3 v.15 The use of the vail in Scripture is interesting. These are all of the occasions where a vail is used as a covering. Notice the first relates to meeting a man and the second two relate to a widow. [Genesis 24:65 38:14 19] Of course the word for vail occurs may more times but typically with reference to the tabernacle or Solomon's temple whilst the New Testament uses typically relate to Moses' face shining.
3 v.18 The concept of sitting or standing still is seen in the following passages as indicating a willingness to wait for the Lord to act in His own good time. [Exodus 14:13 Numbers 9:8 1 Samuel 9:27 2 Chronicles 20:17 Psalm 37:3 - 5 Isaiah 28:16]

4 v. 3-6 Whilst the near kinsman seemed willing to have the inheritance of Naomi he was unwilling to take Ruth and raise up seed. Maybe he was concerned because she was a Moabitess, or maybe he saw his own family needs as taking precedence over the law.
4 v.4 The method of dealing with the inheritance is seen to match that of Abraham buying the cave of for the burial of Sarah. [Genesis 23:18] And also the way in which Jeremiah redeemed the field in Anathoth. [Jeremiah 32:7 - 9 10 - 12 25] The details of the law regarding redeeming a parcel of ground is found in. [Leviticus 25:25 - 29]

3:11 That Ruth was a 'virtuous woman' echoed in Proverbs 31:10 shows us that this description in Proverbs is not speaking of a particular woman - but that the virtuous woman is in fact the ecclesia. The characteristics of Ruth - and the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 should be seen in the ecclesia.

4:18-22 The 'family tree' here given is matched exactly in Matthew 1

Further reinforcing the point that the life of Ruth typifies the call of the gentiles as the bride of Christ.

3:2-5 The way that Naomi spoke to Ruth about Boaz being a 'near kinsman' indicates that Ruth knew what the law of Moses said about raising up seed to the dead brother. Her behaviour in the latter verses of this chapter should be read in that light, especially as Boaz speaks to Ruth in a similar way (:12-13)

ch 4 - The 'near kinsman' here is behaving rather like Onan - another of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 38:4). One might have thought this 'near kinsman' might have learnt from the example of Onan.

3:14 Western 21st century moral values would see some inappropriate moral behaviour in Ruth. However in lying at his feet she was showing a state of submission.

4:12 In likening Ruth to Tamar and the offspring Pharez the women are conscious of the way in which Tamar bore seed after the death of her husband.

But notice that they speak of the second born son - not the firstborn.

3:4,7 The term to uncover the feet (Heb. galah) implies physical exposure, as with the  captives being led bare to exile.  Under the instruction of her mother-in-law, Ruth was trying to capture the willingness of Boaz to act as a near-kinsman. 

The opposite expression to cover the feet (Heb. cakak) (1Sam 24:3) implies isolation, protection or shielding, and is used as a means of expressing modesty in performing toilet necessities.

.3:9 ‘a near kinsman’ actually means in the Hebrew ‘one who hath the right to redeem’. And as such Boaz was in a very privileged position. As was the nearer kinsman. It was not just a matter of raising seed. It was a matter of ensuring that the inheritance did not pass out of the family.

 4:20 The genealogy given here enables us to establish that the events of the book of Ruth took place very early in the days of the Judges

3:3,4,9,11,13,16,17,18 -- v3-4 Ruth is told to wash, anoint/perfume, and put on her best clothes (NIV) and sleep near Boaz which is perhaps symbolic of a baptism and being buried with Christ which includes Gentiles; v9 Ruth is asking for marriage to Boaz a kinsman/redeemer much as we hope to be accepted as the bride of Christ; v11 Boaz notes her noble character and agrees she will be redeemed/married; v13 she then sleeps that night until morning which perhaps suggests the concept of death and resurrection (being redeemed); v16-18 Ruth is given 6 measures of barley much as we are fed by Christ although it is not quite the millenial rest which would be represented by the number 7 as in 7th day (2Pet 3:8).

