . . HOPE . . . that although she had (with her husband and two sons) left their inheritance, Naomi acted in FAITH to return to the land of her promised inheritance.

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Naomi

Boaz acting through the role of kinsman/redeemer, all began through the brokenness of Naomi, ‘pleasant,‘ ‘my pleasantness,’ and ‘delight.’ This once pleasant, delightful woman in spirit and heart began a journey into death and grief when she and her husband and two sons left Bethlehemjudah (‘house of bread‘/’he shall be praised‘) and took up residence in the country of the enemy of Israel: Moab (‘whose father,‘/ ‘what father?’) That should speak volumes to us about leaving the place where we are spiritual fed and from the presence of the One who is Praise even in a time of famine.

Naomi typifies Israel’s rejecting (‘house of bread’/’he shall be praised’) and settling into and taking up residence in the world where God is not known in a land where the God the Father is not known . . . ‘what father?‘. Although the time of famine had swallowed Israel, Naomi’s family left their inheritance and sought to place roots into the land without God their Father. When Naomi returned, she came back empty. She knew the truth of her physical and spiritual condition: I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty. Through this broken-hearted statement, she typified Israel. Whenever Israel left her God, she left full. Whenever Israel was full, she deliberately sold it all away to her enemies; and whenever God brought her back, she was always empty.

Naomi also prophetically typifies the state and condition of Israel at a future time when a remnant flees into the mountains EMPTY before the Lord God IN Jesus the Christ (as the True Boaz) redeems Israel as her Kinsman. And as the prodigal son in Luke 15, he left his father full and returned empty: empty in spirit and empty in heart. Back to the book of Ruth and Naomi . . .

So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? (Ruth 1:19)

And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. (Ruth 1:20)

I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:21)

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest. (Ruth 1:22)

Naomi also typifies the condition of man. It is when man is empty within that he turns to God, it is when man no longer has anything within himself to continue on daily fighting the demons within and the demons without that he seeks God. When a person recognizes that within there are no-good thing, and no place to return to, and no one to turn to, it was only then that repentance becomes heartfelt, and spirit activated. Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)

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The Woman Sitting

Up to This Point

Each time that a sitting woman is seen in scripture there is a message, a lesson, and instruction regarding spiritual failure or victory, and following the woman sitting is a journey from individual iniquity to national iniquity, and beyond. The first attack on the nation of Israel BEFORE it became a nation was through Hagar and Ishmael: they created a division or question regarding Heirship. In Hagar, the woman sitting represents the beginning of ALL evil that will come against Israel, and where the hatred against Israel germinated: Ishmael.

The second attack on the nation of Israel BEFORE it became a nation was through Rachel: this established idolatry into the line of the promise; thus, corrupting the line of Heirship. Rachel sitting on the idols spiritually depicts that the root and source of all forms of idolatry flows from within mankind. The second mention of a woman sitting definitely deals with uncleanness, and this is the connection to the great whore of Babylon, as she sits comfortably on the uncleanness of idolatry over the entire globe.

Tamar, the third woman sitting, represents the historical dual role of Babylon as the lady of kingdoms, and as the glory of kingdoms. As Tamar covered her action of righteous indignation with robes of prostitution, Babylon covers herself with garments of false righteousness to veil her true whoredoms. Through Tamar, the open field exposes how sexual corruption spreads and takes over the world, the things of God and the people of God.

Samson’s mother was the fourth woman sitting is nameless. Judges Chapter 13 is a Chapter of warning, assurance, prophecy and revelation. Sitting in a corrupt world, surrounded by enemies, this nameless and barren woman (who typified Israel) was given hope through a son and a sacrifice. It was through the promised Son and His sacrifice that Israel would overcome her enemies. In the midst of their enslavement in their own land God provided salvation and temporary recovery.

Ruth is the next woman found sitting. She represents the Gentile Bride gathered into the Inheritance of everlasting life by the True Redeemer, the True Boaz. The Holy Spirit of God draws the Bride of Christ into the threads of the Old Testament using a bride in the person of Ruth from the land of the enemies of Israel into the inheritance of Israel.

There is so much more in the book of ‘Satisfied’ (Ruth) as the mention of barley and wheat, why Ruth laid at the feet of Boaz, and why Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley and why she went into the city. This little book of Ruth is not so little after all. However, we will end the study of Ruth and if God is willing, we will continue on to the next woman who sat . . . . who could that be? Stay tuned for the next episode of ‘As the Bible Turns.’

CLICK HERE to read an addendum to the book of Ruth.

Men of renown is a companion piece to Giants in the Earth series.

This article was published on February 25, 2024, at 12:32 PM (EST)

This article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.

All Scripture references are from the King James Bible. (KJB)

Men of Renown – Part xliii – Ruth – Sitting Beside the Reapers –

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