God works to bring about His plans

God intervenes in human lives to work out His plans and purposes ()

Explanation: This is one of only 2 points in the Book of Ruth where action is directly attributed to God. In the first chapter, God is seen giving food to His people (), and here in verse 13 God is shown giving conception to Ruth. This is astounding in that while Ruth was married to Mahlon for years (possibly up to 10) she remained barren.

Argument: God is the Author of Life and He is the One who creates life in the womb (). He gave conception to Ruth with Boaz in order that this child would be part of His plan to bring forth the ultimate Redeemer.

Application: Ruth could not have known any of this when she was childless with Mahlon. She did not have an understanding of God’s plan, and she did not know her role. Like Ruth, we do not and cannot see the Big Picture of God’s plan. We can, however, trust in the Unseen Hand of the One who loves us beyond comprehension

God can and does restore His children ()

Explanation: Even though Ruth is the one who has the child, the Narrator has the women proclaiming that “a son has been born to Naomi.” As this child was the heir to all that belonged to Elimelech, in a real sense he was taking the place of Naomi’s sons. Ruth was not the one who had any property in the land, and this first child would not be reckoned according to Boaz’s name either.

Argument: When Naomi returned to Bethlehem from her extended sojourn in Moab she was bitter and empty. Her husband dead, her 2 sons dead, and her prospects for the future bleak. She renamed herself Marah (bitter) because she saw God’s hand against her. Now she is rejoicing in the reversal of fortune. She has a secure future and this child of Ruth’s is serving a redeemer for her and Elimelech’s name.

Application: Not all situations are restored in this life. Some of God’s children will have to wait for issues to be resolved in Eternity, but we can trust that God will do what is right and just for those He loves and calls to Himself

The primary purpose of biblical narratives is to point us to Jesus ()

Explanation: One of the most important lessons we can learn when studying God’s Word is that the main focus is on God, not us. The Bible is the grand story of God redeeming a people for His glory. The accounts in Scripture are given that we might see His grace and His love as He carries out His plan.

In broad strokes, the entirety of the Old Testament revelation is the preparation God uses to bring forth the Messiah. Ultimately, the message of the Book of Ruth is shown to be part of God’s plan for the lineage of Jesus. Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz becomes the grandfather of King David.