The Main Message of The Book of Ruth:
Background (Chapter 1): The story begins during a time of famine in Bethlehem, where a man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, migrate to the land of Moab to find food. While in Moab, Elimelech dies, and both of Naomi’s sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. After about ten years, Mahlon and Chilion also die, leaving Naomi a widow with her two daughters-in-law.
Ruth’s Loyalty (Chapter 1): Upon hearing that the famine in Bethlehem has ended, Naomi decides to return to her homeland. She encourages her daughters-in-law to return to their families, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, declaring her loyalty with the famous words, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Ruth’s Gleaning (Chapter 2): Back in Bethlehem, Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. She happens to glean in the field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi. Boaz shows kindness to Ruth and allows her to glean in his fields, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her.
Boaz Redeems Ruth (Chapters 3-4): Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to seek protection and provision through a practice known as levirate marriage, where a close relative would marry the widow of a deceased relative to preserve the family line and inheritance. Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions and goes to Boaz at the threshing floor. Boaz, recognizing Ruth’s virtue and loyalty, agrees to redeem her and marry her, becoming her kinsman-redeemer.
Conclusion (Chapter 4): Boaz fulfills his duty as kinsman-redeemer by marrying Ruth, and they have a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, making Ruth an ancestor of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
The Book of Ruth is not only a story of love and loyalty but also a narrative that highlights themes of faith, providence, and redemption. It serves as a beautiful illustration of God’s faithfulness to His people and the inclusion of foreigners in His plan of salvation.
Ruth Chapters
FAQs About the Book of Ruth
Q1.What is the Barley Harvest in the Book of Ruth?
Q2.Who wrote the book of Ruth?
Q3.When was the book of Ruth written?
Q4.10 Powerful Lessons From the Book of Ruth
1. Faithfulness and Loyalty: Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, even in the face of adversity, demonstrates the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in relationships.
2. Providence and Divine Guidance: The story of Ruth highlights how God works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of those who trust in Him, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
3. Redemption and Restoration: The concept of redemption is central to the narrative, as Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer to Ruth and Naomi, providing for their needs and restoring their dignity.
4. Inclusion and Acceptance: Ruth, a Moabite woman, is welcomed into the Israelite community, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and acceptance regardless of nationality or background.
5. Hard Work and Diligence: Ruth’s dedication to gleaning in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi demonstrates the value of hard work and diligence in overcoming adversity.
6. Humility and Servanthood: Both Ruth and Boaz exhibit humility and a willingness to serve others, setting an example of selflessness and kindness.
7. Generosity and Hospitality: Boaz’s generosity towards Ruth, allowing her to glean in his fields and providing her with abundant food, reflects the importance of generosity and hospitality towards others.
8. Family and Community: The story underscores the significance of family and community support in times of need, as Ruth and Naomi find refuge and assistance within the community of Bethlehem.
9. Courage and Resilience: Ruth’s courage to leave her homeland and embrace a new life in Bethlehem, as well as her resilience in the face of loss and hardship, inspire readers to persevere in difficult circumstances.
10. Hope and Blessing: The Book of Ruth concludes with the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David, illustrating how God can bring blessings and hope out of seemingly hopeless situations.
These lessons from the Book of Ruth continue to inspire and resonate with readers, offering timeless wisdom for navigating life’s challenges and living with integrity and faithfulness.
Q5.What does the book of Ruth teach us?
The Book of Ruth, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, offers several valuable lessons:
Loyalty and Faithfulness: Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi serves as a powerful example of commitment and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances.
Kindness and Compassion: The story highlights the importance of kindness and compassion, as demonstrated by Boaz’s generosity towards Ruth and Naomi.
God’s Providence: The book emphasizes God’s providence and care for individuals, even in times of hardship. Through Ruth’s story, we see how God can work behind the scenes to bring about redemption and blessings.
Redemption and Restoration: Through the character of Boaz, the book of Ruth also demonstrates the concept of redemption and restoration. Boaz redeems Ruth by marrying her and taking care of her and Naomi, symbolizing God’s redemptive work in our lives.
Inclusion and Acceptance: Ruth, a Moabite woman, is accepted and embraced into the community of Israel despite her foreign origins. This emphasizes the themes of inclusivity and acceptance, showing that God’s love knows no boundaries of nationality or ethnicity.
Overall, the Book of Ruth offers timeless lessons on love, loyalty, kindness, and the workings of divine providence in the lives of individuals.