Chapters
Overview to the Book of Ruth
This overview uses the S.C.R.I.P.T.U.R.E–G.U.I.D.E Framework to present the book of Ruth. For a more in-depth study, click on each chapter above, and soon, each verse, to explore the F.O.G commentary. If you’re new here, you might be asking, “What is the F.O.G?“
Summary, Structure & Author
The book of Ruth, traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, is a beautifully crafted story set during the time of the judges, a period of turmoil and moral decline in Israel’s history. Unlike the broader conflicts depicted in Judges, Ruth focuses on the personal lives of its characters, highlighting themes of loyalty, love, and divine providence. The book is structured into four chapters: Chapter 1 details Naomi’s return to Bethlehem with her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth after the death of their husbands. Chapter 2 describes Ruth’s gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi, where she finds favor and provision. Chapter 3 records Ruth’s bold proposal to Boaz at the threshing floor, asking him to act as her kinsman-redeemer. Chapter 4 concludes with Boaz marrying Ruth, the birth of their son Obed, and a genealogy that connects their lineage to King David. Ruth stands out in the biblical narrative as a story of God’s faithfulness and redemption, showing how He works through ordinary people and events to fulfill His purposes.
Central Themes & Keywords
- Loyalty: Ruth’s steadfast commitment to Naomi and her new faith community.
- Redemption: Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer, restoring Ruth and Naomi’s fortunes.
- Providence: God’s unseen hand guiding events for good.
- Faithfulness: Ruth and Boaz’s faithfulness to God’s laws and each other.
- Kindness: Acts of hesed (loving-kindness) between the characters.
- Inheritance: The preservation of family lineage and property.
- Restoration: From loss and bitterness to joy and renewal.
Revealing Key Verses
- Ruth 1:16: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” – Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to Naomi.
- Ruth 2:12: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” – Boaz’s blessing over Ruth.
- Ruth 3:11: “All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” – Boaz’s recognition of Ruth’s integrity.
- Ruth 4:14: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer.” – The community’s blessing for Naomi.
- Ruth 4:17: “The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’ And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” – The lineage connecting Ruth to King David.
- Ruth 2:20: “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.” – Naomi’s recognition of God’s provision through Boaz.
- Ruth 4:13: “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” – God’s blessing on Ruth and Boaz’s union.
Important Teachings
The book of Ruth offers profound lessons about God’s providence, human relationships, and the nature of redemption. One of its primary teachings is the concept of loyalty and covenant faithfulness. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, expressed in her famous words, “Your people will be my people and your God my God,” exemplifies selfless devotion and love that transcends ethnic and familial boundaries. This loyalty is a reflection of God’s covenantal faithfulness to His people, highlighting the importance of steadfast love in human relationships.
Another central theme is the role of the kinsman-redeemer, embodied by Boaz. The kinsman-redeemer was a close relative who had the responsibility to protect the family’s interests, including redeeming land and marrying a widow to preserve the family line. Boaz’s actions not only provide for Ruth and Naomi but also restore their dignity and future. This act of redemption foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who, as our kinsman-redeemer, restores what is lost and secures our eternal inheritance.
The book also teaches about the providence of God in everyday life. Although God is not directly mentioned as speaking or acting through miraculous events in Ruth, His guidance is evident throughout the narrative. From Ruth’s “chance” arrival in Boaz’s field to the favorable outcome of Boaz’s acceptance of Ruth’s proposal, the story illustrates how God’s sovereignty operates through seemingly ordinary circumstances to bring about His purposes. This teaches that God is always at work, even in the mundane and difficult seasons of life, orchestrating events for the good of those who love Him.
Ruth’s inclusion in the lineage of David, and ultimately Jesus, is a powerful testament to God’s grace and the inclusivity of His redemptive plan. As a Moabite, Ruth was an outsider, yet she became an integral part of the lineage that would bring forth the Messiah. This highlights God’s willingness to use unexpected people and situations to accomplish His will, emphasizing that His grace is available to all, regardless of background or past.
Place in God’s Story
Ruth plays a significant role in the broader biblical narrative by demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His covenant people even during difficult times. It connects the period of the judges, characterized by chaos and apostasy, with the hope of a new beginning through the lineage of David. Ruth’s story of redemption and inclusion points forward to the coming of Jesus, who would offer redemption and inclusion to all people. The book serves as a reminder that God’s purposes are fulfilled not just through grand events but through the faithfulness of ordinary individuals.
