Old Testament

Ruth

Author Unknown, possibly Samuel

Date Written ~1000 BC

Chapters 4

Theme Loyalty, redemption, and providential care

Summary

Ruth tells the story of a Moabite widow whose loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi leads her to Bethlehem, where she finds provision and a husband in Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. The book demonstrates God's providence and inclusion of Gentiles in his redemptive plan.

Outline

Naomi's Loss and Ruth's Loyalty (1)
Ruth Meets Boaz (2)
Ruth's Appeal to Boaz (3)
Boaz Redeems Ruth (4)

Key Verses

Ruth 1:16

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Ruth 2:12

"May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

Ruth 4:14

"Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer."

Christ in Ruth

Boaz as kinsman-redeemer, a type of Christ who redeems his bride; Ruth in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5)

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