The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Bible and is part of the Historical Books in the Old Testament. It is a short narrative that takes place during the time of the judges and tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. The book highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and God’s providential care.
Major Themes
- Loyalty and Devotion: Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and her new faith in the God of Israel.
- Redemption: The concept of the kinsman-redeemer, embodied by Boaz, who restores and protects Ruth and Naomi.
- Providence: God’s sovereign and providential care for individuals and His unfolding plan of redemption.
Structure and Key Events
1. Naomi’s Tragedy and Ruth’s Loyalty (Chapter 1)
- Famine and Move to Moab: Due to a famine in Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons move to Moab. Elimelech dies, and Naomi’s sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Both sons die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widows.
- Return to Bethlehem: Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after hearing that the Lord has provided food for His people. She urges Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab, but Ruth insists on staying with Naomi, declaring her loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel.
- Arrival in Bethlehem: Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, where Naomi expresses her bitterness over her losses.
2. Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field (Chapter 2)
- Ruth’s Initiative: Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi.
- Introduction to Boaz: Ruth ends up gleaning in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz notices Ruth and, impressed by her loyalty and character, ensures she is protected and provided for.
- Boaz’s Kindness: Boaz extends kindness to Ruth, inviting her to eat with his workers and ensuring she gathers plenty of grain.
3. Ruth at the Threshing Floor (Chapter 3)
- Naomi’s Plan: Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to seek Boaz as her kinsman-redeemer. She instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor and uncover Boaz’s feet while he sleeps.
- Ruth’s Request: Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions. When Boaz awakens, Ruth asks him to spread his garment over her, symbolizing his role as her redeemer.
- Boaz’s Response: Boaz is willing to redeem Ruth but informs her that there is a closer relative who has the first right of redemption. He promises to resolve the matter.
4. Boaz Redeems Ruth (Chapter 4)
- Boaz’s Negotiation: Boaz meets with the closer relative and the town elders at the city gate. The closer relative declines to redeem Ruth and Naomi’s land, allowing Boaz to act as the redeemer.
- Marriage and Blessing: Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son named Obed. The women of Bethlehem bless Naomi, noting that Ruth’s loyalty has restored her life.
- Lineage of David: The book concludes with a genealogy linking Ruth and Boaz to King David, emphasizing their role in the lineage leading to the Messiah.
