National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series
The Book of Ruth is a short narrative in the Old Testament that tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth and her journey to find belonging and redemption in the land of Israel. Here is a summary of the key themes and content found in the Book of Ruth:
1. Naomi’s Family in Moab: The story begins with a woman named Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons who leave Bethlehem due to a famine and settle in the land of Moab. Tragically, Naomi’s husband and sons die, leaving her and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows.
2. Ruth’s Loyalty: Ruth, despite being a foreigner, displays unwavering loyalty and devotion to Naomi. She chooses to stay with Naomi and return to Bethlehem, declaring her famous pledge: “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
3. Ruth’s Gleaning and Boaz’s Kindness: Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem during the barley harvest. Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. By God’s providence, she ends up in the field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy and honorable man who shows her kindness and allows her to gather from his fields.
4. The Kinsman-Redeemer: According to Jewish law, there was a provision for a kinsman-redeemer, a relative who had the responsibility to redeem a family member in need. Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to seek the protection and redemption of Boaz, who is a relative of her deceased husband.
5. Redemption and Marriage: Boaz, recognizing Ruth’s virtue and loyalty, agrees to act as the kinsman-redeemer. He redeems the property of Naomi and takes Ruth as his wife, fulfilling the role of a husband and ensuring their security and provision.
6. Genealogy and Legacy: The book concludes with a genealogy that traces the lineage from Ruth and Boaz to King David, emphasizing Ruth’s inclusion in the ancestral line of Israel’s great king.
The Book of Ruth showcases themes of loyalty, kindness, redemption, and the inclusion of foreigners into God’s covenant community. It highlights the faithfulness of Ruth and the providential working of God, who orchestrates events for the good of His people. It serves as a beautiful narrative of love, hope, and the restoration of broken lives, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ in the world.
