The book of Ruth is a gem of biblical literature—a story of love, loyalty, and redemption set during the turbulent period of the judges. In just four chapters, we encounter profound truths about God's providence and grace.
The Setting
The story begins with tragedy. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons leave Bethlehem during a famine and settle in Moab. There, the sons marry Moabite women—Orpah and Ruth. Then disaster strikes: Elimelech and both sons die, leaving three widows.
"And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house." — Ruth 1:8
Ruth's Declaration
While Orpah returns to Moab, Ruth makes one of the most beautiful declarations in Scripture:
"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." — Ruth 1:16
Ruth, a Moabite, chooses to follow the God of Israel and commit her life to her mother-in-law. This decision changes everything.
Key Characters
Naomi — The Grieving Widow
Naomi represents those who have experienced deep loss. She even changes her name to "Mara" (bitter) because of her suffering. Yet God is working behind the scenes to restore her joy.
Ruth — The Faithful Foreigner
Ruth embodies loyalty, humility, and faith. Though a foreigner, she becomes part of God's people and eventually part of the lineage of Christ.
Boaz — The Kinsman Redeemer
Boaz is a wealthy landowner who shows extraordinary kindness to Ruth. As a kinsman redeemer, he has the right to redeem Naomi's family land and take Ruth as his wife.
The Kinsman Redeemer
The concept of the kinsman redeemer (Hebrew: "goel") is central to this story. A goel was a close relative who could:
- Redeem property that a poor relative had sold
- Redeem a relative from slavery
- Marry a widow to continue the family line
Boaz fulfills all aspects of this role for Ruth and Naomi, pointing us to our ultimate Redeemer.
Christ in Ruth
The parallels to Christ are striking:
| Boaz | Christ | |------|--------| | Wealthy and able to redeem | Rich in mercy and grace | | Willing to redeem | Came willingly to save | | Paid the full price | Paid with His own blood | | Took Ruth as his bride | The church is His bride | | Restored the family inheritance | Gives us eternal inheritance |
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." — Ephesians 1:7
Providence at Work
Notice how God's providence weaves through the story:
- Ruth "happened" to glean in Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3)
- Boaz "happened" to notice her that day
- The closer kinsman "happened" to be at the gate
- Everything aligned for redemption to occur
What seems like coincidence is actually divine orchestration.
Lessons from Ruth
Loyalty Matters
Ruth's commitment to Naomi models the kind of steadfast love we should show to family and friends.
God Welcomes Outsiders
Ruth was a Moabite—traditionally excluded from the assembly of Israel. Yet God welcomed her into His family and His lineage.
Small Faithfulness Leads to Great Things
Ruth simply did the next right thing: staying with Naomi, gleaning in the field, following Naomi's instructions. God used her faithfulness for extraordinary purposes.
God Redeems Our Stories
No matter how broken our circumstances, God can bring redemption. Ruth's story of loss became a story of love and legacy.
The Legacy
Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). A Moabite widow became part of the royal line of the Messiah. What a testimony to God's grace!
"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." — Ruth 2:12