Unicorn Highs

God used ordinary individuals to fulfil His grand purpose.

Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba’s story is a powerful example of someone prepared by God to fulfil His purpose. God could match her with a more suitable partner for a happy marriage. However, He must consider her honour. Ruth 2:1 presents Boaz as a “worthy man” at the beginning. Gibber hail is a Hebrew phrase that signifies wealth, strength, power, and virtue—qualities attributable to Boaz.

It is no coincidence that the book of Ruth, which best illustrates the values of Proverbs 31, comes just after Proverbs. Ruth embodies the traits described in Proverbs 31: devoted, conscientious, hardworking, clever, and generous. Indeed, anyone fortunate enough to be her husband will look good in her eyes.

Ruth’s story is a powerful example of someone prepared by God to fulfil His purpose. God could match her with a more suitable partner for a happy marriage. However, He must consider her honour. Ruth 2:1 presents Boaz as a “worthy man” at the beginning. Gibber hail is a Hebrew phrase that signifies wealth, strength, power, and virtue—qualities attributable to Boaz.

Boaz has likely served as a military commander, given that this is the era of the judges. He now refers to Ruth as his equal and a “worthy woman.” Proverbs 31 leads the portion that describes a noblewoman as “Ezeth hail.” Therefore, a worthy woman finds a worthy man. Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba were actual examples.

The story of Ruth began when a famine in the land forced a wounded woman, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons to leave Bethlehem and relocate to Moab. Now that the famine is over, she returns alone because her husband and sons have perished in a foreign country.

Elimelech’s decision marked his life with tragedy.

We must recognise God’s use of famine, and the relationship between Israel and Moab is toxic. Moab’s origin stems from the son of Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and Lot’s daughter, who had an incestuous relationship while intoxicated (Genesis 19:30-38).

However, when they ran out of food in Bethlehem, Judah, an Israelite named Elimelech (Ruth 1:2) fled to Moab with his wife Naomi and their sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The sons married Moabite women and eventually met their demise for unknown reasons.

More clarity is needed regarding Elimelech’s dying conditions. Biblical scholars propose various theories that suggest divine judgment. Elimelech may have disobeyed God by fleeing to Moab, the Israelites’ enemy, instead of remaining in the Promised Land.

To be more precise, he sold the family’s divinely granted inheritance to dwell among pagan idolaters. Another comparable view is that although God approved the family’s decision to relocate to Moab, they should have returned sooner. However, they remained in Moab for ten years.

This Bible hints at an underlying cultural motif of that period: the strength and safety of the family depend on the children and grandchildren. Naomi is acutely aware of this, preferring that the boys marry in Moab rather than wait for the family to return to Israel and find spouses among their people.

Naomi rushed back to the place of blessing to set up Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba.

Deuteronomy 7:1-4 forbade the Israelites from marrying women from the lands driven out of the Promised Land. However, it remains unclear whether it was illegal for an Israelite man to marry a Moabite woman during this time, particularly if she began to worship Yahweh like Rahab. Like Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba became.

Naomi has been striving to survive for ten years. Initially, she fled to Moab with her husband and two sons during a famine in their hometown of Bethlehem. After her husband passed away, she sought to continue the family line by finding spouses for her sons. Since her boys passed away without having children, Naomi is now rushing once more (Ruth 1:1-5).

In that society and era, widowed and childless women were especially vulnerable due to their lack of support. Naomi does not make her decision to return to Bethlehem lightly. No wonder Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba were God’s making.

Naomi starts to have second thoughts after they embark on their quest. Returning to Israel has different consequences for younger women compared to older ones. For an elderly Israeli widow, returning to Israel will be challenging enough. More than just starvation will threaten the two young Moabite widows.

Ruth 1:1-7 describes the harrowing journey of Naomi and her daughters-in-law to Bethlehem from Moab, which is located on the east side of the Dead Sea. It remains unclear what occurred and why the women acted as they did.

Even in the face of uncertainty, loyalty was a trait of Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba.

