Ruth
Purpose
Ruth is a luminous short story set against the dark backdrop of the judges period, offering a portrait of covenant loyalty (hesed) that stands in striking contrast to Israel's widespread unfaithfulness. A Moabite widow named Ruth chooses to bind herself completely to her mother-in-law Naomi and to Naomi's God with the words "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay; your people shall be my people and your God my God" — one of Scripture's most eloquent declarations of love and faith. Through the ancient institution of the kinsman-redeemer (goel), the wealthy Boaz redeems both the family land and Ruth herself, becoming her husband and restoring Naomi's joy. The genealogy at the book's close reveals its stunning theological punchline: this Moabite woman of extraordinary character became the great-grandmother of David the king, placing a Gentile in the royal and messianic line that would lead ultimately to Jesus Christ.
Author
Traditionally Samuel
Time Period
Written c. 1030 BC or later; events in the days of the judges (c. 1100 BC)
Key Themes
- Loyalty (hesed)
- Redemption
- Providence
- Gentile inclusion
- David's line
Outline
Loss, loyalty, and return to Bethlehem (ch. 1): famine drives Naomi's family to Moab; her husband and sons die; Orpah returns to her people but Ruth clings to Naomi with her unforgettable pledge; they arrive in Bethlehem at barley harvest. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz (ch. 2): Boaz notices Ruth and shows her exceptional kindness — extra grain, water, protection, meals — and Naomi recognises him as a near kinsman. The threshing floor — Naomi's plan (ch. 3): Ruth approaches Boaz at night after harvest; he acknowledges there is a nearer kinsman but pledges to act; she returns to Naomi before dawn. Redemption at the city gate (ch. 4): Boaz meets the nearer kinsman before the elders; the man declines when he learns Ruth is part of the deal; Boaz redeems the property and marries Ruth; Obed is born and the genealogy closes with David.