Overview of the Book of Ruth

Historical Setting of Ruth

Redemption: Boaz serves as a Kinsman-Redeemer

Historical Setting of Ruth

The events of the Book of Ruth take place “in the days when the Judges ruled” (). The events transpire sometime between the death of Joshua and the installation of Saul as king. A more exact timeline is not necessary as the narrator’s purpose is to contrast the events of the book with the prevailing mindset of the period. The essence of said thought is found in which declares “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Main Characters in the Book

There are three main characters found in the story. Ruth, for whom the book is named, her mother-in-law Naomi, and her future husband Boaz. Of the three, Ruth has the least direct mention in number of verses, with the main role being assigned to Naomi.

Interestingly enough, Ruth is only one of two women who have biblical books named after them, and she is the only non-Israelite to have a book bearing her name.

Themes found in the Book

The story of Redemption

Grace triumphs over the Law

Trusting the Unseen Hand

The power of Covenant Love

Despair and Emptiness turned in Fullness and Joy

The Back Story ()

There is a famine in the Land of Israel; there is no bread in the house of Bread (Bethlehem). Given the general ungodliness of the people during this time, the famine is most likely due to sin - the people are experiencing the promised curse of God for their continued disobedience ().

Eleimelech, the leader of the home decides to leave the land and sojourn in the land of Moab. The land of Moab was not a good choice, and the consequences of his decision become known in a most decisive manner. The Moabites met the Israelites with hostility on the road to the Promised Land, Balak hired Balaam to curse the People, and the Moabite women led the Israelites into gross sexual immorality. The Mosaic Law forbid a Moabite from entering the Temple until the 10th generation (), so it does not seem like a good choice for Elimelech and the family

Application: many of us react to situations without thinking things through. Instead, deal with the root of the problem before reacting to symptoms. There is no mention of repentance of sin. Also important: A change in geography without a change in heart doesn’t solve the problem.

Once the clan is settle in Moab (the sojourn turned into an extended stay) things go from bad to worse. Elimelech dies and Naomi is left without a husband in a foreign land. Her boys, already saddled with ominous, unsettling names do manage to marry some local gals. Both of the unions are barren for close to ten years - another sign of judgment. Then, both men turn up dead, leaving Naomi with 2 daughter-in-laws, but no man to provide for the remnant.