Most likely, the Moabite women, who may have lived with Naomi for many years before and after their spouses’ deaths, found her to be a friendly, gentle, and compassionate mother-in-law with whom to share their lives, even after their husbands’ passing. Generosity was a hallmark in the lives of Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba.

The Moabites are Ruth and Orpah. Naomi’s sons have since passed away. They can return to their biological families and seek other spouses to provide stability and a family. Why did they begin to follow Naomi, and why did she attempt to change their ways?

In this tale, a young Moabite widow married to Mahlon becomes a devoted caregiver for her mother-in-law, an Israelite widow. She is so affectionate that she dedicates her entire life to ensuring her mother-in-law receives compensation for her loss.

The more important lesson here is God’s mercy, which extends to widows. In addition to meeting their needs, God integrates Ruth into the royal lineage of King David and the Messiah, Jesus, consistently applying this practice to deserving women of faith, as demonstrated in some posts on this website.

Ruth 4:13 says, “And the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.” After providing food for the Israelites, God blessed Ruth with a son who played a crucial role in the reign of King David and the birth of the world’s saviour (Matthew 1:5-16). This demonstrates that God is the driving force behind the events in these books.

The Hittite Bathsheba is the fourth woman listed in Jesus’ genealogy.

Naomi acknowledges that God has shown generosity (Ruth 2:20), and Boaz expresses gratitude to Ruth for her kindness toward Naomi (Ruth 3:10).

God demonstrates His love and covenant faithfulness through the goodness of those who fear Him. Psalm 25:14 says, “The Lord confides in those who fear Him. He reveals to them the intent of his promise.”

The Good News Translation puts it rightly: “The LORD is the friend of those who obey him, and he affirms his covenant with them. “Ruth fulfils these qualities, so she merits God’s promise. Thus, the Lord gave her to Naomi and included her in the lineage of the Messiah.

We know Jacob’s prophecy: “Genesis 49:8-10: Judah, the father of this tribe, will rule over his brothers.” Therefore, Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba must come through him.

The ten-person list demonstrates the transition from the Patriarchs to David’s legitimate monarchy. In other words, Samuel bolstered support for David against Saul, who was descended from Benjamin rather than Judah.

The Hittite Bathsheba, whom David exploits, will be covered in the last chapter. Solomon, the monarch, was born to her (2 Samuel 11:1-12:25). All four likely started as non-Israelites and entered Israelite culture in questionable ways. Furthermore, according to Matthew 1:3-6, they are the only women mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy, except for Mary, his mother.

The stories of these great women of faith—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—demonstrate that there is no sin God cannot pardon, no loss He cannot redeem, and no adversity He cannot help us endure. He invites us to participate in His plan to assist others, and He will bless us in return. We must emulate these worthy women, Jesus grandmother Ruth and Bathsheba.

Here’s the story of a remarkable woman and the chosen people of Israel. Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2.

Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2, was a stranger and a non-Israelite with a strong faith in God, Yahweh. However, it is written, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

The story of Rahab in the Book of Joshua tells us about a remarkable woman of faith, a Canaanite who profoundly loved God. Ultimately, she assisted the people of God and worshipped Yahweh, bringing her into the Messiah’s lineage.

Then Joshua, son of Nun, secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So, they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

The king of Jericho was informed, “Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” So, the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house because they have come to spy out the whole land.”

But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. They left at dusk when it was time to close the city gate. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.”

The Canaanites were fearful of the Israelites.

We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you destroyed. Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2, said.

“Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family because I have shown kindness to you. Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2, continued.

Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.” “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.” Joshua 2:1-6, 8-14

Evidence of God’s power and favour towards His people.

Jericho, Rahab’s natal city, is located in the Jordan Valley, north of the Dead Sea, about 800 feet below sea level and five miles west of the Jordan River. It is one of the world’s oldest known settlements and among the lowest cities.

The cities in Canaan must have been independent of each other, as the king of Jericho did not seek assistance from other kings to resist this formidable adversary approaching him from the wilderness. He relied on the words of Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2.