4:1,2,5,6,8,9,10,12,16,17 -- v1-2 here we have Boaz/Christ at the gate (gate of judgment? as the number "10" is thought by many to mean "judgment and/or perfection of Divine order" and perhaps the earlier use of the number "10" suggests an unfavorable judgment for the men in Ruth 1:4); v5-6 perhaps the closest kinsman represents the Law of Moses which didn't redeem, only through Christ can we be redeemed as only he could fulfill the Law; v8-10 Boaz pays the price to redeem and thus acquires the land (the millenial kingdom of God on earth?) and marries Ruth (the faithful Gentile Ruth is united with Christ as his bride to reign on earth in the kingdom?); v16-17 Naomi, a faithful Jew, is included in this family and the child, Obed (5744) meaning "serving" is a product of both these women bearing fruit (fruitfulness) in service to Christ; v12 we remember Judah grudgingly gave Tamar, a Gentile, her inheritance and their child, Perez, had a brother with a scarlet thread on his wrist which is not unlike the scarlet thread from the window of Rahab's home which is perhaps symbolic of the link to Christ's sacrifice and resurrection giving them and us hope. Some of the above was gleaned from Judges and Ruth by H.A.Whittaker p205-235.

3:11 The way that the word ‘virtuous <02428> is translated elsewhere helps us to understand what it is to be" virtuous" Here are some typical occurrences.

Gen 47:6     Activity

Exo 14:4      host

Deut 3:18     war

Josh 1:14    valour

So we see a ‘virtuous’ woman is industrious. Of course it is not just women who are to manifest these qualities. It is the duty of all of us to add ‘virtue’ to our knowledge 2Pet 1:5

3:11   That Ruth was known in the town of Bethlehem s a virtuous woman must indicate that her manner of life was evident to all who would, one supposes, have been surprised at a Gentile – a Moabitess no less – being Godly. Surely a credit to Naomi’s instruction of her daughter in law.

3:9 The word kinsman is translated from the Hebrew word gaal whose root means to redeem.  And so, Boaz, as a kinsman, redeemed the inheritance of Mahlon by marrying his wife Ruth, thus, perpetuating life through their offspring (4:10). 

Likewise, Jesus is our kinsman.  He has redeemed us from death and, thus, has perpetuated our inheritance (Heb 9:15).

3:18  The idea of patient endurance - being still and waiting for God to carry out his purpose - is found throughout scripture, perhaps most impoirtantly in the exhortation to us in Psa.46:10  "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

3:9  The idea of being covered by Boaz's garment is a token of an engagment to be married.  A similar idea is expressed quite marvellously in relation to Israel, but by extension to us, in Ezekiel 16:8-9 "When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord GOD, and you became mine. Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil."

Both Ruth and we are gentiles and God has entered into a covenant with us, through Jesus.  We are "engaged" to him, awaiting the marriage.

We've been bathed with the water of baptism and the blood of sin has been washed from us. Just as future Kings were anointed, the anointing points to the time when, God willing, we may serve in the Kingdom.

Vs.1-5  Cyrus foreshadows Jesus, who was to come to save His people (v.4).  Look at the language: 

-Cyrus is called anointed (Heb. mashiyach = messiah) whose right hand was held by Yahweh (v.1; Psa 73:23). 

-The crooked places would be made straight before him (v. 2; Isa 40:3,4; Luke 3:4-6).

-The gates of brass broken (v. 2; Psa 107:16). 

-Both the Christ-type Cyrus, whose name means sun, and the Lord Jesus were in the foreknowledge of Yahweh and were proclaimed before their missions (Mal 4:2; 1Pet 1:19,20).

The Lord God has done, and does, everything. It’s interesting to note that even “evil” has been permitted to come on the earth by God (Isa 45:7).  For the millions of people who do not recognise our God, or worship Him, there is a huge shock ahead of them when they realise that the complete Power-source of our world is God.  Let us never forget it, too.

45:5  The claim ‘there is no God beside me’ can be made by the God who is able to predict the future with accuracy. Fulfilled prophecy is the challenge that Yahweh is God. Every fulfilled prophecy confirms this truth.

V.5-7 The Persians had their gods for light and darkness, for peace and evil; but the Jew who experienced the evil of captivity, and the joy of release, and who understood from the light of God's Word, that God had brought darkness over them for their sins and disobedience, would understand that there was but one God, the God of Israel.

45:9 The questioning of the potter by the clay here is contrasted – Isa 64:8– with the way that the faithful will respond to God’s instruction.

45:17 The ‘everlasting salvation’ speaks of the salvation that is brought about by the work of Jesus – Heb 5:9

V.7 God is the creator of evil. The word evil is translated from the Hebrew ra which means bad.  And so, anything bad that happens, whether moral or physical, is allowed to take place because Yahweh has created the conditions for it to happen.  Yahweh, Himself, brings disaster on people and places.  But, this is done by Him, in righteous retribution, unlike most human actions.  Evil must not be confused with sin which is disobedience to God.  Obviously, God cannot be the creator of sin.

