The book of Ruth is a fascinating depiction of the Bible’s timeless story of love and redemption. It offers us a glimpse into the personal and intimate nature of God’s love for his people. The story begins with Moses telling of God’s redeeming love for his people in Deuteronomy chapters four and seven. Later in the New Testament, Paul explains how Christ’s death on the cross manifests God’s love for us. Ruth’s story provides a concrete example of the Lord’s personal and particular love for his Bride.
At the story’s beginning, Ruth is an impoverished, young Moabite widow with little hope for the future. However, through God’s love, she proposes marriage to Boaz, a wealthy bachelor from Bethlehem, and he accepts. This transformation from a widow to a wife is a testament to the transformative power of God’s love and sets the stage for what is to come in chapter four.
The nearer relative initially agrees to redeem the land but backs out quickly when he realizes that the obligation of levirate marriage is linked to the redeemed estate. Boaz, however, steps in as the true redeemer. He willingly pays to redeem the land, agrees to marry Ruth, thereby honoring the principle of the Levirate marriage, and pledges to perpetuate the name of the dead. The elders and people at the gate witness what has occurred, proclaiming a blessing on Boaz and highlighting his role as a redeemer.
Boaz and Ruth marry and come together, and immediately (that is the impression), she becomes pregnant and has a son. The birth of a child brings hope to Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, who had been previously bitter about her life. The town’s women speak to Naomi as the focus of attention moves back to her. Their words are words of thanksgiving, celebration, and hope. Naomi becomes a grandmother and enjoys taking part in caring for her grandson.
The grandson, Obed, will have a son named Jesse, who will have a son named David. This lineage is a historical fact and a significant part of Ruth’s legacy. It is a direct line from Boaz to King David and from King David to Jesus, the most significant expression of God’s love, underscoring the Christ connection in Ruth’s story.
In Ruth’s legacy, we can recognize God providing and working to accomplish his plan. The Christ connection is the line from Boaz to Jesus. The genealogy is what links our chronology together. The Book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of the love story Jesus desires to have with you and with me. It shows how God works in the details of an unexpected tragedy and uses ordinary people for an extraordinary purpose.
In Ruth, we witness a bitter woman who finds joy again. We read how God is more than able to bring light in the darkness of sorrow. In this short book, we find hope for the future of Naomi, Ruth, and, ultimately, ourselves. We live in light of the glorious birth of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the saving grace of Jesus, and we rest in the peace of Jesus, knowing God works for our good and his glory in all things.
If you haven’t read the Book of Ruth yet, I encourage you to take the time to read it. You will be amazed at how much God can work through ordinary people in unexpected situations. Additionally, if you want to deepen your understanding of the book, consider reading the further study materials mentioned above. May the story of Ruth inspire you to see God’s love and redemption in your own life.
For further study: Read Ruth chapter four, 2:1; 3:11-17; chapter two, 1 Sam 1:19-20, Genesis 25, Judges 21, Isaiah 52-53, Mark 10:45, Rev 22:16, Ezek 37:24-25, Matt 22:42, Psalm 132:12, Rom 1:3, Matt 1:1, Jer 23:5-6, Matt 1:12-16
Commentaries used in addition to the Scriptures themselves: Ruth, Hope for the Marginalized; Esther and Ruth by Ian Duguid; Ruth and Esther, Women of Faith; ESV Expository Commentary
Debbie Swindell 