Time & Context
Ruth is set during the time of the judges, a period in Israel’s history marked by social and moral instability, roughly between 1200 and 1050 BCE. This era was characterized by a lack of centralized leadership and frequent cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, as depicted in the book of Judges. The narrative of Ruth, however, provides a stark contrast to the broader chaos of this period, focusing on personal integrity, loyalty, and divine providence amidst adversity.
The story begins in Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea, with Naomi and her family leaving Bethlehem due to a famine. Moab was traditionally an enemy of Israel, and the marriage of Naomi’s sons to Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, reflects the dire circumstances that forced this family to seek refuge outside their homeland. The deaths of Naomi’s husband and sons left her destitute and vulnerable, as a widow without male protection or support. This highlights the precarious position of women in ancient Near Eastern societies and sets the stage for Ruth’s extraordinary loyalty.
Returning to Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth face the challenges of reintegration into a society that viewed Moabites with suspicion. Ruth’s decision to glean in the fields reflects both the provision for the poor in Israel’s law (Leviticus 19:9-10) and her willingness to work hard to support Naomi. Gleaning involved gathering leftover grain after the harvesters, a practice that provided sustenance for the marginalized but required humility and courage.
Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer involves the cultural practice of levirate marriage, where a close relative marries a widow to preserve the family line (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth despite her Moabite heritage demonstrates his righteousness and the importance of family loyalty and social responsibility in Israelite culture. The legal proceedings at the town gate, where Boaz secures his right to marry Ruth, reflect the formal nature of property and inheritance transactions in ancient Israel.
The genealogy at the end of Ruth, linking Ruth and Boaz to David, suggests that the story was written or compiled after David’s rise to prominence, possibly during his reign or shortly thereafter. This historical context underscores Ruth’s significance not only as a story of personal redemption but also as part of the divine plan to establish the Davidic dynasty and, ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.
Unique Literary Features
Ruth is notable for its literary artistry, characterized by its tightly structured narrative, use of dialogue, and rich symbolism. The book employs a chiastic structure, where themes and events mirror each other, emphasizing the restoration and reversal of Naomi’s fortunes. The use of dialogue drives the story, with each character’s speech revealing their personality, intentions, and faith. The recurring theme of “hesed” (loving-kindness) binds the narrative together, reflecting God’s covenantal love through the actions of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. The story also features symbolic actions, such as Ruth’s gleaning and her uncovering Boaz’s feet, which convey deeper meanings of provision, protection, and redemption.
Relevance to Audience
For the original audience, Ruth would have provided hope and encouragement, showing that God is at work even in times of crisis and uncertainty. It affirmed the inclusion of outsiders in God’s people and emphasized the importance of faithfulness and kindness. For contemporary readers, Ruth speaks to the value of loyalty, the power of God’s providence in ordinary life, and the inclusiveness of God’s grace. It challenges believers to act with integrity and compassion, trusting that God can use their actions to bring about His redemptive purposes.
Expression of Jesus
Ruth points to Jesus in profound ways, particularly through the theme of redemption. Boaz’s role as the kinsman-redeemer prefigures Christ, who redeems humanity from the bondage of sin. Just as Boaz restored Ruth and Naomi’s place in the community and secured their future, Jesus restores our relationship with God and grants us eternal life. Ruth, a Gentile, becoming part of the lineage of David and ultimately of Christ, foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in the salvation that Jesus brings. Her story is a powerful testament to God’s grace and the fulfillment of His promise to bless all the families of the earth through Abraham’s seed, a promise fulfilled in Jesus.
Gospel Connections
Ruth’s story is a microcosm of the gospel message: God’s grace reaching beyond ethnic and social boundaries to bring redemption to all. Ruth’s loyalty and decision to follow the God of Israel reflect the faith and commitment required in following Christ. Boaz’s redemption of Ruth and Naomi’s situation illustrates the gospel’s power to transform lives and restore hope. The genealogy linking Ruth to David and ultimately to Jesus demonstrates that God’s plan of salvation has been unfolding through history, using unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Ruth’s inclusion in the Messiah’s lineage shows that God’s grace extends to all, regardless of background or status.
Unique Artworks & Media
Click/touch to open gallery:
No folder selected.
