By being our Redeemer, He makes us His kinsmen. Our heavenly Father sent His own Son to the cross so that we might become children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ. This scenario is repeated by Christ, who redeems us, the spiritually impoverished, from the slavery of sin. Boaz, a relative of Naomi on her husband’s side, acted upon his duty as outlined in the Mosaic Law to redeem an impoverished relative from his or her circumstances (Lev. Obedience brings Ruth into the privileged lineage of Christ.įoreshadowings: A major theme of the Book of Ruth is that of the kinsman-redeemer. This story of love and devotion tells of Ruth’s eventual marriage to a wealthy man named Boaz, by whom she bears a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David and the ancestor of Jesus. Orpah returns to her parents, but Ruth determines to stay with Naomi as they journey to Bethlehem. Later both of the sons die, and Naomi is left alone with Orpah and Ruth in a strange land. Elimelech dies and Naomi is left with her two sons, who soon marry two Moabite girls, Orpah and Ruth. A famine forces Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, from their Israelite home to the country of Moab. This true account takes place during the dismal days of failure and rebellion of the Israelites, called the period of the Judges. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David."īrief Summary: The setting for the Book of Ruth begins in the heathen country of Moab, a region northeast of the Dead Sea, but then moves to Bethlehem. Ruth 4:17, "The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son.' And they named him Obed. ’spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.'" Your people will be my people and your God my God.'" Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Ruth 1:16, "But Ruth replied, 'don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Obedient living does not allow for "accidents" in God’s plan. God abundantly blesses those who seek to live obedient lives. Genuine love and kindness will be rewarded. Regardless of our lot in life, we can live according to the precepts of God.
It teaches that genuine love at times may require uncompromising sacrifice. Purpose of Writing: The Book of Ruth was written to the Israelites. However, the prevalent view is a date between 1011 and 931 B.C. Date of Writing: The exact date the Book of Ruth was written is uncertain.