Family of Ruth
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:1–5 Introduction: Naomi’s Family Dies. This brief introduction tells how Naomi lost her entire family.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:1 days when the judges ruled. (See Judg. 2:6–3:6.) A famine was sometimes a divine punishment (Deut. 11:14; 32:24; compare Lev. 26:3–4), but it could also advance God’s purposes, as it did for Israel in Joseph’s time (Gen. 45:5–8; Ps. 105:16–45). Bethlehem (which means “house of bread”) was in a fertile region. to sojourn. To be a resident alien (Deut. 24:17). Moab. A country across the Dead Sea from Judah, and one of Israel’s enemies.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:2 This verse lists the clan (Ephrathites), city (Bethlehem), and tribal territory (Judah) of the family (see note on 4:11; see 1 Sam. 17:12).
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:4 Moabite wives. While Israelites were strictly forbidden to marry Canaanites (Deut. 7:1–4), there was no specific prohibition against their marrying Moabites. However, all intermarriage was discouraged because of the commitment of other nations to other gods (such as Molech).
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:5 Elimelech had no living brothers. A childless widow such as Naomi would have faced an uncertain future, including the lack of financial support.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:6–22 Scene 1: Naomi Returns to Bethlehem with Ruth. This first scene relates Ruth’s kindness in returning with Naomi to Bethlehem.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:6 the LORD had visited. God had sent rain to Bethlehem; now, in the springtime, there would be food.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:7 The repeated mentions of daughters-in-law (vv. 6, 7, 8) and “my daughters” (vv. 11, 12, 13) show Naomi’s love for them.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:8–9 return each of you to her mother’s house. Naomi hopes that both Ruth and Orpah will remarry and have children. find rest . . . in the house of her husband. She hopes they will find security and stability in raising a family (compare 3:1).
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:11–13 sons in my womb . . . your husbands. Naomi’s question assumes that the widows could marry their dead husbands’ brothers (levirate marriage, Deut. 25:5–10). Even if it had been possible for Naomi to have another son, however, he would not be able to give Orpah or Ruth a child for many years. This is not a solution to their problem. the hand of the LORD . . . against me. Naomi wrongly thinks her hard circumstances come from God’s anger toward her.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:14 Ruth clung to Naomi, an expression of loyalty and devotion (compare Gen. 2:24, “hold fast”).
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:15 Orpah’s returning to her people meant returning to her gods (see Judg. 10:6).
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:16 Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth understood that her decision would mean accepting Naomi’s God, since gods and territory went together (compare 2:12).
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:17 May the LORD do so to me. Ruth swears this oath in the name of Yahweh (compare 1 Sam. 3:17; 1 Kings 2:23), thereby claiming him as her God.
Naomi, along with her husband and two sons, moved from Israel to Moab to seek relief from a famine. In Moab, one of her sons married Ruth, a Moabite. When Naomi’s husband and sons died, she decided to return to her home in Bethlehem. Naomi urged Ruth to stay behind in her native land, but out of love for her mother-in-law, Ruth chose to return with her to Bethlehem and to serve the Lord. Following her mother-in-law’s daring plan, Ruth took courageous steps to provide a new family for herself and Naomi. She married Boaz, and they had a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David. This means that Ruth was included in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth’s expression of love for her mother-in-law (1:16–17) has set a high standard for godly relationships down through the ages. (Ruth 1:16–17)
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:19 the whole town was stirred. This may mean the people of Bethlehem were excited about the arrival of Ruth. More likely, it means they were concerned to see Naomi returning from Moab without her husband and sons.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:20–21 the LORD has testified against me. Naomi thinks her suffering means that God is punishing her for some unknown sin.
RUTH—NOTE ON 1:22 Ruth is often referred to as the Moabite. This helps to emphasize how God’s kindness extends through the Israelites to other nations (2:20) and also how God can choose to bless Israel through the kindness of people from other nations (3:10; 4:13–22). barley harvest. In April/May, a few weeks before the wheat harvest (see 2:23).
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:1–23 Scene 2: Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field. This encounter between Ruth and Boaz in the harvest field is one of their two crucial meetings.
Gleaning was the Hebrew practice of allowing the poor to follow behind those harvesting crops to gather any food or grain left by the harvesters. Gleaners often worked from morning to evening, to gather enough to sustain themselves and their families. After sundown they would take the gathered grain and thresh it to separate the edible portion from the husk.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:1 Boaz is described as worthy, which can refer to one’s character, wealth, social standing, or strength. The same word is used to describe Ruth (3:11).
