Topical Encyclopedia Ruth is a central figure in the Book of Ruth, one of the historical books of the Old Testament. She is a Moabite woman who becomes the daughter-in-law of Naomi, an Israelite from Bethlehem. Ruth's account is a profound narrative of loyalty, faith, and divine providence, illustrating God's inclusive love and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.Background and Family Ruth's account begins during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and religious turmoil in Israel. Naomi, along with her husband Elimelech and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, relocates to Moab due to a famine in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-2). In Moab, Elimelech dies, and Naomi's sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed (Ruth 1:3-5). Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the LORD had provided food for His people. She urges her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry. Orpah eventually agrees, but Ruth clings to Naomi, expressing her unwavering loyalty and faith with the famous words: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her willingness to embrace the God of Israel mark a significant turning point in her life. Life in Bethlehem and Meeting Boaz Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth and Naomi face the challenges of poverty and social vulnerability. Ruth takes the initiative to glean in the fields to provide for them, and she happens upon the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech (Ruth 2:1-3). Boaz, a man of standing and integrity, notices Ruth's diligence and kindness to Naomi. He extends protection and generosity to her, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather (Ruth 2:8-16). Naomi recognizes Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, a relative who could marry Ruth to preserve the family lineage. Following Naomi's guidance, Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, requesting his protection and invoking the role of the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:9). Boaz is moved by Ruth's loyalty and agrees to marry her, pending the resolution of a closer relative's claim (Ruth 3:10-13). Marriage to Boaz and Legacy Boaz fulfills his promise by negotiating with the closer relative, who relinquishes his right to redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:1-6). Boaz marries Ruth, and their union is blessed by the community. Ruth gives birth to a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, thus placing Ruth in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13-17; Matthew 1:5). Theological Significance Ruth's account is a testament to God's providence and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Her faith and loyalty are rewarded, and she becomes an integral part of the Messianic lineage. The Book of Ruth highlights themes of redemption, divine sovereignty, and the transformative power of faith and love. Through Ruth, God demonstrates His faithfulness to those who seek refuge under His wings (Ruth 2:12). Nave's Topical Index Ruth 1:4And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. Nave's Topical Index Library Naomi is an Instance of a Widow Receiving Back from Her Daughter ... The Devotion of Ruth Ruth, the Gleaner Ruth A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert A Full Reward. A Cloud of Witnesses. The Incarnation and Birth of Christ Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... A Prospect of Revival Resources Who was Naomi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Ruth | GotQuestions.org What did it mean to spread the corner of your garment over someone? | GotQuestions.org Ruth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ruth: Becomes an Ancestor of Jesus Ruth: Gleaned in the Field of Boaz Ruth: Receives Kindness from Boaz Ruth: The Daughter-In-Law of Naomi Ruth: Under Naomi's Instructions Claims from Boaz the Duty of a Kinsman Related Terms Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences) Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |
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