When Joshua became Israel’s leader at the death of Moses, God said to him: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses so that I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).

Although he relied on divine direction and power, Joshua knew it would be wise to embark on an “intelligence gathering” expedition. His approach contains a lesson for us: We cannot expect success, either in spiritual or temporal, unless we also exercise prudence. Although God is in charge of our experiences, we are workers together with God (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Let us understand that any success achieved arises from God’s overruling providence. “I, wisdom, was with the Lord when he began his work, long before he made anything else. (Proverbs 8:22)” Which worked for Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2 in this case.

Jericho was a significant stopping point for travellers.

Because the Jordan was relatively easy to cross at this point, Jericho was a popular rest stop for numerous trade caravans travelling between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Phoenicia. Foreigners and strangers frequently entered the city, which may explain why the spies felt bold enough to walk right in.

But where would they spend the night? The logical place would be where strangers were welcome: a “bed and breakfast” operated by Rahab. Those who stayed there would bring news of the day and share with the woman what had happened to Israel over the past forty years. Almost everyone in the city reacted with fear and dread.

But Rahab correctly concluded that Israel was serving the true God and that all other gods were false. When the spies arrived at her house, they found the only person in Jericho who was friendly to their nation. Rahab believed. Soon, she demonstrated that she had more than belief—she had faith.

The Scarlet Thread: Rahab and the spies discussed how she was to identify her house so the soldiers would know how to save her and her family: “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by. … And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window” (Joshua 2:18,21).

The scarlet thread is God’s promise of protection and salvation for Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2.

Although the NIV states it was a scarlet cord, it is more likely that it was a cloth woven with scarlet thread, resembling a red flag. Rahab hid the spies among stalks of flax drying on the roof. Flax is used to make linen, and Rahab probably made cloth. One of the spies might have noticed some red cloth in her home and realised it could serve as an identifying flag.

The “red” was a sign or pledge of safety to all within that house. Marking the outside of a home in red is reminiscent of what occurred during the Exodus. The Israelites marked their doorposts and lintels with blood so the death angel would pass over their houses during the night.

A family demonstrated faith by believing that blood splashing would make a difference. Rahab also had faith that this red flag would save her, and it did. She and her family became the first proselytes of Judaism after Israel entered Canaan. Showcasing the glory of God in the life of Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2.

The Israelites entirely accepted her. Her past remained in the past. She married a prince of Judah: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David” (Matthew 1:5,6, NIV).

God prefers faith over societal status.

Salmon’s father was Nahshon. When he died in the wilderness, Salmon would have succeeded him. What could have possessed Salmon to marry a heathen prostitute? When he married her, she was neither a heathen nor a prostitute. That was in the past.

Although the account does not state it directly, Salmon likely was one of the two spies that fateful night. He witnessed Rahab’s faith firsthand and fell in love with her. Although she was initially outside God’s covenant nation, Rahab was entirely accepted and became part of the genealogical chain extending from Adam to Jesus Christ.

Our loving God often acts unexpectedly, choosing individuals here and there who may be deemed undesirable by those who assume they know better: “The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you” (Matthew 21:31, NIV).

What does God think of prostitutes? He loves them. And if they accept His love, they can transform: “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers … will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, NIV) Hurra! Rahab grandmother of Jesus number 2, is in the Messaiah’s family line.

God desired the Israelites to maintain their identity as a distinct people.

Tamar grandmother of Jesus in the Old Testament, Israel’s connection with their God is closely tied to land ownership. God called Abraham to leave Haran and go to Canaan after his father’s death. According to God’s promise in Genesis 12:1-2 and 15:18-21, Abraham’s descendants would eventually possess all of Canaan.

Consequently, according to Leviticus 26, Israel was to serve as a model for other pagans, demonstrating what the one true God required of His people. He took this action because, according to Genesis 12:1-3, 17:4, and 22:18, He had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that those nations would be blessed through him.

