Today, after leaving the Book of Judges behind, our Old Testament readings now take us into the Book of Ruth. According to the Talmud (Jewish tradition), the prophet Samuel wrote this book. The text says nothing of the author, but whoever wrote it was a skilled storyteller. It has been called the most beautiful short story ever written.
But the book is also prophetic. The final words of the book link Ruth with her great-grandson, David (Ruth 4:17–22), so we know it was written after his anointing. The genealogy at the end of the book shows David’s lineage through the days of the judges, acting as a support for his rightful kingship.
The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC, during the late period of the judges. These were dark days, full of suffering brought about by the Israelites’ apostasy and immorality. Part of the judgments God brought upon His sinful people included famine and war. The book of Ruth opens with a report of famine, which drove Naomi’s family out of Bethlehem into the neighboring area of Moab. Naomi eventually returns with Ruth because she heard “that the LORD had visited His people in giving them food” (Ruth 1:6).
In one sense, the story of Ruth is a continuation of the cyclical pattern of sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation found in Judges. But this story stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people. The author gives the reader a snapshot perspective—one family, in a small town, at the threshing floor—as opposed to the broader narratives found in Judges.
The book is written from Naomi’s point of view. Every event relates back to her: her husband’s and sons’ deaths, her daughters-in-law, her return to Bethlehem, her God, her relative, Boaz, her land to sell, and her progeny. Almost without peer in Scripture, this story views God through the eyes of a woman.
Naomi has been compared to a female Job. She lost everything: home, husband, and sons—and even more than Job did—her livelihood. She joins the ranks of Israel’s lowest members: the poor and the widowed. She cries out in her grief and neglects to see the gift that God places in her path—Ruth.
Ruth herself embodies loyal love. Her moving vow of loyalty (Ruth 1:16–17), though obviously not marital in nature, is often included in modern wedding ceremonies to communicate the depths of devotion to which the new couples aspire. The book reveals the extent of God’s grace—He accepts Ruth into His chosen people and honors her with a role in continuing the family line into which His appointed king, David, and later His Son, Jesus, would be born (Matthew 1:1, 5).
Obedience in everyday life pleases God. When we reflect His character through our interactions with others, we bring glory to Him. Ruth’s sacrifice and hard work to provide for Naomi reflected God’s love. Boaz’s loyalty to his kinsman, Naomi’s husband, reflects God’s faithfulness. Naomi’s plan for Ruth’s future reflects selfless love.
The book of Ruth shows us the blessings that obedience can bring. It shows us the loving, faithful nature of our God. This book demonstrates that God responds to His people’s cry. He practices what He preaches, so to speak. Watching Him provide for Naomi and Ruth, two widows with little prospects for a future, we learn that He cares for the outcasts of society just as He asks us to do (Jeremiah 22:16; James 1:27).
The book of Ruth came along at a time of irresponsible living in Israel’s history and appropriately called the people back to a greater responsibility and faithfulness before God—even in difficult times. This call applies just as clearly to us today. We belong to a loving, faithful, and powerful God who has never failed to care and provide for His children. Like Ruth and Boaz, we are called to respond to that divine grace in faithful obedience, despite the godless culture in which we live. Are you willing?
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!