Ruth: The Image of True Love

By Rev. William Cunningham

Scripture text: The book of Ruth

Selected Scripture references: Ruth 1:1-5, 16-17;2:3,:8-12; 3:16-17; 4:9-12, 18-21

Historical Setting

• The story of Ruth took place during the time of the Judges
• The time of the judges was a time of extreme spiritual and moral decay
• The time of the judges was from 1380 – 1050 BC

Themes in the book of Ruth

1. Loyal love
2. Redemption

Definition of terms

• Kinsman redeemer: “The defender of family rights.” This was a close relative who would help in the time of need. The kinsman redeemer would also provide an heir for a dead husband by marrying his wife.
• Levirate marriage: The brother of the deceased would marry his sister-in-law to provide an heir for the deceased brother.
• Glean: To gather grain or other produce that was left behind by reapers.

The story

1. Naomi left for Moab with her husband Elimelech, and two sons, Mahlon and Chilion because of famine in the land of Israel.
2. Elimelech dies and leaves Naomi as a widow. In the ancient east, this would have been devastating to a woman to have lost her husband. There was a high risk of her becoming impoverished.
3. Naomi's two sons were married to Orpah and Ruth respectively who were Moabite women
4. Naomi's two sons eventually die as well leaving her alone with Orpah and Ruth.
5. Naomi tells Ruth and Orpah to return to their homeland. Orpah eventually agrees, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, which would have meant poverty being that they had no husband.
6. Verse 1:16-17 demonstrates Ruth’s commitment to God in addition to her commitment and love for Naomi. Orpah did what was expected. Note that Ruth was not familiar with the law, but still decided to cling to the Lord God.
7. Naomi returns to her homeland with Ruth and was evidently bitter since she changed her name to Mara, which means bitter.
8. Naomi believed that God was behind her misfortune.
9. Verse 2:3 shows the providence of God. Ruth happens to have gleaned in the part of the field ownd by Boaz.
10. Verse 2:8-10 shows the grace of God, which was operating through Boaz. Ruth found favor with Boaz and he was very kind towards Ruth.
11. Verses 2:11-12 shows how Ruth was rewarded by God for her loyalty to Naomi and for clinging to the LORD God. Naomi would have been justified to leave as Orpah did, but instead decided to stay with Naomi.
12. Verses 2:17-18. An ephah was more than half a bushel, which was more than a days work. Note that this was gotten by Ruth’s hard work in addition to Boaz’s generosity. Also, note that Boaz gave in secret, which also showed the true state of his heart.
13. In verse 3:4 to uncover Boaz’s feet was a gesture of submission. Touching and holding his feet was in effect a marriage proposal (the levirate marriage). Ruth’s objective was to seek an heir for her dead husband and to help Naomi.
14. In verses 3:16-17 we see God’s grace and provision again.
15. In verses 4:9-10 – Boaz redeems Naomi. Note that he wasn’t obligated to do so nor did Ruth earn it in any way. The next of kin did not want to redeem her.
16. We see that Ruth is a descendant of King David and therefore, Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

• Boaz redeemed a foreigner that he was not obligated to redeem.
• Jesus redeemed us being foreigners to God and He too did not have to do it.
• Boaz showed grace to Naomi as God shows grace towards us.
• The loyal love of Ruth was rewarded by God such that she became a anscestor of even Jesus Christ.
• This is a beautiful story of love and devotion, which God has towards us and that we should have towards him.