Thus, to separate the Israelites from a civilisation steeped in foreign gods and to strengthen their identity as a distinct people, God permitted them to be enslaved in Egypt for four hundred years.  He provided them with the Mosaic law to instruct them to avoid foreign gods.

The ultimate purpose of all God’s actions concerning Israel was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ’s arrival on Earth to redeem mankind. This event required the involvement of female figures chosen explicitly for their remarkable and worthy faith characters. We now know her as Tamar grandmother of Jesus.

Aside from Mary, the mother of God, the four women of faith chosen in the Bible and included in Jesus’ family are consistently foreigners who have unwavering trust in the Almighty Yahweh of Israel. We will chronologically highlight these women of great faith in God: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.

The patriarch Judah is expected to uphold the Messiah’s lineage.

Jacob prophesied that Judah would rule over the entire family due to the transgressions of Judah’s three elder brothers (Genesis 49:3-12). This historical moment marks the beginning of God’s relationship with the nation of Israel, His chosen people. We must recognise the immense value of Tamar, another exceptional woman in God’s eyes.

According to Genesis 38:1-3, Judah, one of Jacob’s sons, separated from the rest of his family, married a Canaanite woman, and had multiple sons. Er is the oldest and is now old enough to get married; she, by divine power, became Tamar grandmother of Jesus.

Judah finds Tamar, a wife for his son, who is a Canaanite. This is another example of Judah disobeying the commandment in Genesis 28:1, which forbids marrying Canaanites who worship idols. Er’s life will regrettably end soon. The only information provided by the Bible is that God kills him as retribution for his transgressions (Genesis 38:7).

Under custom, Tamar is given to Er’s brother, Onan, so she can have children to support herself, and Er can have descendants. According to Genesis 38:7-10, Judah followed this tradition, but that marriage also involved tragedy and sin.

As previously mentioned, Judah approaches his second son, Onan, after the Lord kills his wicked son Er (Genesis 38:6-7). He instructs Onan to marry Tamar, Er’s widow. Caring for Tamar as a wife is Onan’s specific responsibility; he emphasises the importance of getting her pregnant so that his deceased brother can have children through him.

Tamar grandmother of Jesus, a widow, is obligated to marry her brother-in-law.

Deuteronomy 25:5-6 describes how this “levirate marriage” would also become the norm in Israel. However, a man today can choose not to take his brother’s widow in this manner, according to the Law. But God’s will for her was to become Tamar grandmother of Jesus.

The idea did not sit well with Onan, as the children would be legally and culturally considered his brother’s heirs, not his own. As a result, Onan makes a conscious decision not to impregnate Tamar, using her solely for sex. Onan committed a transgression purposefully, and God will kill Onan, too, for that (Genesis 38:10).

Now, the Lord has also killed Onan, making Tamar a widow once more. Although Tamar didn’t cause either situation, she is currently childless, single, and has little chance of finding a husband.

According to the same custom that governed Tamar’s marriage to Onan, Shelah, Judah’s next-to-youngest son, would marry Tamar and bear her offspring. Although Shelah’s age is not stated in the Bible, he is still young enough for Judah’s explanation to make sense.

However, the argument that Shelah is too young is a stopgap. Judah seemed to hold Tamar accountable for the deaths of his two eldest sons. He might blame her for his sons’ poor choices or regard her as bad luck. Not knowing God wanted her to be Tamar grandmother of Jesus.

Taking charge of her outside of Judah’s household, he advises her to return home to her father while he waits for Shelah to mature. Genesis 38:14 clarifies that Judah never planned to consummate Tamar and Shelah’s marriage.

Tamar grandmother of Jesus, demonstrates bravery and courage by taking assertive action.

Following his grief, Judah visits his sheepshearers in Timnah with his friend Hirah. Judah’s journey will present an opportunity for Tamar. Genesis 38:14 states that Judah has abandoned her since and has no intention of keeping his word.

Therefore, she resorts to a dangerous and desperate plan. Tamar devises a scheme to persuade her father-in-law to care for her and accept her into his household upon discovering that Judah is travelling to Timnah (Genesis 38:14-15).

