Introduction
The Book of Ruth contains tragedy, loyalty, bitterness, humor, tenderness, love, suspense, and a totally happy ending. It well deserves its reputation as a literary masterpiece. Not only is Ruth an account of a beautiful love story, but it contains deep theological meaning as well. The idea of the Kinsman-Redeemer is prominent in the book; the Old Testament makes clear that one serving in this role must not only be blood kin to the individual in need of redemption, but must also be able and willing to redeem. Financial redemption, with the payment of debts of the deceased, is included. Levirate (from the Latin “levir” or “brother-in-law”) marriage is described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10; according to that regulation, when a married Israelite died, his brother should raise up a child for the deceased; by an unusual application of that scripture, Boaz married Ruth and became Kinsman-Redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. The role of the Kinsman-Redeemer is fulfilled in Christ. Through the Incarnation, He became our kinsman; through His sinless life, He was able to be our redeemer; through His love, He was willing to be our redeemer. In an amazing demonstration of God’s grace, Ruth, a Gentile, is included in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
During a famine, a Bethlehemite named Elimelech took his family to Moab, where they settled and the two sons took Moabite wives. During the course of the years, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow; then Mahlon and Chilion died, leaving Ruth and Orpah widows. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, and she challenged her daughters-in-law to return to their own people. After some persuading, Orpah departed, but Ruth demonstrated her loyalty to Naomi in making the choice to accompany her back to Bethlehem. The two widows arrived in Bethlehem at the time of barley harvest, and Ruth went to glean in the harvest field and she “happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.” As she gleaned, she received preferential treatment from Boaz. Naomi informed Ruth that Boaz was a kinsman. Although Naomi would have had first claim upon him as kinsman-redeemer, she devised a plan by which Ruth would show herself as the candidate for marriage to him. There was a nearer kinsman, but he was unwilling to accomplish the redemption of Elimelech’s estate—which included Ruth and Naomi. Clearing every obstacle, Boaz married Ruth, and they became progenitors of King David.
The Book of Ruth is included in the Writings, the third section of the Hebrew Bible; it is the second of the five books called the Megilloth (”Scrolls”), which are read at major Jewish holy days; Ruth is read each year at Pentecost.
The events of the book occurred during the period of the judges, probably during the administration of Gideon (ca.1162-1122 B.C.). There are several clues as to when the book was written. In Ruth 4:7, a former custom is explained; this suggests that some time had elapsed between the occurrence of the events of Ruth’s life and the time of the writing of the book. David is mentioned by name in Ruth 4:22. The book was probably written during the time of Samuel; many suggest that Samuel (ca. 1100—ca. 1020 B.C.) was the probable author. Doubtless, the book was written before the time of Solomon, for otherwise he surely would have been mentioned in the genealogy. Some suggest that the book was written during post-Exilic times, citing such matters as Ruth’s position in the Writings rather than with the Book of Judges in the Prophets, the Aramaic influence in the book, and also the mention of an earlier custom in 4:7. All of these are easily explained in the context of the time between the judges and the reign of David.
After reading the dismal events presented in the last chapters of Judges , it is refreshing to to come to this beautiful and meaningful book, describing some of the good things that happened during the period of the judges.
Outline
Selection by Ruth, 1:1-22
Background of Ruth, 1:1-5
Breaking with Moab, Ruth’s Choice, 1:6-18
Bethlehem and the Widows’ Arrival, 1:19-22
Service of Ruth, 2:1-23
Benefit of Gleaning Done by Ruth, 2:1-3
Boaz and His Dealings with Ruth, 2:4-17
Permission Granted to Ruth, 2:4-7
Protection Granted to Ruth, 2:8-13
Provision Given to Ruth, 2:14-18
Submission of Ruth, 3:1-18
Brilliant Plan of Naomi, 3:1-4
Behaviour of Ruth, 3:5-9
Bargain Agreed to by Boaz, 3:10-18
Satisfaction of Ruth, 4:1-22
Boaz, a Husband, 4:1-12
Blessing of a Son, 4:13-17
Background for a King, 4:18-22
Reading Ruth
- 1-4, Ruth’s love demonstrated and rewarded
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