- “Ruth and Boaz” by Barent Fabritius: This artwork depicts Ruth gleaning in the field of Boaz, symbolizing her humble service and Boaz’s generosity and protection.
- “The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz” by Rembrandt: This painting captures the moment of Ruth and Boaz’s union, reflecting the themes of redemption and divine providence.
- “Ruth and Naomi” by Jan Victors: This piece illustrates Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to Naomi, emphasizing her commitment and the beginning of their journey together.
Additional Media:
- Maps of Ancient Moab and Bethlehem: Visual aids showing the geographical context of Ruth’s journey and the locations of key events help readers understand the setting.
- Genealogical Charts: Diagrams tracing the lineage from Ruth to David and Jesus provide a visual connection to the broader biblical narrative.
Video Media:
Suggest more media: Submit your ideas to the F.O.G project.
Impact & Events
The book of Ruth recounts several key events that significantly impact its characters and the biblical narrative. Naomi’s decision to return to Bethlehem after losing her husband and sons sets the stage for the story’s themes of loss and restoration. Ruth’s choice to leave her homeland and follow Naomi is a pivotal act of faith and loyalty that transforms her destiny. Her encounter with Boaz while gleaning in his field introduces the concept of the kinsman-redeemer and God’s providential care.
The threshing floor scene, where Ruth boldly approaches Boaz to request his protection and redemption, is a turning point in the narrative. This act of courage and trust in Boaz’s integrity results in Boaz’s public declaration at the town gate, where he redeems Ruth and secures her future. The birth of Obed, the child of Ruth and Boaz, symbolizes the culmination of the story’s redemptive arc, turning Naomi’s bitterness into joy and restoring her family line.
The genealogy at the book’s conclusion connects Ruth and Boaz’s story to the broader history of Israel, linking them to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus. This final note emphasizes that Ruth’s story is not just about personal redemption but is part of God’s greater plan to bring salvation to the world. Through these events, the book of Ruth highlights the transformative power of faith, kindness, and divine providence in shaping the course of history.
Devotional Reflection
Ruth’s story is a testament to the power of faithfulness and the impact of small, faithful acts on God’s kingdom. Consider the life of Corrie ten Boom, who, like Ruth, showed extraordinary faithfulness and courage in difficult times. During World War II, Corrie and her family hid Jews from the Nazis, risking their lives to save others. Her story, like Ruth’s, shows that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things through simple acts of faith and love.
In what areas of your life might God be calling you to take a step of faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain? Reflect on how God can use your faithfulness to bring about His purposes, trusting that He is always at work, even when we cannot see the outcome.
Eye-Opening Facts: Did You Know?
- Ruth is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman, the other being Esther.
- Ruth was a Moabite, a group often seen as enemies of Israel.
- The term “kinsman-redeemer” (goel) is central to the book’s theme and reflects a legal practice in ancient Israel.
- The book of Ruth is read annually by Jews during the festival of Shavuot (Pentecost).
- Ruth’s great-grandson, David, became Israel’s most famous king.
- Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi was a commitment not only to Naomi but to the God of Israel.
- The genealogy at the end of Ruth connects her story directly to the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
- Boaz’s kindness to Ruth reflects the biblical principle of “hesed,” or loving-kindness.
- The setting of Ruth during the time of the judges contrasts her faithfulness with the chaos of that period.
- Ruth’s inclusion in the lineage of David is a testament to God’s grace extending beyond Israel.
- Naomi’s name means “pleasant,” but she asks to be called “Mara,” meaning “bitter,” reflecting her grief.
- The legal transaction at the town gate emphasizes the importance of public witness in property matters.
- The book highlights the role of women in God’s plan, with Ruth and Naomi as central figures.
- Gleaning was a provision for the poor, reflecting God’s care for the marginalized.
- Ruth’s story is one of only a few in the Bible set primarily outside of Israel’s borders.
- Boaz’s name means “strength,” fitting his role as protector and redeemer.
- The threshing floor scene is culturally symbolic of protection and provision.
- Ruth’s oath in 1:16-17 is one of the most profound statements of loyalty in the Bible.
- The book of Ruth has only 85 verses but is rich in narrative and theological depth.
- Ruth’s actions show that faith in God often involves stepping into the unknown.
- The story of Ruth demonstrates that God’s plan includes all nations and peoples, not just Israel.
