The Book of Ruth: A Detailed Explanation
The Book of Ruth is one of the most beloved books in the Old Testament. It is a short yet powerful story of faith, loyalty, redemption, and God's providence. This book consists of four chapters and provides an intimate look at the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her journey into the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Below is a detailed explanation of each chapter.
Chapter 1: Ruth’s Devotion to Naomi
The book begins during the time of the judges when there was a famine in Israel. A man named Elimelech from Bethlehem, along with his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, traveled to Moab to escape the famine. In Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons, who later married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. However, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law as widows.
Naomi, feeling hopeless and hearing that the famine in Israel had ended, decided to return to Bethlehem. She urged Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab and remarry. Orpah eventually agreed and stayed, but Ruth displayed remarkable loyalty, refusing to leave Naomi. Her famous words in Ruth 1:16-17 capture the essence of her devotion:
“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried.”
Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi, feeling bitter about her losses, asked to be called "Mara" (meaning bitter), believing that the Lord had dealt harshly with her.
Themes:
God’s providence in times of suffering.
The power of loyalty and devotion.
Ruth’s decision to follow the God of Israel, signifying a conversion of faith.
Chapter 2: Ruth Meets Boaz
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth sought to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields. According to Israelite law, the poor were allowed to gather leftover grain from the fields. By divine providence, Ruth found herself in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and kind relative of Elimelech.
Boaz noticed Ruth’s hard work and, after learning about her loyalty to Naomi, showed her favor. He instructed his workers to let Ruth glean freely and even leave extra grain for her. Boaz invited her to eat with his workers, offering her food and drink.
Ruth returned home with an abundant amount of grain and told Naomi about her day. Naomi recognized Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer," a close relative who had the right to marry a widow in order to preserve the family line. Naomi saw hope in this situation and encouraged Ruth to continue working in Boaz’s field.
Themes:
God’s provision through human kindness.
The role of the kinsman-redeemer in biblical society.
Ruth’s humility and diligence leading to divine blessings.
Chapter 3: Ruth’s Bold Request
Naomi, desiring security for Ruth, devised a plan. She instructed Ruth to approach Boaz at night while he was sleeping on the threshing floor, uncover his feet, and lie down. This act was a symbolic request for Boaz to take Ruth under his protection as a kinsman-redeemer.
When Boaz awoke, Ruth made her request, saying, “Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer” (Ruth 3:9). This was a culturally appropriate way of requesting marriage and protection.
Boaz was deeply moved and praised Ruth for her kindness, as she had not pursued younger men but instead sought the right of redemption within the family. However, he mentioned that there was a closer relative with a stronger claim to be the redeemer. He promised to resolve the matter the next day and sent Ruth home with grain as a sign of his goodwill.
Themes:
Faith in God’s timing and provision.
The role of redemption and its deeper spiritual meaning.
Ruth’s noble character and Boaz’s integrity.
Chapter 4: Redemption and Marriage
Boaz went to the city gate, where legal transactions took place, and called the closer relative. He explained that Naomi was selling the land that had belonged to Elimelech, and the redeemer had the right to purchase it. However, Boaz also stated that redeeming the land required marrying Ruth to continue the family’s lineage.
The closer relative declined, fearing it would jeopardize his own inheritance. Thus, Boaz took up the right of redemption. Before the elders of Bethlehem, Boaz declared that he would redeem the land and marry Ruth. This transaction was sealed with the custom of removing a sandal.
Boaz and Ruth married, and God blessed them with a son, Obed. Naomi, once bitter, now found joy as she cared for her grandson. The women of Bethlehem rejoiced with her, declaring that God had not abandoned her.
The book concludes with a genealogy showing that Obed became the grandfather of King David, making Ruth an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Themes:
God’s providence in fulfilling His plans.
Redemption as a biblical motif, foreshadowing Christ’s redemptive work.
Faithfulness and obedience leading to divine blessings.
Conclusion and Key Lessons
The Book of Ruth is a profound narrative filled with lessons of faith, love, and redemption. Here are some key takeaways:
God’s Hand in Our Lives: Even in the darkest times, God is at work, guiding events according to His divine plan.
Faithfulness is Rewarded: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and Boaz’s integrity led to blessings beyond imagination.
The Kinsman-Redeemer: Boaz’s role as a redeemer foreshadows Jesus Christ, who redeems humanity from sin.
Inclusivity in God’s Plan: Ruth, a foreigner, became part of the lineage of Christ, showing that God’s salvation extends to all nations.
The Book of Ruth is not just a love story between a man and a woman; it is a greater love story of God’s redemption and faithfulness to His people. Through Ruth’s journey, we see the power of commitment, trust in God, and the fulfillment of divine promises.
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