The Book of Ruth

Introduction

The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells how God led Ruth, the young Moabite widow of a Bethlehemite, to a man named Boaz. Ruth is a story of love, loyalty, and care. This short book has only four chapters. It shows how God amazingly used Ruth.

The Book of Ruth is also the story of God’s divine grace during the time of crisis. Ruth’s story occurred during the period of the judges (Ruth 1:1). Ruth had a mother-in-law, Naomi. Naomi and Ruth are beautiful pictures of loyalty and commitment both to God and to each other. They became widows after their husbands died. Naomi had a close relative of her late husband, whose name was Boaz.

The Book of Ruth opens with a record of famine (Ruth 1:1). Ruth was a Moabitess (Ruth 1:22, Ruth 2:2, Ruth 2:21, Ruth 4:5, Ruth 4:10), and Boaz was an offspring of Rahab. Boaz was a prosperous landlord of Bethlehem in Judea. Ruth loved her mother-in-law and chose to go with her to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:16).

The Book of Ruth is also Messianic, and it is one of the most moving stories in the Bible. We need to see the Book of Ruth as a true story of God. Both Ruth and Boaz lineage continued the family line through which the Messiah came into our world.

Vital Statistics

I. Author

The Book of Ruth’s author is not at all mentioned. Some think it was Samuel the Prophet, but the text indicates nothing of the author.

II. Date Written

The exact date, the Book of Ruth, was written is not known. Probably it must have been written between 1375 and 1050 B.C. after the period of judges.

III. Purpose of Writing

The Book of Ruth was addressed to the Israelites and even to Christians today because it is reflective of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, to show how Ruth and Naomi stayed firm in character and faithful to God, despite when the community around them was falling.

IV. Purpose of The Book of Ruth

The main idea of the Book of Ruth is to give detail about the family line of David, through which the Messiah was to come. Furthermore, to show God’s care for the non-Israelites. It tracks the ancestors of David back to a Moabite woman, Ruth (Ruth 4:18-22). Thus, the Book of Ruth can also be called the book of David’s Lineage.

V. Ruth’s Background

A Moabite- Ruth 1:4 (KJV), “And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.”

Moabites were not God’s people: Deuteronomy 23:3 (KJV), “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:”

VI. Key Words

1. Redeem – Ruth 4:4, Ruth 4:6
2. Rest – Ruth 1:9, Ruth 3:1, Ruth 3:18, Ruth 4:15
3. Kinsman – Ruth 2:1, Ruth 3:9, Ruth 3:12-13, Ruth 4:1, Ruth 4:3, Ruth 4:6, Ruth 4:8, Ruth 4:14

VII. Key People

Ruth, Naomi, Boaz

VIII. Key Places

Moab, Bethlehem

IX. Setting

Ruth 1:1 (KJV), “Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.” 

Judges 17:6 (KJV), “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” 

Judges 21:25 (KJV), “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Theme

The Book of Ruth is mainly about God and how He can amazingly use people. The major theme of the book is Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. When he discovered who Ruth was, he helped her because she had been faithful to his relative Naomi. Boaz did his duty as described in the Mosaic Law, to redeem a poor close relative from his circumstances (Leviticus 25:47-49).

Because of the faithfulness of Ruth, the Lord brought them out of their desperate situation to joy, peace, prosperity, and honor. In the Book of Ruth, we see how God gives protection to those who are faithfully dependent upon Him (Ruth 2:12).

3 Things We Should Consider From The Book of Ruth

Firstly, throughout the story, Ruth was referred to as “the Moabitess” (Ruth 1:4, Ruth 2:2, Ruth 2:6, Ruth 2:21, Ruth 4:5, Ruth 4:10). From the Book of Ruth, we see that God did not reject Ruth to enter into His covenant. Ruth was devoted to God of Israel, and He welcomed her into the covenant. God did this with Rahab, the former prostitute from Jericho in the book of Joshua, and Ninevites in the book of Jonah. Thus, from the Book of Ruth, we see that God does not reject non-Israelites or non-Jews to enter into His covenant. As long as the non-Israelite is devoted to Him, He welcomes them into the covenant.

Secondly, Naomi became hopeless after her husband and sons died. She did not have an heir to continue her line. Furthermore, Boaz did not have an heir too. By the end of the story, after Boaz and Ruth married, Ruth’s son became Naomi’s heir (Ruth 4:13). In this way too, Boaz is given a child. Naomi’s friends gave God all the glory (Ruth 4:14-15). Thus, God graciously led Ruth to a wealthy man Boaz.

Key Themes

I. Faithfulness

The Book of Ruth tells the story of God’s faithfulness to his people. Ruth faithfully depended upon God. Her faithfulness to Naomi is a great model of love and loyalty (Ruth 1:6-18). Ruth was blessed because of her faithfulness and eventually became a great-grandmother of King David.

