The Book of Ruth series by artist S. Jewell S. McGhee
The Book of Ruth has a beautiful story to tell of God's covenantal-loyal-love (Hesed) God's faithfulness and a picture of the beauty of God's law.
Call Me Mara“Call Me Mara”
9x12” Colored Pencil on Toned Paper S Jewell S McGhee, 2026 “Don’t call me Naomi (which means pleasant),” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara (which means bitter),” for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. For I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty.” Ruth 1:20-21a NIV The story of Ruth begins with tragedy. That is what we are meant to take from Ruth chapter one. We begin in grief, loss and bitterness. We love to hear the beautiful commitment that Ruth makes to Naomi, but despite the companionship of Ruth, when Naomi gets home to Bethlehem she is empty. I imagine that as Naomi walks again the journey from Moab to Bethlehem that she sees the shadows of her family walking the journey in the other direction. I am sure that memory triggered her grief and that empty ache in her heart that yearned for her family. The family that was and could have been. We need to start the story here to understand the significance of what is to come. We need to recognize that when we stand beside those who grieve, even when we are the most faithful companions, our love does not negate their loss. Instead, our love must stand with them in that bitterness and walk with them on that journey. Ruth’s promise of "wherever you go I will go” meant that Ruth walked the bitter path of grief alongside Naomi. |
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You’re Like Me
“You’re Like Me”
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
In the Hebrew Bible the book of Ruth is located right after Proverbs 31, the chapter celebrating the “Woman who fears the Lord.” In this way, Ruth seems to be shown as an example of such a woman. Proverbs 31 tells us:
“She is more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (Pro 31:10-12)”
(writeup continues below)
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
In the Hebrew Bible the book of Ruth is located right after Proverbs 31, the chapter celebrating the “Woman who fears the Lord.” In this way, Ruth seems to be shown as an example of such a woman. Proverbs 31 tells us:
“She is more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (Pro 31:10-12)”
(writeup continues below)
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Spread Your Wings Over Me
Spread Your Wings Over Me”
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
Famine is scary. Barrenness is soul sapping. We do not want to feel helpless, needy, or out of control. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband was faced with famine and fled. He found a logical solution, knowing it was outside of Yahweh’s plan, and acted, swiftly and decisively. Naomi and Ruth, faced with...
(writeup continues below)
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
Famine is scary. Barrenness is soul sapping. We do not want to feel helpless, needy, or out of control. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband was faced with famine and fled. He found a logical solution, knowing it was outside of Yahweh’s plan, and acted, swiftly and decisively. Naomi and Ruth, faced with...
(writeup continues below)
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Satisfaction“Satisfaction: Ruth 4”
9x12” Colored Pencil on Tan Paper S Jewell S McGhee, 2026 It is a wonderful thing to hold a satisfied baby. If they are hungry or sleepy or uncomfortable or worried, you will know about it. Their empty stomach is a crisis that feels to them like the end of the world. They are very good at communicating when things are not right, they squirm and cry and wiggle until someone helps sort out the issue that they can’t solve for themselves. As the story of Ruth comes to an end, we hold, with Naomi, a satisfied baby Obed. A child of hope and promise and restoration and completeness, not just for this family, but for all of Israel. David the coming King fulfills God’s promises of wholeness for the community. And Jesus comes through the line of David and fulfills God’s promises of wholeness for the whole world. The wings of God’s protection and provision cover over the living and the dead, they hold the love (Hesed) and strength (Hayil) that accompanied their obedience in redemption (Ga’al). And it foreshadows Jesus’ redemption of us. When Jesus, in obedience, at his own cost, brings us back into the family of God, it fosters in us, not as gratitude, but strength (hayil) and love (hesed). When we hold that satisfied baby, their calm and satisfaction falls on us like dew: comes to us, like condensation, from the grace that already and always surrounds us. Rest and receive that grace, and be filled. |
“You’re Like Me”
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
In the Hebrew Bible the book of Ruth is located right after Proverbs 31, the chapter celebrating the “Woman who fears the Lord.” In this way, Ruth seems to be shown as an example of such a woman. Proverbs 31 tells us:
“She is more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (Pro 31:10-12)”
“[She] provides food for her household (31:15)”
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (31:17)”
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (31:26)”
Her husband blesses and praises her (31:28)
Naomi buried her husband and two sons. Her daughter-in-laws were barren. Naomi was destitute, as a widow and as a woman with no family line. And Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and throw herself on the mercy and hesed [love] of Yahweh.
