1. Summary of the Book
Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, faith, redemption, and God’s quiet providence at work in ordinary lives. Set “in the days when the judges ruled,” it takes place during a spiritually dark and unstable period (as described in the Book of Judges), yet the story of Ruth shines as a beacon of faithfulness and hope. Unlike the cycles of sin and violence seen in Judges, Ruth presents a picture of covenant love (hesed) expressed through simple, daily acts of kindness and fidelity.
The narrative begins with a famine in Bethlehem that drives Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to the land of Moab. There, the family suffers tragedy: Elimelech dies, and later both sons die, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law widowed. Hearing that God has visited His people with bread, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She releases her daughters-in-law to return to their own families, but Ruth clings to her with a vow of extraordinary devotion: “Where you go, I will go… your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth’s decision marks a profound act of conversion and love.
Back in Bethlehem, Ruth supports herself and Naomi by gleaning in the fields—God’s provision for the poor under Mosaic law. She “happens” to glean in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz treats Ruth with generous kindness, recognizing her loyalty to Naomi. Naomi then instructs Ruth on a lawful and respectful way to request Boaz’s protection as a kinsman-redeemer—a family guardian who could marry her to preserve the family line.
Boaz responds with honor, integrity, and willingness. After resolving a legal matter with a closer relative who declines the responsibility, Boaz publicly redeems Ruth and marries her. Their marriage brings joy and restoration to Naomi, ending her story of bitterness with blessing and fullness. Ruth gives birth to a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. The book ends with a genealogy that links Ruth—a foreigner, widow, outsider—to the royal line of Israel and ultimately to the Messiah.
Ruth teaches that God works through the faithfulness of ordinary people and that His plans often unfold quietly through acts of love, sacrifice, and righteousness. It also reveals that God’s covenant embraces outsiders who embrace Him. The story prepares for the rise of David and foreshadows the inclusive salvation fulfilled in Christ.
2. Author
Traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, although the book does not name its author. It was written by an inspired Israelite historian who preserved this story to show God’s providence and the ancestry of David.
3. Time of Composition
Although the events take place during the period of the Judges (roughly 1200–1050 BC), the book was likely written during or after David’s reign (around 1000 BC), since it concludes with David’s genealogy.
4. Intended Audience
Israelites living under the monarchy who needed to understand David’s ancestry, the value of covenant faithfulness, and God’s gracious inclusion of Gentiles who embrace Him.
5. Major Themes
God’s providence in ordinary life
Covenant loyalty (hesed)
Redemption through a kinsman-redeemer
The dignity of the poor, widows, and foreigners
Faith expressed through action
God’s plan extending to Gentiles
Preparation for the Davidic kingship
6. Section-Wise Division
A. Tragedy and Return (Ru 1)
Famine in Bethlehem (Ru 1:1)
Deaths of Elimelech and Naomi’s sons (Ru 1:3–5)
Ruth’s vow of loyalty (Ru 1:16–17)
Return to Bethlehem (Ru 1:19–22)
B. Ruth Meets Boaz (Ru 2)
Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field by providence (Ru 2:1–7)
Boaz’s kindness and protection (Ru 2:8–16)
Ruth returns to Naomi with abundance (Ru 2:17–23)
C. The Request for Redemption (Ru 3)
Naomi’s plan (Ru 3:1–5)
Ruth’s request at the threshing floor (Ru 3:6–13)
Boaz’s promise to redeem (Ru 3:14–18)
D. Redemption and Marriage (Ru 4)
Boaz negotiates with the nearer kinsman (Ru 4:1–8)
Boaz marries Ruth (Ru 4:9–12)
Birth of Obed and Naomi’s restoration (Ru 4:13–17)
Genealogy to King David (Ru 4:18–22)
7. Historical and Biblical Background
In the time of the Judges, social instability, famine, and spiritual decline were common. Yet the Book of Ruth reveals that even during difficult times, individuals could live faithfully and righteously. Gleaning was part of Israel’s social law that protected the poor. The kinsman-redeemer system preserved family inheritance and lineage, showing God’s concern for family, justice, and hope.
Moabites were traditionally viewed with suspicion by Israelites due to historical conflicts, making Ruth’s acceptance and prominence a powerful witness to God’s inclusive love. Ruth’s story bridges the chaos of Judges and the establishment of monarchy in 1 Samuel.
8. Biblical Flow of Each Section
Tragedy and Return
Loss leads Naomi and Ruth back to God’s land, beginning a journey from bitterness to hope.
Ruth Meets Boaz
Providence guides Ruth to Boaz, who recognizes her virtue and responds with generosity.
The Request for Redemption
Ruth boldly seeks lawful protection; Boaz responds with integrity and compassion.
Redemption and Marriage
Boaz redeems Ruth, Naomi’s life is restored, and God establishes the lineage of David.
9. Orientation to Jesus Christ
Ruth’s story foreshadows Christ in many ways.
Boaz the kinsman-redeemer prefigures Christ, our Redeemer, who restores our inheritance.
Ruth, a foreigner brought into God’s people, foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles through Christ.
The genealogy leads to David, from whose line Christ is born (Mt 1:1–16).
Ruth’s faithful love reflects the covenant love of Christ for His Church.
Naomi’s restoration points to the healing Christ brings to the brokenhearted.
10. Message for Us Today
Ruth teaches that God works powerfully through simple acts of faithfulness, kindness, and courage. It reminds us that no life is insignificant and that God is present even in suffering. Ruth’s conversion encourages us to cling to God. Boaz’s integrity calls us to practice generosity and justice. Naomi’s restoration shows that God can turn bitterness into blessing. The book invites us to trust in God’s providence and to live with steadfast love.
11. Prayer
Loving God, who guided Ruth’s steps and blessed her faithfulness, teach me to trust in Your providence even in difficult times. Help me to act with kindness, courage, and loyalty. Like Boaz, may I practice justice and compassion. Like Ruth, may I cling to You with all my heart. May this story lead me closer to Jesus, our true Redeemer. Amen.