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:2 glean. The poor, sojourners, widows, and orphans were allowed to gather standing grain in corners or borders of fields, as well as stalks or sheaves that had been left behind by workers (Lev. 19:9–10; Deut. 24:19). in whose sight I shall find favor. See note on Ruth 2:10.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:3 From a human point of view, Ruth just happened to be in the right place. But in fact she was there through God’s mysterious providence.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:8–9 Boaz has charged the young men working in his field (see vv. 15, 21, 22) not to touch Ruth, to ensure her safety.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:10 found favor. Ruth wonders why Boaz would act so kindly toward her. Ruth calls herself a foreigner, but because of her loyalty to Naomi and to the Lord she has become a sojourner, who can enjoy many of the rights of an Israelite (Lev. 24:22; Num. 9:14; 15:14–16; Ezek. 47:22–23).
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:12 wings . . . refuge. Compare Ps. 36:7; 57:1; Matt. 23:37.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:17–18 Gleaning went from early morning (v. 7) to evening, that is, before sundown. After sundown was the time to beat out or winnow what had been gathered (see note on 3:2). An ephah of barley is about 5.5 gallons (22 liters)—at least a two-week supply for the two women.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:20 Whose kindness could refer to both the kindness of Boaz and the kindness of the Lord. Naomi foresees that this kindness will be shown to the living (Ruth) in marriage (Deut. 25:5–6; Ruth 4:10a, 13) and also to Naomi’s dead husband and sons (1:8) by continuing their name through the birth of children to Ruth (4:5, 10; Lev. 25:23, 25). close relative . . . one of our redeemers. Boaz is neither the closest relative to Naomi nor the only one (see note on Ruth 3:12–13). This situation combines two Israelite customs: the redemption of family land and levirate marriage (see Introduction: Key Themes; “Redemption”).
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:21 Moabite. See note on 1:22. close by my young men. See note on 2:8–9.
RUTH—NOTE ON 2:23 The barley harvest was in April/May, and the wheat harvest was a few weeks later (see 1:22).
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:1–18 Scene 3: Ruth, at the Threshing Floor, Asks Boaz to Marry Her. This is the second crucial encounter between Ruth and Boaz.
Threshing floors were places where grain was separated from the chaff. The floor was usually packed clay soil that had been worn smooth. Sheaves of grain were spread out on the floor and trampled upon, ideally by oxen. The oxen would also drag notched wooden sleds which would help pull the grain from the sheaves. Thieves would often try to steal grain during harvest time. Thus, it was not uncommon for the workers to sleep at the threshing floor.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:1 rest. See note on 1:8–9. be well with you. By having children (see Deut. 6:3).
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:2 winnowing . . . tonight. The winnowing took place during the breezes that begin after sundown (see note on 2:17–18). The threshing floor would have been east of the city so that the westerly wind would carry the chaff away from the city.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:3 Wash . . . anoint . . . put on. She must make herself attractive and meet Boaz at the right time.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:4 To uncover his feet and lie down there (vv. 8, 14) will demonstrate Ruth’s dependence on Boaz in view of her bold marriage proposal (v. 9). Some scholars believe that “uncover his feet” implies sexual contact, but there is no evidence for this, and it would be out of place in this story.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:9 Ruth, your servant. A maidservant was considered a full member of an Israelite household (e.g., Ex. 20:10) and could give birth to an heir (see Gen. 30:3–4, 9). In Ruth 2:12, Boaz had expressed his hope that Ruth would find the refuge she was looking for, under the Lord’s “wings.” Now, Ruth invites Boaz to spread his wings (that is, the edge of his garment; see esv footnote) over her in order to claim her in marriage. redeemer. See note on 3:12–13.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:10 this last kindness. That is, Ruth claiming Boaz as her redeemer (v. 9). Boaz was impressed that Ruth was not merely seeking marriage with eligible young men. Ruth’s first act of kindness was her earlier acts of kindness to Naomi (2:11). “This last kindness” was greater than Ruth’s earlier kindnesses to Naomi, because of all the people who would be affected by her thus continuing the family line.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:11 worthy woman. See note on 2:1; compare Prov. 31:10, “excellent wife,” using the same Hebrew expression.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:12–13 redeemer nearer. The order of these relations is: brother, uncle, cousin, or other close relative (Lev. 25:48–49; Num. 27:11; see Introduction: Key Themes; “Redemption”). as the LORD lives. A solemn oath (compare Judg. 8:19; 1 Kings 2:24).
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:14 Let it not be known. Boaz is concerned for propriety and for his and Ruth’s good reputation.
RUTH—NOTE ON 3:15 six measures of barley. Boaz’s ample supply would also confirm his intentions to Naomi (v. 17).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:1–12 Scene 4: Boaz Arranges Redemption at the Gate. Both verb and noun forms of “redeem” occur throughout this scene (compare 2:20; 3:9, 12, 13; 4:14).