Tamar knows that Judah is moving closer to Timnah. She covers her face with a veil and removes her widow’s mourning garments. She positions herself beside the road that leads to Enaim, aware that Judah will pass by there. Her strategy is to pretend to be a prostitute (Genesis 38:15) and target Judah through her attire, demeanour, and location.

Similarly, God chose Judah after his two older sons failed to fulfil the line of the Messiah. She waits for Judah to pass by on the road, dressed as a prostitute and covered with a veil (Genesis 38:13). Her strategy proves successful as the Lord uses Judah instead of his sons for His divine purpose and also to be Tamar grandmother of Jesus.

When he looks at her, Judah believes she is a prostitute. He never recognises her as his daughter-in-law due to the veil. He will employ her in the next couple of verses. Tamar is going to take advantage of this encounter.

God’s plan for Judah and Tamar, grandmother of Jesus, we know the events recorded in Genesis 38 likely occurred before Joseph reunited with his father, Jacob, and brothers in Egypt. The text shifts its focus to Joseph starting from Genesis 39:1.

She cleverly tricks Judah into impregnating her, defying societal norms.

The Bible is silent on the specifics of Tamar’s initial scheme. At the very least, she intended to use this meeting as leverage to ensure that Judah kept his word. It’s a risky venture, as she has a significant chance of losing her life if this is discovered.

She has a much stronger advantage than she may have realised. While negotiating her rate, Judah mentions that he is short on cash for her services. Tamar requests that Judah surrender his staff, signet, and cord as a guarantee.

These objects would have been special and one of a kind. She will return the goods as soon as he sends the cash. Judah grants her access to them and gets his way. Tamar becomes pregnant, which proves to be a huge benefit (Genesis 38:17-18) to the glory of God Almighty.

It is revealed that Tamar is pregnant after three months. Judah brutally sentences her to death, fully aware that she is nominally engaged to his youngest son, Shelah. Tamar presents evidence of the person who impregnated her—Judah’s staff and signet—in a startling revelation.

The Bible makes it clear that Judah never had sex with Tamar grandmother of Jesus, again, nor did he marry her. Judah effectively assumes the role of a levirate spouse, which he refrained from doing for Tamar (Genesis 38:24-26). Judah’s twin boys, Zerah and Perez, are born to Tamar (Genesis 38:27-30).

I will make him a suitable helper; ‘it is good.’

It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him, says the Lord. Until now, in the Bible, God has used the phrase “not good.” God has regarded everything he has created up to this point, including the first man, as good or extremely good. Until now, the constructed world has been flawless in form, function, and potential. Something now needed fixing.

The notion that God is now entirely responsible for the state of the world renders this statement particularly thought-provoking. Nevertheless, His angels and the devils were present at the universe’s inception, which took place after the evil spirits fell, as God intended to use the humans He created to impart a lesson to the devils.

For what reason is anything that God made deemed “not good?” And in a lesser sense by God Himself? To put it briefly, only God is flawless. Thus, nothing that is not of God can be perfect. It is not good for man to be alone; He was right.

God’s intention was clear from the very beginning. He did not create humans to live in isolation, even though the woman within the man was not physically visible. His design for humanity is a marriage between a man and a woman, a divine union that predates sin.

It is not good for man to be alone, implying that a woman is forthcoming.

However, the same root word used here for the helper, “ezer,” is frequently employed by God to denote Himself (Psalm 33:20; Psalm 70:5; Psalm 115:9). The woman will be given to the man for his benefit. Just as he will be to her, she is part of God’s provision for him. God intends for a man and a woman to live, work, and walk together.

God’s desire for His people is clear and evident. He wants us to view one another as equals and devoted friends, not as animals. Adam’s ability to name the creatures that God creates, along with his realisation that none fit him well, further illustrates that it is not good for man to be alone.

