Surely Goodness and Mercy

Hesed is theologically one of the most important words in the Bible.

Means: Love, covenant, compassion, grace faithfulness, kindness, mercy, loyalty.

• Heed defines the book of Ruth. (Ruth 1:8, 2:20, 3:10).
• It appears more than 250 times in the Old Testament.
• All of the Patriarchs refer to Hesed.
• Rahab to Spies in Josh 2:12, “since I have dealt hesed with you, swear to me by the LORD that you in turn will deal hesed with my family.”
• Sinai Covenant Dt. 7:9:“the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of hesed to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
• Micah 6:8: “what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love hesed (Mercy/grace), and to walk humbly with your God?”
• Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and Hesed shall follow me all the days of my llife; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
• In Ruth 4, the word Hesed does not appear. Instead it is acted out.

Ruth 4:1-17

• The other redeemer is simply called Mr. So and So in the text.
• The city gate is where the town would hold court, do business, handle legal matters.
• Some suggest that Boaz chose 10 men representing the 10 commandments.
• Ruth 4:12, “Perez” and “Tamar” were involved in a Levirate marriage that was complicated, but God blessed.

The Savior: Boaz picture of Jesus. (Before Communion)

1. He

2. He

• Dwight Pentecost, professor at Dallas Seminary, wrote a book, “Things that Become Sound Doctrine.” For the doctrine of Redemption, he told the story of Ruth.
• Ruth 4:7, trading shoes. Symbolic: “I now stand in your place.” Which is what Jesus did at the cross.
• Ruth 4:9, he “bought” her. A theme of Scripture is that Christ bought us with his blood.. He brings me into community. Gives me a family faith.

3. He

• Ruth 4:11, The prayer to make Ruth like “Rachel and Leah” who “built the house of Israel” is the full affirmation that the community now accepts Ruth as a Hebrew.
• Why did Boaz have such an eye for Ruth? Was she just pretty? His mom was Rahab.
• Jesus brings us into the family.
• Jesus’ family is not just Hebrews, but a “great multitude” of people from many “nations” “tribes” “peoples” and languages. (Revelation 7:9-10)

Ruth 4:18-22

2 Samuel 7:8-16, “The Davidic Covenant.”

Matthew 1:5-16.

• God put book of Ruth in the Bible to point us to the Gospel.
• Jesus brings us Hesed. Goodness, mercy, grace.