The Book of Ruth, the eighth book of the Bible, is a short but profound narrative that takes place during the time of the Judges. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. The story highlights themes of faithfulness, redemption, and God’s providential care. Ruth, a foreigner, becomes the great-grandmother of King David, establishing her significant role in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Unlike the cycles of disobedience and judgment seen in Judges, Ruth presents a story of kindness, loyalty, and God’s redemptive plan, showing that even in dark times, God is at work in the lives of individuals who trust Him.
Breakdown of the Book of Ruth
- Chapter 1: Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi
The book begins with a famine in Bethlehem that causes Naomi and her family to move to Moab. Naomi’s husband and two sons die, leaving her and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, as widows. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after hearing that the famine has ended, and Ruth chooses to go with her, pledging her loyalty with the famous words, “Where you go, I will go… Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). - Chapter 2: Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field
Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth begins gleaning in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. She happens to work in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz shows kindness to Ruth, allowing her to glean more than she needs and ensuring her protection, recognizing her loyalty to Naomi and her faith in God. - Chapter 3: Ruth Seeks Redemption through Boaz
Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor and ask him to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer. In Israelite custom, the kinsman-redeemer had the duty of marrying a relative’s widow to preserve the family line. Ruth follows Naomi’s guidance, and Boaz is willing to take on the role, provided another closer relative declines the responsibility. - Chapter 4: Boaz Marries Ruth
Boaz meets with the closer relative, who relinquishes his right to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. Boaz redeems Ruth and marries her, and she bears a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, linking Ruth directly to the Messianic line of Jesus. The book concludes with a genealogy showing Ruth’s place in the ancestry of David, highlighting God’s providential work in bringing a Moabite woman into His redemptive plan for Israel and the world.
Key Topics in the Book of Ruth
- Loyalty and Faithfulness: Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi, as well as her faith in the God of Israel, stands in stark contrast to the broader disobedience seen in the time of the Judges. Her story exemplifies the value of loyalty, devotion, and trust in God.
- Redemption: The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is central to Ruth’s story. Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth points to a larger theme of God’s redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Ruth and Boaz.
- God’s Providence: Though God’s name is not frequently mentioned in the book, His hand is evident in the way events unfold. Ruth “happens” to glean in Boaz’s field, and God orchestrates the preservation of Naomi’s family line through Ruth.
- Inclusivity in God’s Plan: Ruth, a Moabite, becomes a part of Israel’s story and the lineage of King David, demonstrating that God’s covenant love extends beyond Israel to all who seek Him. Ruth’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy underscores the universality of God’s grace.
- Kindness and Generosity: The actions of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz illustrate a culture of kindness and generosity. Boaz’s kindness to Ruth reflects God’s own graciousness toward the vulnerable and marginalized.
Related Scholarly Commentary
- Daniel I. Block, in Judges, Ruth (New American Commentary), explores the theological significance of Ruth’s story, focusing on God’s providential care and the concept of the kinsman-redeemer. Block emphasizes how Ruth offers hope and demonstrates God’s faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances.
- Robert L. Hubbard Jr., in The Book of Ruth (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), examines the historical and cultural background of Ruth, providing insights into ancient Israelite customs and the legal system of redemption. Hubbard highlights Ruth’s importance in pointing forward to God’s ultimate plan of redemption through Christ.
- Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, in Ruth (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching), discusses Ruth’s place in the biblical narrative as a model of faith and inclusivity. Sakenfeld emphasizes the role of women in God’s redemptive plan and how Ruth’s story breaks down ethnic and cultural barriers.
Conclusion
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, faith, and redemption that takes place against the backdrop of one of Israel’s darkest periods. It shows how God works through individuals, regardless of their background, to accomplish His purposes. Ruth’s journey from a foreign widow to an ancestor of King David illustrates God’s inclusive and redemptive plan. The themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the role of the kinsman-redeemer ultimately point toward Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of humanity.