We all know living examples of “a woman of Proverbs 31” in the Bible: devoted, conscientious, hardworking, clever, and giving. And like every wife of noble character, we know that they, like Sarah, submit themselves to their husbands. She calls her hubby lord, and whoever is fortunate enough to be their husband will appear well in their eyes.

When we speak of suitable helpers according to God’s will for humanity, we refer to women of immense worth in God’s eyes. The holy women who thrived in marriage placed their trust in God. God cherishes and empowers women within His divine plan, from Sarah, the epitome of a faithful woman, to remarkable figures like Rahab and Ruth.

Are you a woman of Proverbs 31, a woman of noble character?

The story of Rahab in the Book of Joshua recounts the remarkable faith of a Canaanite woman who profoundly loved the God of Israel. She ultimately aided the people of God. Later, she worshipped Yahweh and was included in the lineage of the Messiah through Salmon, as it is not good for man to be alone.

Similarly, it is no coincidence that the Hebrew liturgical canon follows Proverbs 31 with the Book of Ruth, attributed to Samuel, to illustrate King David’s divine approval over Saul, using Ruth as an example of a woman of worthy character.

Ruth embodies the woman in Proverbs 31: devoted, conscientious, giving, hardworking, and clever. And will anyone fortunate enough to be the husband of a worthy woman not look good in her eyes? Boaz was what God intended when He said, “I will make a helper suitable for him.” For it is not good for man to be alone.

The Lord could match Ruth with a more suitable partner for a happy marriage. Ruth 2:1 presents Boaz as a “worthy man” at the outset. Gibber hail is a Hebrew phrase that can signify wealth, strength, power, and virtue. Note how Boaz now refers to Ruth as his equal and a “worthy woman.” Proverbs 31 introduces the portion that describes a noblewoman as “Ezeth hail.”

Jehovah Jireh provides and blesses marriage.

The Lord commands us to be fruitful and multiply, to populate the earth, and to rule over all He made. Today, society values the individual more than the clan, which makes it more challenging to comprehend the close bond between a woman and her husband’s family in ancient cultures.

Hesed, often translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness,” is a prominent theme in Ruth’s story. God cherishes family; for example, when He chose Moses to meet Pharaoh, He included Aaron and later Aaron’s sons.

In the Bible, God views marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman, a permanent bond, and a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. It is not merely a human agreement but a covenant ordained by God, intended to serve as a source of profound love, support, and unity. Hence, He stated it is not good for man to be alone.

Genesis 2:24 says, “A man will leave his father’s house and go to the woman and become one”, which serves as a foundational text in the Bible regarding marriage and the concept of “one flesh”. This verse is also referenced in Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:8, and Ephesians.

This verse refers to the concept of marriage and the significance of the marital bond over other family ties, particularly the bond with one’s parents. That is why the Pharisees are testing Him and attempting to catch Him off guard.

God created people as male and female; pray for a suitable partner.

They want Him to express something controversial regarding the highly divisive issue of divorce. They hope that any response He gives will undermine His popularity and, perhaps, provide them grounds to label Him a heretic (Matthew 19:1-4).

In responding to them, Jesus quotes from Genesis 1:27, stating that God created people as male and female. He then references Genesis 2:24, which describes a man and a woman becoming bound together in marriage.

Jesus, of course, understands that the Pharisees have read these passages. His point is that those who treat divorce lightly do not appreciate what God has revealed or bestowed upon them. Nonetheless, Jesus illustrates that God established marriage from the very beginning of creation.

It is inherent in the design of humanity as men and women. Marriage is more than simply two people coming together to share their lives; it is the union of two individuals into one flesh. This occurs, in part, through sex, but also the commitment embedded in the marriage connection.

Psalm 25:14 states, “The Lord confides in those who fear Him. He reveals to them the intent of his promise.” As the Good News Translation rightly puts it, “The LORD is the friend of those who obey him, and he affirms his covenant with them.”

Ruth embodies these qualities, deserving of God’s promise, which will manifest in every suitable marriage, as we know that God is the only hope for blessing the man or woman who loves Him.