II. Kindness

In the Book of Ruth, we see God showed great kindness to Ruth. Ruth showed kindness to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth 2:11, Ruth 2:18, Ruth 2:23). Furthermore, Boaz also showed kindness to Ruth by welcoming her to Israel (Ruth 4:9–10) and married her (Ruth 4:13).

III. Integrity

Ruth was a hard worker and honest in her works. Her character remained the same. Throughout the Book of Ruth, we see Ruth remained loyal to Naomi. She showed her integrity through her tireless work in the fields (Ruth 2:1-3, Ruth 2:17-18). Naomi had moral integrity. Boaz also showed integrity on his commitments with Ruth (Ruth 3:10-13).

IV. Protection

In the Book of Ruth, we see God’s concern and protection for Naomi and Ruth. Ruth and Naomi trusted God for their protection in a devastating situation. God graciously guided Ruth and Naomi to bring them to Bethlehem to fulfill His purpose.

V. Prosperity

Ruth and Naomi came to Bethlehem widowed and destitute. Because of their faithfulness, they soon became prosperous.

VI. Redemption

The heart of the story is redemption (Ruth 2:20). Boaz’s redeeming of Ruth is a portrait of Jesus Christ redeeming us. Redemption is linked to kindness and love. The Book of Ruth describes the property redemption by a kinsman and levirate marriage. Boaz did his duty by redeeming the property as described in Mosaic law and thereby becoming a “kinsman-redeemer” (Leviticus 25:23–25). Furthermore, Boaz involved in a levirate marriage by marrying Ruth to provide an heir for her deceased husband (Deuteronomy 25:5–6).  As Boaz, the “‘kinsman-redeemer” saved Ruth and Naomi from a devastating situation, it perfectly ties up with Jesus Christ, the redeemer of our lives.

VII. The Kinsman-Redeemer

In Israel, if a man has a property and fell into debt, he could sell his property to someone else. He could not sell the land itself because it belongs to the Lord. When Naomi’s husband decided to leave Bethlehem, he sold his property to someone else. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, she had nothing to purchase the property back. She was hoping that her close relative in Bethlehem would buy it and thereby becoming her kinsman-redeemer. There are some conditions to be met to become a kinsman-redeemer:

1. He must be the nearest relative to the person (Leviticus 25:48; Ruth 2:13, Ruth 3:12-13).
2. He must be able to pay the price for redemption (Ruth 2:1, Ruth 4:46).
3. He must be willing to redeem it (Ruth 4:6).

Boaz met these conditions and bought all that Elimelech had and ended up marrying Ruth. Thus, Boaz and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.

Key Verses

I. Ruth 1:16 (KJV)

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”

II. Ruth 2:11-12 (KJV)

“And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

III. Ruth 3:9 (KJV)

“And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.”

IV. Ruth 3:11-12 (KJV)

“And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.”

“And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.”

VII. Ruth 4:17 (KJV)

“And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”

Outline of The Book of Ruth

I. A Famine In The Land Of Judah, Ruth’s Loyalty To Naomi, And Naomi’s Bitterness And Emptiness – Ruth 1:1-22

     A. Elimelech and his family move to Moab. Deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion in Moab (Ruth 1:1-5)

     B. Naomi and Daughters-in-law Set Out unto the Land of Judah (Ruth 1:6-7)

     C. Daughters-in-law Make Choices. Orpah Returns; Ruth Clings to Naomi (Ruth 1:8-18)

     D. Naomi and Ruth Journey to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19-22)

II. Ruth Meets Boaz In The Harvest Field – Ruth 2:1-23

     A. Ruth Gleans in the Field of Boaz (Ruth 2:1-3)

     B. Boaz Inquires about Ruth (Ruth 2:4-7)

     C. Boaz’s Grace unto Ruth (Ruth 2:8-14)

     D. Boaz Instructs His Men about Ruth (Ruth 2:15-16)

     E. Ruth Returns Home from Working in the Field (Ruth 2:17-18)

     F. Naomi Advises Ruth to Work in Boaz’s Field (Ruth 2:19-23)

III. The Marriage Proposal – Ruth 3:1-18

     A. Ruth obeys Naomi’s Plan (Ruth 3:1-5)

     B. Ruth Goes From Home to the Threshing Floor and Meets Boaz (Ruth 3:6-7)

     C. Ruth Proposes Levirate Responsibility to Boaz (Ruth 3:8-9)

     D. Boaz Commits To Take Responsibility, If the Nearer Relative Will Not (Ruth 3:10-13)

     E. Ruth Receives a Gift from Boaz (Ruth 3:14-15)

     F. Ruth Returns Home from the Threshing Floor (Ruth 3:16-18)

IV. Boaz Becomes Ruth’s Kinsman-Redeemer, Naomi’s Blessing, And Boaz’s Descendants – Ruth 4:1-22

     A. Boaz Speaks To the Nearest Relative and Clears the Way to Become Ruth’s Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4:1-8)

     B. Boaz publicly announces His Commitment to Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10)

     C. Boaz is blessed as Ruth’s Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4:11-12)

     D. Marriage of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:13)

     E. The Blessedness of Naomi (Ruth 4:14-17)

     F. The Genealogy of David (Ruth 4:18-22)

Christ In Ruth

Boaz is a type of Christ. Boaz’s redemption of Ruth makes a perfect picture of Christ redeeming all believers.

