Ruth
Author
Unknown.
Date
The book was likely written sometime during the reign of King David, as his name is listed in the genealogies of chapter 4, while Solomon, his successor, is not mentioned. This would be sometime between 1011 and 971 B.C.
Audience and Purpose
The audience of the book was the people of Israel in general, but the original purpose is unclear. Many scholars believe the book to be a real-life parable, teaching the need for the people of God to take care of one another, especially in times of great trial and need. It cannot be overlooked, however, that Boaz gives us a clear picture of the greater Savior to come.
Major Themes
- The Kinsman-Redeemer. Based in the Jewish traditions that if a man were to lose his land out of financial burden, his closest relative must step in to purchase the land, in order to maintain the family’s name and inheritance from God. Ultimately, this points to Jesus, who, after mankind was lost to God through sin, stepped in as our kinsman to purchase us back into the family.
- The Genealogy of the Messiah. The book concludes with giving the genealogical line of King David, whose line the Messiah would come from. The inclusion of Ruth, a non-Jewish person in this lineage is a major point of interest tho those of us outsiders who have also been grafted into God’s promise through Jesus.
Key Scriptures
- Ruth 1:16-17 — “…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. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
- Ruth 4:14 — “Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!’”
Outline
- Ruth 1:1-5 — Naomi’s Family Dies
- Ruth 1:6-22 — Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem
- Ruth 2:1-23 — Ruth Meets Boaz
- Ruth 3:1-18 — Ruth Proposes Marriage to Boaz
- Ruth 4:1-12 — Boaz Redeems Naomi and Ruth
- Ruth 4:13-17 — Boaz and Ruth Begin a Family
- Ruth 4:18-22 — Genealogy of Ruth to David
Gospel Summary
The book of Ruth gives us a glimpse into Jewish life and customs, which included a familial responsibility to take care of their own, as well as being welcoming to outsiders who would join with them. The story of Ruth gives us a picture into the people whose lineage would give us the Messiah, while also giving us a typological picture of the redemption that Messiah would bring. Jesus is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, who as a man, paid the price for the redemption of those lost to sin, and in the process, took for Himself a bride.
© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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