Ruth Overview

God redeems broken lives through loyal love and faith, revealing His providence and pointing to Christ our Redeemer in Ruth’s story of grace.

Introduction

The book of Ruth tells how God’s grace works through loyal love, even in dark times. Set during the period of the judges (Ruth 1:1), it reveals that God’s providence and kindness operate behind ordinary events. Ruth, a Moabite widow, commits herself to Naomi and to the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16–17). Through her faith and devotion, God restores Naomi’s life and secures Ruth’s place in Israel’s lineage, leading to King David (Ruth 4:17). The main theme is that God redeems broken lives through faithful love and sovereign grace.

Background

The events of Ruth occur “in the days when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1), a time marked by moral decline and spiritual confusion (Judges 21:25). Famine drives Elimelech and Naomi from Bethlehem to Moab, where their sons marry Moabite women. After their deaths, Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth. The story unfolds among ordinary people living under Israel’s covenant law, particularly the laws of redemption and levirate marriage (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” becomes the setting of God’s providence. Moab, Ruth’s homeland, had earlier opposed Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3–6), highlighting the grace that includes a Gentile in Israel’s redemption story.

Author

The author is not named, but Jewish tradition attributes the book to Samuel. The author writes with intimate knowledge of Israel’s customs and the period of the judges (Ruth 4:7). The genealogy concluding with David (Ruth 4:17–22) shows the writer’s purpose in linking Ruth’s story to the rise of the monarchy, suggesting composition near the time of David’s early reign.

Date

The story itself occurs around 1100 B.C., during the time of the judges (Ruth 1:1). The writing likely dates to the reign of David, around 1010–970 B.C., since it ends with his genealogy (Ruth 4:17–22). This timeframe underscores that God was guiding history toward His chosen king even before Israel had one.

Purpose

The book was written to show that God’s covenant faithfulness extends to all who trust Him, regardless of origin. It demonstrates how God works through ordinary obedience and loyal love (hesed) to accomplish His redemptive plan. Ruth’s faith and Boaz’s integrity display how God blesses those who act righteously in a corrupt age (Ruth 2:12; 3:10–11). The closing genealogy shows that God used these acts of faith to advance His promise of a Redeemer (Ruth 4:17–22).

Unique Content

Ruth uniquely records a Gentile woman’s faith leading to her inclusion in Israel and the royal line of David. It is the only book where a Moabite woman becomes a key figure in God’s covenant story (Ruth 1:16–17). It also presents the only detailed example of a kinsman-redeemer transaction at the city gate (Ruth 4:1–10). No other book shows redemption so personally and relationally, blending covenant law and personal faith into one seamless story of grace.

Main Themes

God’s providence, loyal love, and redemption dominate the book. God directs events behind the scenes for His purpose (Ruth 2:3; 4:13). Human loyalty reflects divine faithfulness (Ruth 1:16–17; 2:12). Redemption, both physical and spiritual, ties the story together as Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi’s family line (Ruth 4:9–10). The story reveals that obedience to God’s Word brings blessing, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Christ in Ruth

Boaz serves as a type of Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer who purchases and restores the lost. As Boaz redeems Ruth, Christ redeems those who trust Him (Ephesians 1:7). Ruth, the foreigner brought into God’s covenant, anticipates Gentile inclusion through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28–29). The genealogy in Ruth 4:17–22 leads to David, through whom the Messiah would come (Matthew 1:5–6). The book thus foreshadows the redemption accomplished by Christ through His sacrifice and resurrection.

Relevance

Ruth speaks to a world of loss, loneliness, and uncertainty. It reminds believers that God works in the details of life to fulfill His purpose. It teaches that faithfulness and integrity matter, even when culture ignores them. Ruth shows that no one is beyond God’s grace, and that His plans are not hindered by tragedy or background (Romans 8:28).

Application

Believers today should imitate Ruth’s faith and Boaz’s righteousness. Like Ruth, we must trust God’s providence and follow Him even when the path is uncertain (Ruth 1:16–17). Like Boaz, we must act with compassion and integrity, showing God’s redeeming love to others (Ruth 2:12; 3:10–11). The book calls us to rest in the Redeemer’s care, knowing that He turns sorrow into joy and emptiness into fullness (Ruth 4:14–15).

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