Ruth sees her mother-in-law’s helpless situation and steps into it. Ruth knows what she is getting into. Naomi tries to persuade her to take a more logical path; not wanting to pull Ruth into the bitterness her life has become. But Ruth sees the bitterness and resolves to do what she can to bring joy back to Naomi. They both knew that life would not be easy. Ruth decides to become a young widowed foreigner in Bethlehem, she had seen Naomi live as a young widowed foreigner in Moab.
Surely, looking at Ruth, it was like looking in a mirror. Naomi saw herself. She saw the hardships that were coming, and she tried to turn her back; begged Ruth to go home to her parent’s house. Begged Ruth to let others care for her, help her, provide for her. Instead Ruth takes on the responsibility not only for her own helpless plight but also for the helpless plight of her mother-in-law.
In going with Naomi, Ruth is choosing to put herself into Yahweh’s hands also. God is faithful. God sees the weak. He hears those who call to Him. Later in the story Boaz blesses Ruth saying, “The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge! (Ruth 2:12)”
Ruth and Naomi come empty into Bethlehem. They have no husbands, no children, no provisions. Naomi, whose name meant “joy” had no joy left. They come to Bethlehem, and Yahweh fills them. He gives them each other, he provides work for Ruth, food for the women, a husband, a home, a child, and a lineage of kings. “The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. (Is 29:19)”
Though Ruth did not make a “smart” choice or a logical decision in going with Naomi, she made a wise choice. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)”
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
In the Hebrew Bible the book of Ruth is located right after Proverbs 31, the chapter celebrating the “Woman who fears the Lord.” In this way, Ruth seems to be shown as an example of such a woman. Proverbs 31 tells us:
“She is more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (Pro 31:10-12)”
“[She] provides food for her household (31:15)”
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (31:17)”
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (31:26)”
Her husband blesses and praises her (31:28)
Naomi buried her husband and two sons. Her daughter-in-laws were barren. Naomi was destitute, as a widow and as a woman with no family line. And Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and throw herself on the mercy and hesed [love] of Yahweh.
Ruth sees her mother-in-law’s helpless situation and steps into it. Ruth knows what she is getting into. Naomi tries to persuade her to take a more logical path; not wanting to pull Ruth into the bitterness her life has become. But Ruth sees the bitterness and resolves to do what she can to bring joy back to Naomi. They both knew that life would not be easy. Ruth decides to become a young widowed foreigner in Bethlehem, she had seen Naomi live as a young widowed foreigner in Moab.
Surely, looking at Ruth, it was like looking in a mirror. Naomi saw herself. She saw the hardships that were coming, and she tried to turn her back; begged Ruth to go home to her parent’s house. Begged Ruth to let others care for her, help her, provide for her. Instead Ruth takes on the responsibility not only for her own helpless plight but also for the helpless plight of her mother-in-law.
In going with Naomi, Ruth is choosing to put herself into Yahweh’s hands also. God is faithful. God sees the weak. He hears those who call to Him. Later in the story Boaz blesses Ruth saying, “The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge! (Ruth 2:12)”
Ruth and Naomi come empty into Bethlehem. They have no husbands, no children, no provisions. Naomi, whose name meant “joy” had no joy left. They come to Bethlehem, and Yahweh fills them. He gives them each other, he provides work for Ruth, food for the women, a husband, a home, a child, and a lineage of kings. “The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. (Is 29:19)”
Though Ruth did not make a “smart” choice or a logical decision in going with Naomi, she made a wise choice. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)”
Spread Your Wings Over Me”
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
Famine is scary. Barrenness is soul sapping. We do not want to feel helpless, needy, or out of control. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband was faced with famine and fled. He found a logical solution, knowing it was outside of Yahweh’s plan, and acted, swiftly and decisively. Naomi and Ruth, faced with barrenness, took refuge in Yahweh, despite the fact that it was an illogical decision for Ruth. “therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish. (Isaiah 29:14)”
Ruth entrusted herself to the LORD’s care. The Law had made provisions for widows, orphans and foreigners to glean the edges and fallings behind the workers. Landowners were not to harvest their field with the most efficiency. They were to allow those who were needy to gather the excess and the edges, in order to provide for their needs.
