1. The Book of Ruth

2. Historical Context Authorship: Anonymous.
Some suggest that Samuel wrote the book of Ruth along with Judges, but this is unlikely since he died before David’s rule.
Date: Sometime after 1010 B.C. by someone using oral/written sources.
When: During the time of the Judges.

3. Purpose of Ruth Two-fold purpose for Ruth:
(1) It speaks to God’s character.
God’s sovereignty is on display through the unfolding of events
Also is kind and gracious in caring for two widows.
(2) The book is important in explaining the ancestry of David to Jesus.
It helps trace Jesus’ lineage to actual people and places verified in historical records.

4. Arrangement of Ruth Chapter 1:1-5, Introduction of characters
Chapters 1:6-4:12, A story of redemption
Chapter 1:6-22, Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem Chapter 2, Ruth in Boaz’s field
Chapter 3, An unusual marriage proposal
Chapter 4:1-12, Boaz redeems Ruth
Chapter 4:13-21, Conclusion
Chapter 4:13-17, Naomi’s new family
Chapter 4:18-21, David’s genealogy

5. Introduction to Ruth
The book of Ruth takes place during the period of the Judges.
This is given by Judges 1:1, “In the days when the Judges ruled.”
The time of Ruth is best summarized by the last verse of Judges.
Judges 21:25, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
This verse reflects a political chaos in which there was no central authority in Israel.
It also demonstrates a lack of spiritual focus.

6. Introduction to Ruth The land was dominated by relativism.
What is relativism?
Relativism is the belief that everyone has their own version of truth.
God’s Word was no longer the standard of living.
People were trusting in themselves and ignored the covenant obligations to God.
Is it any different today?

7. Primary Themes in Ruth Cost of Sin God’s Sovereignty Redemption
The people of God need to understand there are consequences to their sin.
While believers are redeemed through the work of Christ, there are yet temporal results from our disobedience to God and His Word.
God’s Sovereignty
We will see God’s sovereign, unconditional election of Ruth.
God will sovereignly, providentially preserve the line of the Messiah.
Redemption
Just like Boaz redeems Ruth, Christ redeems us.

8. Ruth 1
We are introduced to the man Elimelech. His name means “my God is King.”
However, Elimelech’s life communicated the exact opposite of what his name meant.
Elimelech did not trust God. Verse 1 says he leaves the Promised Land and goes to Moab.

9. Ruth 1
History of Moab.
Comes from an incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters.
The Moabites are outcasts and unclean according to the Israelites.
Elimelech does not trust God to provide for him, so he moves to a pagan land. He gives his sons to marry pagan women.
We will see that the women in this narrative will place their trust in God.

10. Ruth 1
Both sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. The sons die and the daughters-in-law are left with Naomi.
Naomi weeps over the loss of her husband and her sons. She desires to go back to the Promised Land.
Orpah returns to her people. Ruth goes with Naomi.

11. Ruth 1 Ruth is a picture of genuine conversion. (Ruth 1:16-18)
Naomi desires for her name to be “Mara” which means bitter. She has been dealt a “bitter” hand in her life.
Ruth 1:22 makes a crucial note about Ruth. It says she’s a foreigner. This reminds us that she is out of place, but God will use her for His glory and her good.

12. Ruth 2 The main character, Boaz, is introduced.
The Scripture notes he is a relative of Elimelech, a kinsmen redeemer.
Ruth goes to the wheat fields to glean wheat. While her choosing to go to work in Boaz’s field is happenstance, this is an unfolding of God’s sovereignty.
Boaz takes notice of Ruth and asks where she comes from.

13. Ruth 2 Boaz tells Ruth to come work in his field only.
Ruth goes to Naomi and tells her of Boaz. Naomi reveals to Ruth that Boaz is a kinsmen redeemer.
What is a kinsmen redeemer?
The nearest male blood relative has the duty of of preserving the family name and property.
Naomi creates a plan for Ruth and Boaz to be set up. Ruth 2:21-22 – 3:18

14. Ruth 3 Naomi tells Ruth to lay at the feet of Boaz.
This is symbolic for a marriage proposal.
Ruth is saying she wants to be married and she awaits Boaz.
There is not hint of sexual immorality that happens between Boaz and Ruth.

15. Ruth 3
Boaz in Ruth 3:12 tells Ruth there is another redeemer closer than I.
Boaz tells Ruth to Wait, but Naomi knows it will be a short process.
The next closest relative passes on redeeming Ruth, leaving Boaz to fulfill this role.

16. Ruth 4
Boaz tells the relative that not only will he acquire the land but also Naomi and Ruth. He passes and Boaz redeems Ruth.
Boaz and Ruth have a son, they name him Obed, who will father Jesse, who will father David.
Chapter 4 concludes with the Genealogy of David and ultimately Jesus. Ruth is located in Jesus’ genealogy.

17. Conclusion
We see Ruth is a picture of God’s sovereignty working through the life of Ruth.
God providentially guides Ruth and uses her circumstances for His glory.

18. Conclusion
Be comforted in knowing that no matter your circumstance(s) in life, God is working in them and through you to work out His perfect plan. Will you trust him?
Ruth is also Christ - centered. It unveils the picture of Christ redeeming a people who cannot save themselves. This is the gospel: Christ saves sinners, of whom I am the worst. So will you repent of your sins, and trust in Christ?