The Book of Ruth: Themes, Context, and Connection to Christ

Introduction

The Book of Ruth tells the story of a young Moabite woman who, after the death of her husband and father-in-law, chooses to return with her mother-in-law to her homeland of Judah. Along the way, she meets and marries a kindly farmer named Boaz, who not only provides for her and her mother-in-law but also helps to restore their fortunes. The Book of Ruth is significant both for its insights into the character of God and for its portrayal of the loyalty and love between family members. Above all, it demonstrates that God's blessings are available to all who are willing to place their trust in Him.

Historical Context

The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges, around 1100 BC. The book tells the story of a young woman named Ruth, who leaves her home in Moab to live with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi. The Moabites were an ancient people who inhabited the Kingdom of Moab, located in modern-day Jordan. According to the Old Testament, the Moabites were descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham.

The Moabites played a significant role in the history of Israel, as they were often in conflict with the Israelites. In the 8th century BC, the Moabites were defeated by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, and their kingdom was absorbed into the Babylonian Empire. However, after the fall of Babylon, the Moabites regained their independence. In later centuries, they came into conflict with the Roman Empire, and their kingdom was eventually annexed by Rome in 106 AD.

Leaving her home in Moab was no easy decision and was one fraught with peril. But, having made the choice to be faithful to Naomi and to support her Jewish mother-in-law, Ruth found favor with God. As Walton and Hill (2004) put it, "The purpose of Ruth is to show that when people are faithful, God is faithful" (p. 191). This is shown throughout the book's story. Ruth meets a man named Boaz, who takes an interest in her. The two eventually marry and have a child named Obed. While the book does not explicitly name any secularly historical characters, several individuals have been suggested as possible candidates. One possibility is that Boaz is based on a man named Judge Ibzan, who lived during the time of the judges (Ron, 2010). Another possibility is that Ruth herself is based on a woman named Esther, who was married to King Xerxes of Persia (Larkin, 1996). Regardless of their true identity, the characters in the Book of Ruth provide a fascinating glimpse into life in ancient Israel. However, it is also quite likely that Boaz and Ruth are who they are reported as being — themselves: real, historical characters who lived and whose lives are recorded in the Book of Ruth.

The Book of Ruth is set in a period in Israelite history when there was no king and everyone did what seemed right to them (Judges 21:25). This chaotic time was characterized by lawlessness, violence, and idolatry. Into this setting came Ruth, a foreigner from Moab who married the Israelite man named Boaz. After her husband's death, Ruth chose to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Despite being a foreigner, Ruth showed great loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel. Her story highlights the importance of faithfulness, compassion, and obedience. These values were likely important to the original audience of the book, who were living in a time of political upheaval and uncertainty. For modern readers, the Book of Ruth provides a reminder that God is always faithful, even when our circumstances are difficult (Wright, 2013).

The main biblical characters of the Book of Ruth include, of course, the young woman named Ruth who, after her husband's death, decides to move to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth quickly adapts to her new surroundings and proves to be a hard worker. Her diligence is rewarded when she meets the wealthy landowner Boaz, and the two eventually marry. The story ends on a happy note, with Ruth and Boaz having a son named Obed. While the book is best known for its inspirational elements, it also provides insight into the lives of other biblical characters, such as Naomi and Boaz. As such, it is an important part of the biblical canon.

The Book of Ruth is one of the most beloved books in the Old Testament. Its story of love and loyalty has resonated with readers for centuries. The Book of Ruth is situated near the end of the historical books, which tell the story of Israel from the time of the conquest under Joshua through the kingdom period. These books culminate in the stories of Esther and Nehemiah, which describe the Jewish people's return from exile in Babylon. The Book of Ruth picks up this theme, telling the story of a Moabite woman who comes to live in Israel and eventually marries an Israelite man. In a sense, Ruth represents all those who are not part of God's covenant people but who are nevertheless welcomed into the community. Her story highlights the inclusive nature of God's love and illustrates how even those who are not part of God's chosen people can be included in His plan.

The book is set during a time of famine in the land of Israel. A man from the tribe of Judah, Elimelech, takes his wife and two sons to live in the neighboring country of Moab, where they eventually all die. Ruth, one of the sons' wives, is a Moabite woman. In Moab, Ruth demonstrates her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by accompanying her when she returns to Israel. There, Ruth meets Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz shows kindness to Ruth by protecting and providing for her. They marry and have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. The book ends with a genealogy tracing David's lineage back to Ruth the Moabite woman. The Book of Ruth is significant because it shows that God's grace extends to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity — a truth demonstrated in Ruth's character as well as in Boaz's decision to marry her and include her in his family lineage.

