Chesed & The Book of Ruth - Essay Example

Chesed & the Book of Ruth Chesed is a term, which refers to the first motive in the creation. The concept is also the fourth out of the ten existing sefirot. Chesed usually appears during the configuration of sefirot on the right axis. It appears below chochmah. Chesed also is corresponding to the right arm in the setting of tzelem Elokim. The term alludes to the desire of restoring the goodness kindness, mercy and love to the human soul in creation (Shapiro, 2013). It also serves as the channel through which the soul connects to the extrinsic environment.

Chesed helps a person to reflect and get inspire hence controlling the things man allows to influence the soul. Chesed term also refers to the first day of God’s creation. The first day is referred to as Torah, which means the day of one. The day is associated with the creation of light. Light is a representation of goodness and loving kindness. The day signifies oneness of God. The first day accompanied all other days. The physical symbol of chesed is man’s reflection in water. Additionally, the concept of chesed is also manifest in man’s reflection of man’s heart to a man.

In Hebrew, Chesed is similar to faithfulness born due to a sense of caring and mercy. The book of Ruth is characterized by Ruth. Ruth is the daughter-in-law to Naomi. After, the sons of Naomi die in Moab; Ruth insists that she must leave with Naomi to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:8-22). After, a successive journey back to Bethlehem, Judea, and Naomi orchestrates the meeting of Boaz and Ruth in eh barley field, which belonged to Boaz. Naomi took the initiative out of love and kindness for her daughter-in-law.

Additionally, the plans of Naomi worked according to the plan. Naomi advised Ruth to hide until Boaz was asleep in order to lie down near his feet. After, Boaz woke up; Ruth had an easy time convincing him to marry her in order to form a oneness, chesed. Although, Boaz knew that Ruth was already seeing another man, he was willing to wait for the renouncement of Ruth by the other man before accepting Ruth’s offer (Ruth 3:1-18). The plan was in tandem with the traditions of the kinsman-redeemer.

The relationship between Boaz and Ruth is sealed when Boaz is satisfied that no others man has claim over Ruth (Ruth 4:1-12). The epilogue explores Naomi’s joy and loving kindness especially when Boaz marries Ruth. Fortunately, Ruth has descendants of King David (Ruth 4:13-18). This implies that the aspect of chesed applies in all areas of life. The unity that Ruth and Naomi maintained led to the oneness between Boaz and Ruth. Consequently, there are many descendants of Ruth’s lineage who are epitomes of hope and icons of blessings for people.

Chesed also refers to God’s love for his followers and God’s attitude to humankind (Shapiro, 2013). In this regard, the attitude of God is associated with tender mercy, goodness and great kindness. Chesed also qualifies to refer to man’s attitude to man because co-existence in humanity requires loving-kindness and tolerance. Moreover, grace also qualifies as chesed because grace us also related to the development of man’s attitude to God and man. Therefore, it is important to apply the term where there are two parties involved since chesed cannot be applied in isolation.

ReferencesShapiro, R. M. (2013). Amazing chesed: Living a grace-filled Judaism. Sterling, VA, Stylus Pub.The Bible.