Redemption is a key theme in the book of Ruth. The words “redeem,” “redeemer,” and “redemption” appear 23 times.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:1–2 The city gate served as a combined town hall and courthouse (compare 2 Sam. 15:2; Job 29:7–17; Prov. 22:22; 31:23; Amos 5:10). Elders witnessed transactions (Ruth 4:4, 9–11; see Deut. 25:7) and decided legal cases (see Deut. 21:19; 22:15).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:3–6 Redemption is referred to here in terms of buying and selling (vv. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10; Ps. 74:2; Jer. 32:7). When the “redeemer nearer” learns that Ruth will become his wife as part of the transaction, he changes his mind. Apparently he was concerned that any son born to him and Ruth would share the inheritance already planned for his present children.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:7–8 in former times. The practice must be explained since the readers of the book of Ruth no longer do this. exchanging. Transferring the right of redemption (v. 6). sandal. A symbol of this exchange (compare Ps. 60:8; Amos 2:6; 8:6).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:10 Moabite (see note on 1:22). To preserve the family property, Ruth was bought (redeemed) to be Boaz’s wife (see 4:13; Deut. 25:5). not be cut off from among his brothers. That is, from his clan relatives (Ruth 4:3). from the gate. Men of this family may have held prominent positions in the gate. His . . . place refers to his social standing.
When Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth came to Bethlehem as childless widows to start a new life, they encountered Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. He was a good man who allowed the poor to glean in his field, as God commanded in the Law. The report of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and to the Lord impressed him, and he protected Ruth while she worked in his field. By Israelite tradition, Boaz was among those who could rescue Naomi and Ruth from poverty. He could do so by redeeming Naomi’s ancestral land and by marrying Ruth, thus providing heirs for Naomi’s and Ruth’s deceased husbands. After Ruth revealed her interest in Boaz, he agreed to do all of this. As he and Ruth moved toward marriage, Boaz was very careful to make sure that everything was done in an orderly and honorable way. Boaz and Ruth became the parents of Obed, who became King David’s grandfather. (Ruth 4:9–10)
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:11 Rachel and Leah. Through childbearing they built up the house of Israel, that is, established and continued Jacob’s family (Deut. 25:9; Ps. 127:1, 3). Through Boaz’s offspring, David’s family, or “house,” was built (2 Sam. 7:11, 26). David’s selection as king was the pride of Ephrathah and Bethlehem (see note on Ruth 1:2; see 1 Sam. 17:12).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:12 Perez. Ancestor of the preeminent Judean Perezite clan (Num. 26:20–21) and of prominent leaders (1 Chron. 9:4; 27:2–3; Neh. 11:4–6; Matt. 1:3). Tamar, Judah. See Gen. 38:6–8. offspring. See Ruth 4:17; Ps. 89:4, 29.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:13–17 Conclusion: Naomi Blessed with a New Family. The conclusion serves as the reversal of the introduction. The Lord, through Ruth’s love, restores Naomi’s life.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:13 The word son sounds like “built up” (v. 11). The son is the one through whom the house (1:9; 4:11, 12) is built.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:14 Calling the heir a redeemer indicates that he is the one in whom redemption is realized.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:15 Naomi had complained that the Lord had “brought me back empty” (1:21). But now, he will be a restorer of life for her. who loves you. Ruth’s love for Naomi has been steadfast throughout the book (see 1:16–17). The number seven expresses completion, or fullness; this is the answer to Naomi’s complaint against God (see note on 1:20–21).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:17 son . . . to Naomi. Elimelech’s heir (v. 9). The Lord, through Ruth, also rewards Naomi (2:12) and gives her rest (1:9; 3:1). The childless widow became the grandmother of Obed, who was the grandfather of David.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:18–22 Genealogy: Extended Blessing. Looking backward and forward, this genealogy (compare 1 Chron. 2:5–15) shows how the Lord repaid and rewarded Ruth, as Boaz desired (Ruth 2:12). The Lord brought about a new family line which became, through David, the greatest in all Israel. Jesus’ genealogy includes three foreign women—Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth (Matt. 1:3, 5).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:18 Perez. See notes on v. 12 and Matt. 1:3. In a genealogy, the word “fathered” can mean fathered a later descendant; thus biblical genealogies, including this one, may skip generations.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:20 Nahshon, Aaron’s brother-in-law, was a leader among the Judean clans (Ex. 6:23; Num. 1:7; 10:14).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:21 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab (Matt. 1:5; see Josh. 6:25).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:22 Boaz and Ruth’s family eventually includes David. From David will come the Messiah.