Major Plot Points

As Nadar (2001) notes, Ruth takes on the responsibilities of the man in tending to Naomi. Ruth has lost a husband; Naomi has lost a son. There is none to step into the role of provider, and so Ruth must do the heavy lifting: "in chapter 2, Ruth is presented as the breadwinner who goes out to glean in order to provide food for herself and Naomi" (Nadar, 2001, p. 165). Ruth does not sit around and wait for a man, caretaker, or provider to show up. She takes matters into her own hands and sets about providing for Naomi and for herself. Thus, Nadar (2001) states that Ruth should be viewed "as a woman who takes control of her destiny and who changes it from hopelessness to happiness. She is a survivor, not a victim of circumstance, waiting for a man to change her fate. Reading Ruth in this way shows that she can be a positive role model for women in similar circumstances" (p. 172). Ruth rises to the initial challenge of adversity by throwing herself into the gap: she will be the bridge that Naomi needs, and she will be the shelter and support.

In the Book of Ruth, the threshing floor plays an important role in the presentation and redemption of Ruth's story. On the threshing floor, Ruth is presented to Boaz as a potential bride. This is significant because it shows that Ruth is willing to be married to another man in order to provide for her mother-in-law and herself. The threshing floor also serves as a place of redemption for Ruth. After Boaz redeems Ruth — rescuing her not only from widowhood but also from the shame of having to pursue other men — they are married. This is significant because it shows that the threshing floor is a place where people can be redeemed and where new beginnings can occur. Overall, the threshing floor is a significant symbol in the Book of Ruth because it represents both the presentation and redemption of Ruth's story.

The threshing floor image is relevant in both the Old and the New Testaments. In Jeremiah 51:33, we read: "For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time when it is trodden; yet a little while and the time of her harvest will come." The threshing floor represents the place of judgment, and in Ruth's story she is judged virtuous by Boaz and thus saved from ignominy. The threshing floor appears again in Genesis 50:10 as a place of recognition of all that has passed and what is left to come: "When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and grievous lamentation, and he made a mourning for his father seven days." In Isaiah 41:15, there is a reference to threshing as a symbol of dominance: "Behold, I make of you a threshing sledge, new, sharp, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff" — which is likely a reference to Christ's dominion over all the earth by way of His sacrifice on the Cross. Ruth's story is linked to the threshing floor in such a way as to make clear that from the threshing — the separation of wheat from chaff — the good will be redeemed and the bad cast off. Ruth is saved because she has been good: not because she is of the right "team" or tribe, but because she has acted virtuously and in a manner that is pleasing to God, Who loves all who are of a good heart and will.

Conclusion: The Big Picture in Relation to Jesus

Jesus is the One Who saves through His fidelity, love, sacrifice on the Cross, and resurrection. Ruth mirrors Christ's compassion and honor in her actions and in her devotion to Naomi and submission to Boaz. But the big picture is not that Ruth is to be glorified in herself; rather, God is glorified in His saints, one of whom is Ruth. She reflects the glory of God in her actions, and through them we can see the love of Christ — and in fact the seed of the Savior, since it is through her line that Christ will come into the world.

Of all the religious figures in history, Jesus Christ is undoubtedly one of the most influential. His message of love and forgiveness has resonated with billions of people over the centuries, and His example of self-sacrifice continues to inspire today. What makes Him so significant is His unfailing commitment to His cause, even unto death. In a world where many are quick to abandon their principles in the face of adversity, Jesus stands out as a shining example of constancy and faithfulness. He sacrificed everything for the greater good, and in doing so He showed us that true greatness comes not from power or wealth, but from a willingness to put others first. Through His example, Jesus teaches that love and self-sacrifice are the most powerful weapons we have against evil — a message that is needed now more than ever.

The book of Ruth is a story of love and redemption, set against the backdrop of difficult circumstances. The central figure in the story is Ruth, a Moabite woman who chooses to follow her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem. Along the way, Ruth shows great kindness and loyalty to Naomi, and she eventually marries a man named Boaz. The book ends with a genealogy that traces Ruth's lineage back to King David — and ultimately to Jesus Christ. In this sense, the Book of Ruth points us toward the ultimate meaning of Jesus Christ: our Redeemer and Savior. Christ came into the world to bring hope and healing in the midst of pain and suffering. He showed us the power of love, even in the face of death. And He sacrificed Himself so that we might have eternal life. The Book of Ruth reminds us that, no matter what our circumstances may be, we can find hope in Christ.

References

Larkin, K. J. (1996). Ruth and Esther. A&C Black.

Nadar, S. (2001). A South African Indian Womanist Reading of the Character of Ruth. Society of Biblical Literature.

Ron, Z. (2010). The genealogical list in the Book of Ruth: A symbolic approach. Jewish Bible Quarterly, 38(2), 85–85.

Walton, J. H., & Hill, A. E. (2004). Old Testament today: A journey from original meaning to contemporary significance. Zondervan.

Wright, N. T. (2013). Paul and the faithfulness of God. Fortress Press.