Bible Overview Ruth
Mike Ervin
1. Introduction to Ruth
• Title & Placement: The book of Ruth is
placed between Judges and 1 Samuel in Christian Bibles and within the Ketuvim
(Writings) in the Hebrew Bible.
• Purpose: A story of redemption, covenant
faithfulness, and divine providence set during the time of the Judges.
2. Authorship & Date
• Traditional View: Some attribute it to Samuel,
but the text does not specify an author.
• Scholarly View: Likely written during the
monarchy (10th–6th century BC), with some arguing for a post-exilic date (5th
century BC).
• Linguistic Evidence: Some features of the
Hebrew suggest a later composition.
3. Intended Audience
• For Israelites: Demonstrates God’s faithfulness
and the inclusion of Gentiles in His plan.
• For Post-Exilic Readers: Encourages loyalty to
God’s covenant, showing that foreigners who embrace Yahweh can be included in
Israel.
4. Major Themes
• Loyalty & Covenant Faithfulness: Ruth’s
devotion to Naomi reflects God’s faithfulness.
• God’s Providence: Even in dark times, God is at
work.
• Redemption & Chesed (Loving-Kindness): Boaz
as a kinsman-redeemer prefigures Christ.
• Inclusivity in God’s Plan: Ruth, a Moabite,
becomes part of David’s lineage.
5. Chapter-by-Chapter Overview
Chapter 1: Loss & Loyalty
• Setting: Famine drives Elimelech’s family to
Moab.
• Crisis: Elimelech and his sons die, leaving
Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah as widows.
• Turning Point: Ruth’s famous declaration of
loyalty: “Where you go, I will go…” (Ruth 1:16-17).
• Naomi’s Return: Arrives in Bethlehem bitter,
saying, “Call me Mara” (1:20).
Chapter 2: Providence & Provision
• Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field: Introduces Boaz, a
relative of Naomi.
• Boaz’s Kindness: Protects and provides for
Ruth.
• Naomi’s Hope Restored: She recognizes Boaz as a
potential kinsman-redeemer.
Chapter 3: Redemption in Motion
• Naomi’s Plan: Ruth approaches Boaz at the
threshing floor.
• Boaz’s Response: Praises Ruth’s virtue and
agrees to redeem her if another relative does not.
• Tension: Will the nearer kinsman redeem Ruth?
Chapter 4: Redemption & Restoration
• Boaz’s Legal Action: Assembles elders and
negotiates with the nearer kinsman.
• Boaz Marries Ruth: Secures the family’s
inheritance.
• The Genealogy: Ruth and Boaz become ancestors
of King David, linking to Jesus in Matthew 1.