The Book of Ruth

Ruth Outline

Chapters & Genres

The Book of Ruth is a beautiful and captivating story that is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a story that revolves around the lives of four main characters: Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and Obed. These characters and their stories are woven together to create a powerful tale of love, loyalty, and redemption.

The story begins with Naomi, a Hebrew woman, and her husband Elimelech, who lived in Bethlehem during the time of the judges. They were forced to leave their homeland due to a famine and moved with their two sons to the land of Moab. While in Moab, their sons married Moabite women, one of whom was named Ruth. However, tragedy struck when Elimelech and both of his sons died, leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law alone in a foreign land.

Naomi, who was now a widow and childless, decided to return to her homeland of Bethlehem. She urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands, but Ruth was determined to stay with Naomi. Ruth's loyalty and love for Naomi were so strong that she uttered the famous words "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 1:16).

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth were destitute and had no means of supporting themselves. Ruth decided to go to the fields to glean grain, which was a common practice for poor people during that time. It was in the fields that Ruth met Boaz, a wealthy landowner who showed her kindness and generosity. Boaz had heard of Ruth's devotion to Naomi and was impressed by her character and work ethic.

As the story unfolds, we see how God's providence and sovereignty are at work in the lives of these characters. Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's, became a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi, which meant that he was willing to marry Ruth and take care of them both. This act of redemption not only provided Ruth and Naomi with security and provision, but it also had far-reaching implications for the future of Israel.

Boaz and Ruth were married, and they had a son named Obed. Obed became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, the great king of Israel. Through this lineage, we see how God used the faithfulness of Ruth and Boaz to bring about the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Book of Ruth is a story that highlights the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and love. It shows how God can use even the most difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes and how He can work through the lives of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

One of the key themes of the Book of Ruth is the idea of redemption. This theme is seen throughout the story, as Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi from their poverty and provides for them. This act of redemption is a foreshadowing of the ultimate act of redemption that would come through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus redeemed humanity from sin and death, providing us with eternal life and salvation.

Another important theme of the Book of Ruth is the idea of providence. We see how God's providential care is evident throughout the story, guiding the lives of the characters and bringing about His purposes. From the famine that forced Naomi and Elimelech to leave Bethlehem to the chance encounter between Ruth and Boaz in the fields, we see how God was orchestrating events to bring about His plan.

The Book of Ruth also highlights the importance of family and community. Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her willingness to become a part of the Hebrew community in Bethlehem demonstrate the importance of relationships and the need for support and care within a community.

In conclusion, the Book of Ruth is a powerful and inspiring story that has captivated readers for centuries. It is a story of love, loyalty, and redemption that demonstrates God's providence and sovereignty in the lives of His people. Through the lives of Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and Obed, we see how God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things and how His plan for redemption is woven throughout the fabric of human history.