Boaz was a man who was willing to be used by God; he was an instrument of the LORD’s generosity and hesed [kindness]. He allowed Ruth to gather with the needy, but he also gave her intentional and excessive generosity because of her hesed [kindness] to Naomi.
Boaz blessed Ruth asking that God spread his wings over her, like a mother bird protecting her young. Ruth asked Boaz on the threshing floor to spread his wings/garment over her, to be the answer to his own prayer for her by marrying her.
There is certainly sexual tension in this scandalous midnight meeting, but it only serves to highlight the honorable and moral character that has already been established in both Ruth (3:11) and Boaz (2:1).
It is so beautiful, the way that the LORD works. Boaz started by merely being an instrument of the LORD’s hesed [kindness], and it was through this that God showed hesed to Boaz. Ruth comes to Boaz, on the threshing floor, and asks that he marry her and provide for her and Naomi. Boaz says, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness [hesed] greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. (Ruth 3:10)”
Hesed is a Hebrew word that does not have an English synonym. It is kindness given willingly to someone in a real and desperate need, in the context of a relationship, it is a long-term covenantal kindness. Hesed is an attribute of God that we are called to emulate.
God is a good, kind, caring life-giver. He is trust worthy and faithful. He can be trusted with all of our troubles, with life’s famines, barrenness, sorrows, and our daily tangible needs.
10x13” Colored Pencil on Paper
S Jewell S McGhee, 2012
Famine is scary. Barrenness is soul sapping. We do not want to feel helpless, needy, or out of control. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband was faced with famine and fled. He found a logical solution, knowing it was outside of Yahweh’s plan, and acted, swiftly and decisively. Naomi and Ruth, faced with barrenness, took refuge in Yahweh, despite the fact that it was an illogical decision for Ruth. “therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish. (Isaiah 29:14)”
Ruth entrusted herself to the LORD’s care. The Law had made provisions for widows, orphans and foreigners to glean the edges and fallings behind the workers. Landowners were not to harvest their field with the most efficiency. They were to allow those who were needy to gather the excess and the edges, in order to provide for their needs.
Boaz was a man who was willing to be used by God; he was an instrument of the LORD’s generosity and hesed [kindness]. He allowed Ruth to gather with the needy, but he also gave her intentional and excessive generosity because of her hesed [kindness] to Naomi.
Boaz blessed Ruth asking that God spread his wings over her, like a mother bird protecting her young. Ruth asked Boaz on the threshing floor to spread his wings/garment over her, to be the answer to his own prayer for her by marrying her.
There is certainly sexual tension in this scandalous midnight meeting, but it only serves to highlight the honorable and moral character that has already been established in both Ruth (3:11) and Boaz (2:1).
It is so beautiful, the way that the LORD works. Boaz started by merely being an instrument of the LORD’s hesed [kindness], and it was through this that God showed hesed to Boaz. Ruth comes to Boaz, on the threshing floor, and asks that he marry her and provide for her and Naomi. Boaz says, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness [hesed] greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. (Ruth 3:10)”
Hesed is a Hebrew word that does not have an English synonym. It is kindness given willingly to someone in a real and desperate need, in the context of a relationship, it is a long-term covenantal kindness. Hesed is an attribute of God that we are called to emulate.
God is a good, kind, caring life-giver. He is trust worthy and faithful. He can be trusted with all of our troubles, with life’s famines, barrenness, sorrows, and our daily tangible needs.
