Commentary on the Book of Ruth

Naomi’s Uncertainties About the Future 4 2. Hopelessness and Commitment 5 Chapter Two 6 3. Provision 6 4. Interaction 7 Chapter Three 8 5. Long-Term Provision 8 6. Naomi Orpah and Ruth eventually became windows, which prompted them to return to Bethlehem. Ruth's decision to accompany her mother-in-law as highlighted in her words “where you go, I will go” (1:16-17), depict an unselfish and rich character. While working in the grain fields near Bethlehem Ruth met and married Boaz. The two were blessed with Obed who became King David's grandfather from whom Jesus the Messiah descended (Matthew 1:5ff). As such, the book presents many insightful lessons throughout its four chapters. Long-Term Provision (3:1–18); (Deut 25:5–10). Boaz plans to find a permanent solution to Naomi and Ruth’s problem by remarrying Ruth. Commitment (4:1–12). The Hopeful windows are well taken care of in Bethlehem.

Fulfillment (4:13–17). Naomi is a distressed housekeeper who is later pushed out of Bethlehem into the land of Moab by famine (v. She eventually loses her husband and two sons (v. and decides to return to her home (v. Despite believing that she has no future, Naomi is dedicated to taking care of her two daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth. However, she takes Ruth with her but parts with Orpah (v. The event prompted Naomi to go back home. Throughout her journey, Naomi trusted in the lord and showed kindness to her two daughters' in-law. However, she could not offer them, new husbands, since they needed men on their side for security reasons. Therefore, Naomi persuaded them to go back to Moab. Orpah agreed, but Ruth's love for Naomi meant that she could give up everything to be with her.

She had nothing to call hers, believed that God was against her, and that only Ruth chose to stand by her side. Despite her rage, she did not stop believing in God since she knew God had best plans for her. Chapter Two 3. Provision The section tells the story of Boaz. Boaz was a rich and honorable man who came from Elimelech’s family. In other words, it shows how God blesses people in unique ways. When Boaz arrived, he found Ruth working in the field and prayed for God’s blessing to descend upon all workers (V. He said, ‘I pray that the Lord will be with you’. All servants replied that ‘we pray that the Lord will do good things to you.

’ Boaz’s words show that he was not only a good master but also God fearing. ’ In other words, Boaz's kindness toward Ruth shows that he accepted her the way she was, which is the same way God accepts everyone regardless of one’s purity. Boaz proved to Ruth that God was willing to accept her as her own and provide for her despite serving other gods all her life. Boaz allowed Ruth to harvest grain from the entire field and not just the edges, which was an abundant blessing to Ruth. These actions show God's love and willingness to lift his people from rags to riches. Ruth gathered a significant percentage of grain. The first son sired by the widow would be in charge of his fathers’ property (Deuteronomy 25:5-6).

Besides the above custom, the law also required family members to buy off any land owned by other members experiencing financial hardships. The buyer, also the redeemer, would be responsible for the land and would take good care of it since it still belonged to the family. In that case, Naomi looked up to Boaz to accept the Redeemers duties in regards to her husband's land. According to Job’s words “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). He acted according to the will of God and instead asked another man closer to Elimelech’s family to marry Ruth. Chapter Four Boaz met with the man in question at the City's gate where men discussed essential issues.

They decided Ruth's fate among a group of witnesses. Since Naomi had land to sell, Boaz offered it to the man intending to marry Ruth since he was more close to Elimelech. The man adhered to the customs and bought the land so that he could take good care of it. Just like Leah and Rachel, Ruth would be important in the history of Israelites. Notably, the twelve family groups in Israel came from Rachel and Leah. The witnesses also prayed that Boaz would be great. Eventually, Ruth and Boaz were blessed with a son, which symbolizes God’s dedication to bless his people when the right time comes (V. Ruth’s baby (Obed) became Naomi’s son. God showed the Gentiles that he was with them through the good and bad.

Notably, Ruth had her genealogical root in Lot, Abraham’s nephew, which makes her a Gentile. Further, Boaz’s mother, Rehab was a Canaanite. These accounts justify for Boaz’ Decision to marry a Gentile. In addition, they illustrate God’s willingness to pardon sinners. Ruth was inspired to lighten Boaz’s fields. Ruth meeting with Boaz was not a mere incident but divinely guided steps. God guided and directed Ruth to Boaz’s' field which shows his goodwill and love. As a stranger in Bethlehem Ruth must have come across other fields owned by unfriendly people, in the same way, she entered the field belonging to Elimelech's family. These incidents prove providence. As such, he used Jesus Christ to spread his gospel to all as well as welcoming all to Christhood (Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 2:13ff).

The depiction of Christ. Boaz represents a living savior. Ruth refers to him as a near kinsman and a redeemer. Boaz is depicted as a “kinsman-redeemer” whose work is to alleviate people from suffering. ” In Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, edited by B. T. Arnold and H. G. M. “An Indecent Proposal: The Theological Core of the Book of Ruth. ” Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament 26 (2012) Hongisto, L. “Literary Structure and Theology in the Book of Ruth. ” Andrews University Seminary Studies 23 (1985) Lapsley, J. E. B. Character Development in the Book of Ruth. In Leaders and Legacies in Assyriology and Bible: The Collected Essays of David B. Weisberg, 217–20. Winona Lake, IN Eisenbrauns, 2012.