Jesus Christ And Boaz

The Book of Ruth points to Jesus Christ. The following are some striking similarities between Boaz and Jesus Christ.

1. Naomi represents Israel. Through Boaz’s redemption, she was brought back from Moab to her homeland.
2. Christ redeemed us, just like Boaz redeemed Ruth.
3. Ruth represents the bride of Christ, a type of church and Boaz represents the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
4. Ruth humbled herself before Boaz, so we must humble ourselves before Christ (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10).
5. Boaz gave Ruth comfort (Ruth 2:13), just as God comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:4).
6. Jesus gives us the bread of life (John 6:35), just as Boaz gave Ruth bread to survive (Ruth 2:14).
7. Boaz purchased the property to redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:9). So too Jesus Christ purchased and redeemed the believers with His own blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).

Brief Summary

Ruth’s story took place during the period of the judges. A famine in Israel forced Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, from their home country to Moab. Elimelech died, and Naomi was left alone with her two sons. Soon, two sons married Moabite girls, Orpah, and Ruth. Later both sons died, and Naomi was left alone with Orpah and Ruth in Moab. Orpah returned to her parents, but Ruth determined to go with Naomi to Bethlehem.

Ruth worked in the harvest field, and there she met a wealthy man named Boaz. She eventually married him and bore a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of David and the direct ancestor of Jesus. Faithfulness and loyalty had put Ruth into the lineage of Christ. Her genuine obedience made her life meaningful.

8 Powerful Life Lessons From The Book of Ruth

I. God’s Concern For All People

Ruth was a Moabite. Throughout the story, we see God’s concern for Ruth. She is an excellent example of God’s fairness. Ruth was devoted to God of Israel though she was not a Jew. God did not stop accepting her devotion. Thus, God does not discriminate anyone, and He cares for all people just as Ruth. There is no difference in God’s eyes.

II. Hope In The Devastating Situation

Naomi became hopeless when her husband died. Ten years later, her sons died too. It seems that Naomi’s entire life crumbled in those years. Ruth also lost her husband. Even though Naomi felt bitter, her faith in God was still strong. These two women journeyed to Bethlehem. They had hope for their future. They showed faith and God led them out of their devastating situation.

III. Hard Work

In the Book of Ruth, we see Ruth was a hard worker. Her commitment to Naomi is strong (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field all day and evening (Ruth 2:7, Ruth 2:17). Boaz noticed her hard work. Her hard work earned a good reputation.

IV. Learn To Be Patient

The Book of Ruth is about patience. Ruth, being a hard worker, showed patience. Also, she followed Naomi’s advice for the marriage proposal even though it sounds odd.

V. Loyalty

Throughout the Book of Ruth, we see Ruth showed loyalty to Naomi. Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law was strong. Her commitment to Naomi is a great example of loyalty.

VI. Taking Care of The Needy

Ruth refused to leave Naomi and accompanied her. Thus, she displayed a strong commitment to take care take of Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17). Boaz also began doing everything to care for Ruth (Ruth 2:8-9, Ruth 2:14-16, Ruth 3:11-13, Ruth 4:1-10). 

VII. Character Is Important

Ruth was a “woman of noble character”. Her character did not change. Her beauty of the character of Ruth appeared when she cried, “Entreat me not to leave thee.” (Ruth 1:16). She showed great noble character by being loyal to Naomi.

VIII. God’s Promises

The Book of Ruth started with tragedy and ended in triumph. Naomi lost her home and family. Ruth lost her husband. Both gave up their life in Moab and traveled to Bethlehem. Naomi had a bitter experience, but God was on her side. In her sorrows, she still believed in God, and God in his time blessed her greatly. In the end, God brought wonderful blessings out of her tragedy.

Conclusion

The Book of Ruth presents an important story of God. The events written in Ruth’s story were part of God’s plan and preparations for the births of David and Jesus. If Naomi had not returned with Ruth to Bethlehem from Moab, then God’s plan would not have been fulfilled. Naomi and Ruth’s faith in God made the privilege of being in the ancestral line of Jesus Christ.