45:14 The way in which the nations round Israel will, in the kingdom, say ‘surely God is in you’ is the basis for Paul’s words – 1Cor 14:25

V.9 This statement was made essentially to ward off any Jewish objections as to the reason a Persian (Cyrus) was to be the Jewish liberator.  Why not a Jew (the Messiah Himself)?

V.13 Cyrus was an idolater and not righteous in the spiritual sense. But, the expression I have raised him up in righteousness (KJV) means that Cyrus, like Jesus, was appointed to do the will of Yahweh (Isa 42:6).

V.16 Here, Yahweh turns to the sour discussion of Israel’s idolatry.

V.22 Yahweh declares that He is the only one who can save, not idols.  He appeals to Israel.

45:6 The deliverance of Israel by the works of Cyrus, when it happened, was not for the benefit of Israel. Rather it was that God’s name would be magnified through the world. Likewise our salvation is for His glory.

Overview. Many view the Revelation as a book of symbols and very difficult to understand. The focus of my comments as we look at the Revelation is to highlight elements of exhortation which flow from the book and which are timeless in their application.

1 v.3 - 'keep those words ...' indicates that the book contains instruction which can be practised in life. The lessons which flow from the book can be viewed as aspects of 'living the truth'.
1 v.7 - 'seven churches of Asia' It was 'all they which are in Asia' which had turned away from Paul. [2 Timothy 1:15]. That Jesus wrote specifically to them indicates that he is always seeking repentance.

2 v.10 - In speaking of tribulation for 'ten days' Jesus is reminding his readers that Daniel and his friends, who ate pulse for ten days because of their faith in God were delivered. [Daniel 1:12,14,15]

ch 1

Notice the three quotations from Psalm 89. This Psalm is an exposition of the promises to David. Therefore the use in Revelation 1 highlights the fact that Jesus is a fulfilment of the promises to David

ch 2

These three quotations from Arts 15 demonstrate that the Judaising influence of the early first century was a real problem in two of the gentile ecclesias in Asia.

1:9 If, as tradition has it, John was on Patmos as a prisoner he speaks lightly of his situation - likening his situation to that of those who are free to whom he wrote.

ch 2 - Jesus wrote to seven ecclesias in Asia. Why ecclesias in Asia? Maybe an indication is that 'all Asia' had forsaken Paul. (2 Timothy 1:15)

1:20 The "mystery" was not something which was mysterious - could not be known - rather, as is always the case in Scripture, it was something which had not been revealed. It was revealed in the same verse. The explanation is that the stars are the "angels of the seven churches". We should not be confused into thinking that Biblical "mysteries" are things we cannot understand.

2:6 In saying "I know thy works" which here is a positive comment we see that Jesus is quoting Psa 1:66 - a description of the man blessed by God.

The Revelation, or Apocalypse of Jesus, given through John, was about the things which must shortly come to pass (1:1). That is from near the end of the first century (when it was written) and onward.  The message was for the seven churches which are in Asia (1:4).  Of course, there were literally more than seven churches in Asia (and elsewhere), but the seven were selected, in microcosm, to show characteristics and conditions that would apply to all ecclesias. Thus, the message was to all true believers of the Gospel, the future kingdom of priests (1:6) (this is a more accurate translation than the KJV kings and priests).

2:6,15  The Lord hated the Nicolaitans.  Scofield says that this word comes from the Greek words nikao meaning to conquer, and laos meaning laity.  There was a usurping of power and control of one group over the rest of the ecclesia.  A priestly order or clergy was developing which would blossom into the hierarchical system of worship we see today in apostate Christendom.  This is in direct contradiction to Christ's commands (Matt 23:8). 

2:12-15 Pergamos (Pergamum) was founded by the Greeks and derives its name from pergamene meaning parchment for which the city was famous in producing.  It became an important, rich Roman city and had the reputation of being the first city in Asia.  There were many splendid temples dedicated to the gods Zeus (Jupiter), Athene, Apollo, and Aesculapius.  The characteristic idol of Aesculapius was a serpent.  There was much opposition to Christianity in Pergamos and thus the title Satan's seat is apt. The ecclesia at Pergamos had both faithful members and those who followed un-Christ like behaviors.  It is interesting to note that the Lord does not suggest that the faithful members leave the ecclesia and their wayward brethren at this point.  It is better to influence than abandon.

