Introduction
Overview
The book of Ruth illustrates how God is at work very quietly and behind the scenes to provide a solution (a deliverer, David) to the terrible situation Israel has created for itself in Judges. Thus Ruth bridges the story from Judges (disaster in Israel) to 1–2 Samuel (David the hero).
The book of Ruth is not about kings, generals, prostitutes, or priests. It is a story about three simple farming people (Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz) and how God brings them together. When Naomi’s Israelite family leaves the land (the place of blessing), terrible things happen, and all the men in the family die. But when the widows make their way back to the land, blessings return. The book of Ruth also presents these three people (Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz) as virtuous people, even though they are real people expressing real sorrow over real problems. At its core, this is a love story, with a theologically significant genealogy added to the ending of the story.
Date and Authorship
This heart-wrenching yet refreshing story unfolds “during the time of the judges” (1:1). This places the account chronologically somewhere between circa 1380 and 1050 BC. The book was likely composed by an unnamed author relying on oral sources at a later period in Israelite history, one that seems to coincide with David and the early monarchy (Ru 4:7, 17). Historically, the period of the judges represents a setting when religious syncretism provoked military aggression resulting in societal unrest, a cycle that perpetuated itself until the Lord graciously intervened by raising up a judge (Jdg 2). As a literary bridge, the notification in 1:1 points the reader back to the last verse in Judges, where it concludes, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him” (Jdg 21:25). It also points forward to the closing genealogy in Ruth, mentioning David (Ru 4:18–22), which anticipates 1–2 Samuel, when kingship is formally grafted into the covenantal community. In this way, Ruth functions as a literary hinge with respect to its placement in the English Bible (an arrangement based on the Greek Septuagint). [Where Should the Book of Ruth Be Placed?]
Theological Themes
Ruth recounts the private and domestic affairs of a family of four from Bethlehem, with literary artistry full of suspense and emotion. Even the most casual reader recognizes themes of divine providence, mercy, and provision for the less privileged. An equally notable and repetitive theme concerns the idea of redemption, particularly evident in Boaz’s crucial role as family redeemer.
Collectively, these themes, which are communicated through speech rather than narration, unveil the main point driving the narrative. Ruth finds both a physical and a spiritual home in Israel. But how can a Moabite secure a home in Israel and even be included in David’s lineage? These are pertinent questions given Deuteronomic law, which forbids Israelite associations with Moabites, a chided enemy. Moreover, how can Israel’s renowned king come from mixed ancestry? The book of Ruth not only lauds the Lord’s merciful hand of guidance on Naomi and Ruth but also addresses these intriguing questions in light of the bigger picture of Israelite history.
Outline
1. Setting: Famine and Family Tragedy (1:1–5)
2. Widows and Their Worries: Back to Bethlehem (1:6–22)
A. Back to Bethlehem (1:6–7)
B. Naomi’s Worries and Resolve (1:8–15)
C. Ruth’s Resolve and Confession (1:16–17)
D. In Bethlehem (1:18–22)
3. A Worthy Woman Meets a Worthy Man (2:1–23)
A. Ruth Finds Work (Favor) in Boaz’s Field (2:1–3)
B. Boaz Reaches Out to Ruth, and Ruth Responds with Gratitude (2:4–16)
C. Ruth Returns Home with a Favorable Report (2:17–23)
4. Ruth’s Proposal (3:1–18)
A. Naomi Navigates a Plan (3:1–5)
B. Ruth Reaches Out to Boaz at the Threshing Floor (3:6–9)
C. Boaz Responds with Gratitude and a Requirement (3:10–15)
D. Ruth Returns Home (3:16–18)
5. Boaz’s Acceptance (4:1–12)
A. The Legal Decision Made (4:1–6)
B. The Decision Confirmed (4:7–12)
6. The Marriage: Family Fortunes and Fruitfulness (4:13–17)
7. Conclusion: Future Fruitfulness (4:18–22)