The Book of Ruth

A Moabite widow named Ruth demonstrates extraordinary loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi and, through God's providence, becomes the great-grandmother of King David through her marriage to Boaz.
Historical Context
Time Period: The events occur during the time of the Judges (approximately 1100s BC), a period of moral and spiritual decline in Israel, though the book was likely written during the early united monarchy.
Probable Author: Unknown, though Jewish tradition suggests the prophet Samuel. The author demonstrates intimate knowledge of ancient customs and provides explanations for practices that had become obsolete by the time of writing.
Setting: Begins in Moab (east of the Dead Sea) and centers on Bethlehem in Judah. The story spans approximately 10-12 years.
Purpose for Writing:
Tragedy and Loyalty (Ruth 1:1-22)
Elimelech's Family Leaves Bethlehem
During a famine, Elimelech moves his wife Naomi and two sons from Bethlehem to Moab.
(Ruth 1:1-2)
Deaths and Marriages
Elimelech dies; his sons marry Moabite women (Ruth and Orpah), then both sons die after about ten years.
(Ruth 1:3-5)
Naomi Decides to Return
Hearing that the Lord has provided food for His people, Naomi decides to return to Judah and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab.
(Ruth 1:6-13)
Ruth's Pledge of Loyalty
While Orpah returns to Moab, Ruth clings to Naomi and makes her famous commitment: "Where you go I will go... your people shall be my people, and your God my God."
(Ruth 1:14-18)
Arrival in Bethlehem
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest; the whole town is stirred, and Naomi laments her bitter circumstances.
(Ruth 1:19-22)
Providence in the Field (Ruth 2:1-23)
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth seeks permission to glean and "happens" to work in a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech.
(Ruth 2:1-3)
Boaz Notices Ruth
Boaz arrives from Bethlehem, notices Ruth, and asks about her. He learns of her loyalty to Naomi and her forsaking of her homeland.
(Ruth 2:4-7)
Boaz Shows Favor
Boaz invites Ruth to glean only in his fields, provides protection, water, and includes her at mealtime. He secretly instructs his workers to leave extra grain for her.
(Ruth 2:8-16)
Ruth Returns with Abundance
Ruth brings home about an ephah of barley and leftover food. Naomi learns she worked in Boaz's field and blesses the Lord, revealing that Boaz is a close relative and kinsman-redeemer.
(Ruth 2:17-23)
The Threshing Floor (Ruth 3:1-18)
Naomi's Plan
Naomi instructs Ruth to prepare herself, go to the threshing floor after Boaz has eaten and drunk, and uncover his feet and lie down, asking him to act as kinsman-redeemer.
(Ruth 3:1-5)
Ruth at Boaz's Feet
Ruth follows Naomi's instructions. At midnight, Boaz wakes startled to find Ruth at his feet, requesting that he spread his garment over her as a kinsman-redeemer.
(Ruth 3:6-9)
Boaz's Response
Boaz commends Ruth's loyalty and virtue, agrees to act as redeemer, but reveals there is a closer relative who has first right. He promises to resolve the matter.
(Ruth 3:10-13)
Discretion and Provision
Ruth stays until morning but leaves before dawn for propriety. Boaz sends her home with six measures of barley. Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz will settle the matter that day.
(Ruth 3:14-18)
Redemption and Legacy (Ruth 4:1-22)
The Gate Transaction
Boaz assembles the nearer kinsman and ten elders at the city gate. He presents the opportunity to redeem Naomi's land and marry Ruth.
(Ruth 4:1-6)
The Nearer Kinsman Declines
The closer relative is willing to buy the land but declines when he learns he must also marry Ruth, fearing it would endanger his own inheritance. He removes his sandal, transferring his right to Boaz.
(Ruth 4:6-8)
Public Witness and Blessing
Boaz announces his acquisition of the property and his marriage to Ruth before the elders and people. They witness the transaction and pronounce blessings, comparing Ruth to Rachel and Leah.
(Ruth 4:9-12)
Marriage and the Birth of Obed
Boaz marries Ruth, and the Lord enables her to conceive. She bears a son named Obed. The women bless Naomi, proclaiming that Ruth is better than seven sons.
(Ruth 4:13-17)
The Genealogy of David
The book concludes with a genealogy showing that Obed became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, establishing Ruth's place in the messianic line.
(Ruth 4:18-22)
Major Themes
Divine Providence
God's sovereign hand guides events through ordinary circumstances—Ruth "happens" to glean in Boaz's field, demonstrating that nothing is coincidental in God's plan.
Covenant Loyalty (Hesed)
The book exemplifies chesed — steadfast, loyal love. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's kindness to both women reflect God's faithful love for His people.
Redemption
Boaz serves as a kinsman-redeemer (goel), foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work. He willingly pays the price to restore what was lost and bring Ruth into the family.
God's Inclusive Grace
Ruth, a Gentile woman, is welcomed into God's covenant community through faith, previewing the gospel's reach to all nations and her inclusion in the messianic lineage.
From Emptiness to Fullness
The narrative arc moves from loss, famine, and bitterness to restoration, abundance, and joy—demonstrating God's ability to transform tragedy into blessing.
Virtue and Character
Ruth and Boaz are models of integrity, selflessness, and righteousness during a dark period in Israel's history, showing the beauty of godly character.
Key Verse
"But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.'" (Ruth 1:16-17, ESV)
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