Ruth – Important Events, Characters and Doctrines

The Book of Ruth is a short but profound narrative that highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. Set during the time of the Judges, it tells the story of a Moabite woman, Ruth, who becomes part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

I. Introduction and Setting (Ruth 1:1-5)

1. Historical Context (Ruth 1:1)

   • Time of the Judges: The story is set during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by social and spiritual unrest in Israel (Ruth 1:1). This provides the backdrop of famine and instability that drives the narrative.

2. Naomi’s Family in Moab (Ruth 1:1-5)

   • Famine in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-2): Due to a famine, Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons move from Bethlehem to Moab, a foreign land (Ruth 1:1-2).
   • Tragedy Strikes (Ruth 1:3-5): Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi a widow. Her sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, but both sons die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed and destitute (Ruth 1:3-5).

II. Naomi’s Return and Ruth’s Loyalty (Ruth 1:6-22)

1. Naomi Decides to Return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:6-7)

   • Hearing of God’s Provision (Ruth 1:6): Naomi hears that the Lord has provided food for His people in Bethlehem and decides to return to her homeland (Ruth 1:6-7).

2. Ruth’s Loyalty and Commitment (Ruth 1:8-18)

   • Naomi’s Plea (Ruth 1:8-13): Naomi urges Ruth and Orpah to return to their families in Moab, expressing concern for their futures (Ruth 1:8-13).
   • Ruth’s Famous Declaration (Ruth 1:16-17): Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, pledging loyalty to her, her people, and her God. This declaration is a key moment, demonstrating Ruth’s faith and commitment (Ruth 1:16-17).

3. Arrival in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19-22)

   • Naomi’s Bitterness (Ruth 1:20-21): Upon returning to Bethlehem, Naomi expresses her grief and bitterness, feeling that the Lord has dealt harshly with her (Ruth 1:20-21).
   • The Barley Harvest Begins (Ruth 1:22): The arrival coincides with the beginning of the barley harvest, setting the stage for the events that follow (Ruth 1:22).

III. Ruth and Boaz: The Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 2-4)

1. Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field (Ruth 2:1-23)

   • Introduction to Boaz (Ruth 2:1-3): Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, is introduced as a man of wealth and integrity. Ruth happens to glean in his field, a sign of divine providence (Ruth 2:1-3).
   • Boaz’s Kindness to Ruth (Ruth 2:4-16): Boaz notices Ruth, learns of her loyalty to Naomi, and extends kindness to her by offering protection and extra provisions (Ruth 2:4-16).
   • Ruth Reports to Naomi (Ruth 2:17-23): Ruth tells Naomi about her encounter with Boaz, and Naomi sees this as a sign of hope, recognizing Boaz as a potential redeemer (Ruth 2:17-23).

2. The Threshing Floor Encounter (Ruth 3:1-18)

   • Naomi’s Plan (Ruth 3:1-5): Naomi instructs Ruth to seek Boaz’s protection by approaching him at the threshing floor, a bold move that places Ruth at Boaz’s mercy (Ruth 3:1-5).
   • Boaz’s Response (Ruth 3:6-13): Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions, and Boaz is moved by her loyalty and integrity. He agrees to redeem her if a closer relative declines the responsibility (Ruth 3:6-13).
   • Naomi Awaits the Outcome (Ruth 3:14-18): Ruth returns to Naomi with Boaz’s assurance that he will resolve the matter quickly, filling Naomi with hope (Ruth 3:14-18).

3. Boaz Redeems Ruth (Ruth 4:1-12)

   • The Legal Transaction (Ruth 4:1-10): Boaz meets with the nearer kinsman and the elders of the town. When the nearer kinsman relinquishes his right, Boaz publicly agrees to redeem Ruth and marry her (Ruth 4:1-10).
   • The Community’s Blessing (Ruth 4:11-12): The elders and people bless Boaz and Ruth, expressing hope that their union will be fruitful and significant for Israel (Ruth 4:11-12).

4. Ruth’s Marriage and Legacy (Ruth 4:13-22)

   • Birth of Obed (Ruth 4:13-17): Ruth and Boaz marry, and she gives birth to Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. Naomi’s joy is restored as she becomes a nurse to Obed (Ruth 4:13-17).
   • Genealogy of David (Ruth 4:18-22): The book concludes with a genealogy tracing from Perez to David, establishing Ruth’s place in the lineage of Israel’s greatest king and, ultimately, the Messiah (Ruth 4:18-22).

Important Doctrines in Ruth

1. Doctrine of Redemption

   • Kinsman-Redeemer: The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go’el) is central to the narrative. Boaz’s role as a redeemer who restores Naomi’s and Ruth’s fortunes is a picture of God’s redemptive work in bringing people from despair to hope (Ruth 2:20; Ruth 4:1-10).

2. Doctrine of Divine Providence

   • God’s Guidance: The book of Ruth emphasizes God’s providence in the lives of ordinary people. Ruth’s “chance” encounter in Boaz’s field and the unfolding of events demonstrate that God is actively involved in guiding history for His purposes (Ruth 2:3).

3. Doctrine of Loyalty and Covenant Faithfulness

   • Ruth’s Loyalty: Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and her willingness to embrace the God of Israel illustrate the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, which mirrors the covenant faithfulness expected of God’s people (Ruth 1:16-17).

4. Doctrine of Inclusion and Universal Blessing

   • Inclusion of Gentiles: Ruth, a Moabite, is brought into the covenant community of Israel and becomes an ancestor of David and Jesus Christ. This inclusion foreshadows the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan (Ruth 4:13-22).

Important Events and Characters

1. Ruth

   • Model of Loyalty and Faith: Ruth is a Moabite woman who exemplifies loyalty, faith, and devotion. Her story is remarkable for her decision to leave her homeland and embrace Naomi’s people and God, leading to her becoming an ancestor of King David (Ruth 1:16-17; Ruth 4:13-22).

2. Naomi

   • From Bitterness to Joy: Naomi’s journey from bitterness and despair to hope and restoration is central to the narrative. Her relationship with Ruth and her role in orchestrating Ruth’s marriage to Boaz are crucial to the unfolding of God’s plan (Ruth 1:20-21; Ruth 4:16-17).

3. Boaz

   • Kinsman-Redeemer: Boaz is a man of integrity and compassion who plays the role of the kinsman-redeemer. His willingness to marry Ruth and redeem Naomi’s family line reflects God’s character as a redeemer (Ruth 2:1; Ruth 4:9-10).

4. Obed

   • Link to David and Jesus: Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, becomes the grandfather of King David, linking the story of Ruth to the larger narrative of Israel’s history and God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:17-22).

The Book of Ruth is a rich narrative that teaches profound truths about God’s providence, redemption, and the inclusion of all people in His redemptive plan. This overview is designed to help B.Th. students understand the theological significance and key lessons of the book.