OT - Book of Ruth

Book of Ruth

The central theme of the Book of Ruth is redemption. It highlights God's providence, loyalty, and love through the lives of ordinary people. The story emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, kindness, and the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in the biblical tradition. It also portrays how God can use seemingly small and personal events to accomplish His greater plan, particularly in the genealogy of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

Synopsis of the Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period marked by instability in Israel. It tells the story of a Moabite woman, Ruth, who, after the death of her husband, clings to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and accompanies her back to Bethlehem. Ruth’s steadfast loyalty to Naomi and her faith in the God of Israel lead to her redemption through Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi’s late husband. The story showcases how Ruth becomes part of the lineage of King David and ultimately part of the messianic line leading to Jesus.

Outline of the Book of Ruth

I. Ruth’s Decision and Loyalty (Ruth 1:1-22)

• 1.1-5: The tragedy of Elimelech’s family
  • Naomi’s husband and two sons die, leaving her and her daughters-in-law as widows.
• 1.6-18: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi
  • Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem; Ruth refuses to leave her and utters the famous vow, “For whither thou goest, I will go…” (Ruth 1:16).
• 1.19-22: Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem
  • They arrive at the beginning of the barley harvest.

II. Ruth’s Work and Favor in Boaz’s Field (Ruth 2:1-23)

• 2.1-3: Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz
  • Ruth sets out to glean in fields and happens upon Boaz’s.
• 2.4-16: Boaz notices and protects Ruth
  • Boaz, a relative of Naomi, shows Ruth kindness and ensures her protection and provision.
• 2.17-23: Naomi recognizes God’s providence
  • Naomi blesses Boaz and acknowledges God’s guidance in placing Ruth in his field.

III. Ruth’s Appeal to Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 3:1-18)

• 3.1-5: Naomi’s plan for Ruth
  • Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz for help as a kinsman-redeemer.
• 3.6-13: Ruth’s midnight appeal to Boaz
  • Ruth appeals to Boaz to redeem her, and he promises to do so, but there is a closer relative who must be given the first opportunity.
• 3.14-18: Boaz’s promise and provision
  • Boaz sends Ruth back to Naomi with provisions, while he resolves the matter with the nearer kinsman.

IV. Ruth’s Redemption and Marriage to Boaz (Ruth 4:1-22)

• 4.1-10: Boaz negotiates with the nearer kinsman
  • Boaz legally secures the right to redeem Ruth after the nearer kinsman declines.
• 4.11-17: Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son
  • Ruth and Boaz marry, and their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David.
• 4.18-22: Genealogy of David
  • The book concludes with a genealogy tracing Ruth’s lineage to King David.

Survey of the Book of Ruth

1. Setting and Background:

   • The Book of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, a tumultuous period of Israel’s history characterized by cycles of rebellion, repentance, and deliverance. In contrast, Ruth is a story of personal loyalty and divine providence that takes place in the small town of Bethlehem.
   • Naomi, an Israelite, moves to Moab due to famine but returns home after losing her husband and sons. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, remains loyal to her and chooses to follow Naomi’s God.

2. Ruth’s Loyalty and Faith:

   • The central character, Ruth, is remarkable for her faithfulness to Naomi and her willingness to leave her home country to embrace the God of Israel. Ruth’s famous declaration in Ruth 1:16-17, where she pledges her loyalty to Naomi and to God, highlights her deep faith.
   • Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi, despite her own personal loss, leads to her becoming part of God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the world.

3. The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer:

   • The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go'el) is central to the story. A kinsman-redeemer was responsible for protecting the interests of needy family members, such as redeeming land or avenging wrongs.
   • Boaz, a distant relative of Naomi’s late husband, fulfills this role by marrying Ruth and providing for her and Naomi. This act of redemption is a key theme of the book, symbolizing God's redemption of His people.

4. Boaz’s Kindness and Integrity:

   • Boaz is portrayed as a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity. He goes beyond the legal requirement to provide for Ruth, ensuring her safety and reputation in the community.
   • Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth, despite her being a foreigner, illustrates the inclusiveness of God's grace and the importance of love and righteousness over ethnic boundaries.

5. God’s Providence:

   • Though God is not explicitly mentioned as acting in miraculous ways, His providence is evident throughout the book. From Ruth’s choice of Boaz’s field to the resolution of her situation through marriage and the birth of Obed, the book demonstrates how God works through everyday circumstances to bring about His plan.
   • The lineage from Ruth and Boaz to King David shows how God uses unlikely people and events to accomplish His purposes.

6. Messianic Lineage:

   • The closing genealogy connects Ruth and Boaz’s son, Obed, to David, making Ruth part of the royal line that leads to Jesus Christ. This connection demonstrates the significance of the story in the larger biblical narrative of redemption and salvation.

Key Themes and Lessons in the Book of Ruth:

• Loyalty and Devotion: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi serves as a model of faithfulness. Despite personal loss and hardship, Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and her commitment to Naomi’s God are rewarded.

• God’s Redemption: The role of Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer is symbolic of God’s redeeming love for His people. Boaz’s act of redeeming Ruth foreshadows Christ’s role as our ultimate Redeemer.

• Providence and Sovereignty: The book highlights God’s unseen hand in guiding events for His purposes. Even in the ordinary decisions of life, God is at work to fulfill His divine plan.

• Inclusivity in God’s Plan: Despite being a Moabite (a foreigner), Ruth is fully integrated into the covenant community of Israel. This shows God’s grace extends beyond Israel to all nations, prefiguring the inclusion of Gentiles in the gospel message.

The Book of Ruth, though a short narrative, profoundly portrays God's grace, human kindness, and divine redemption. Its connection to the lineage of David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ demonstrates the eternal significance of what may seem like ordinary events.