1:6  In speaking of us as ‘kings and priests’ Jesus is alluding to the Melchisedec priesthood which is our high calling.

2:14 ‘eat … fornication’ quotes Acts 15:29  indicating that a problem at Pergamos was the Judaising influence. Jesus is reminding the brethren and sisters to heed the letter sent out by the apostles after the discussion abut what was required of gentiles.

The letters to the churches, although short, usually have an idea which is introduced in the description of Jesus at the beginning of each one, and then is reiterated in the the letter. The letter to Ephesus has the idea of Eden: Rev 2:1 shows Jesus walking among the lampstands as God walked in the garden in the cool of the day Gen 3:8 The Ephesians had left their 1st love & needed to repent otherwise they would be removed, as Adam & Eve were expelled from the garden. But for those who overcome, they are in the garden renewed, & eat of the tree of life.

The letter to Smyrna has the theme of life & death; the letter to Pergamum has the idea of the sharp double-edged sword = the Word of God, vs the false teachings, & the sword used in judgement; the letter to Thyatira has the theme of judgement - the eyes of fire, judgement on the followers of Jezebel, judgement given to the saints.

1:8 in describing himself as ‘the beginning and the ending’ quoting Isa 44:6 highlights that he has a name ‘above every name’ – Phil 2:9

1:5      The use of ‘faithful witness’ to speak of Jesus draws attention to Psa 89:27– which speaks of the son promised to David as being a ‘faithful witness’

1:9 One might have thought that it was John who was in tribulation – confined to the Isle of Patmos – however he identifies with those to whom he wrote, though they doubtless were not suffering the privations that John suffered.

Jesus Christ was seen by John in the middle of the 7 churches. From where he was imprisoned on Patmos, these were probably the nearest ecclesias. They obviously stand for the whole ecclesial world. Jesus had a long garment from head to toe, and the girdle was around his chest. Note that girdles used to be about the waist, but the Lord is now in Heaven, and has no nakedness to hide. So His breastplate, as it were, is a golden girdle. His head and hair are pure white, symbolising purity. Both His eyes and His feet look like fire. In His hand he holds the 7 messengers (or elders) of the 7 ecclesias. What a wonderful picture of Christ and his world-wide ecclesia!                                   

The Apocalypse has a strong relationship with the Book of Daniel.  Where Daniel stopped and sealed up his prophecy, Jesus opened it and continued (Dan 12:4,9; Rev 5:2-5,9).

1:4 The seven spirits are an echo to the seven eyes  from Zechariah (Zech 3:9).

V.7 The expression: Behold, he cometh with clouds is a reference to Daniel's vision (Dan 7:13). But what are these clouds which accompany Jesus?  As well as being weather phenomena, clouds can be used figuratively to mean many people. Consider the cloud of witnesses (the faithful of Jesus) in Heb 12:1). These faithful witnesses will the immortalized when Jesus returns, and will be with Him in His campaigns and in His rule from Jerusalem (See, also, my note on 1 Thessalonians 4:17 for Nov 17).

1:8,11 Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and omega is the last.  Jesus is saying that He is the first and the last (v.17).  Jesus is the express image of Yahweh, His Father (Heb 1:3).  And so, Yahweh has always been the first and the last (Isa 44:6; 48:12).

1:12 The seven golden candlesticks (KJV) is better translated seven golden lampstands (ESV). They represent the seven ecclesias mentioned in v.11.  The number seven represents completeness.  There were more than seven ecclesias, of course, but these seven were a complete representation of all.

1:16 The seven stars represent a complete representation of ecclesial elders (teachers, leaders) (Dan 12:3; Acts 14:23). Right hand represents strength and power (Isa 48:13; Heb 1:13; 12:2).

1:20 The Lord’s explanation of vs.12,16.

2:11 Those who have died will be brought back to life for judgement by Jesus. The second death (permanent) will be administered to those who will be rejected at the judgement.

2:14 See Num 3:16.

2:28 Jesus is the morning star (Rev 22:16).  Those who have been accepted at the judgment will share glory with Him in the Kingdom.

2:27The ruling with a rod of iron is not the despotic rulership of a tyrant. Rather Jesus – in fulfilment of Psa 2:9 – will ensure that God’s laws will be observed.