Ruth — Introduction & Outline

Talmudic tradition names Samuel as the author of Ruth, which is possible but will remain uncertain. It is only clear that it was written early in David's reign since Solomon's name would have been listed in the genealogy (4:22) had it been written later.

Ruth was probably written shortly after David's reign began in about 1010 B.C.

The background of this beautiful story is the apostasy and depravity of the period of the judges (1:1). It provides a glimpse of the rare faithful remnant still true to God. The last half of the 12th century B.C. is often assigned to the events, which makes Boaz David's great- grandfather. However, some scholars assume gaps in the genealogy of chapter 4 and date them in the last half of the 14th century B.C.

The story begins in Moab, a region northeast of the Dead Sea. The Moabites were descendants of the incestuous encounter between Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:30-38) and later became enemies of Israel (Num. 25:1ff; Judg. 3:12-30; 1 Sam. 14:47). The story moves to and concludes in the territory around the village of Bethlehem in Israel.

Ruth illustrates God's faithfulness to those of faith, which includes Gentiles, and shows how He blesses them with His provision and care, which in this book includes the "redemption" of Ruth (2:12,20; 4:10-12). Ruth may also serve to show the divine origin of the Davidic dynasty and justify David's claim to the throne (4:18-22).

The narrative proceeds in simple fashion after a brief introduction to the circumstances of the story (1:1-5). Ruth's choice to remain with her mother-in-law after the deaths of those who could have supported her portrays Ruth's righteousness and faith (1:6-18). She also adopts the God of Israel as her own (1:16).

God's providential provision for Ruth and Naomi comes through the person of Boaz.

Ruth gleans grain from his fields (2:1-23) and finds protection (2:8-9) and favor in his sight (2:10-11). Boaz recognizes her righteousness and trust in the God of Israel (2:12) and provides for her without knowing that he is a near kinsman (2:20-23).

After Naomi realizes Boaz is a near kinsman who can redeem her husband's property (now inherited by Ruth), she instructs Ruth to seek redemption by Boaz (3:1-18). In response to Ruth's request, Boaz commends her virtue and agrees to redeem her and the property after a nearer kinsman is informed (3:10-12).

The redemption of Ruth and her property (4:1-22) takes place after Boaz' proposal to the near kinsman is refused (4:1-6). Boaz pledges the redemption before the elders of the city and receives the blessing of the people (4:7-12). The narrative closes with the account of how the redemption is rewarded with a son to Boaz and Ruth which assures the family inheritance for Naomi (4:13-17). A genealogy at the end shows how this son, Obed, is the grandfather of King David (4:18-22), and gives a final picture of the blessing God bestowed on Ruth's faith.

1. Ruth's Decision to Remain with Naomi 1:1-22

   1. The need to remain with Naomi 1:1-5

      1. The death of Naomi's husband 1:1-3
      2. The death of Naomi's sons 1:4-5
   2. The choice to remain with Naomi 1:6-18

      1. The decision of Naomi to return to Bethlehem 1:6-7
      2. The decision of the daughters 1:8-14
      1. The desire of the daughters 1:8-10
      2. The discouragement of Naomi 1:11-13
      3. The decision of the daughters 1:14
      3. The devotion of Ruth 1:15-17
   3. The return of Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem 1:19-22
2. Ruth's Work of Gleaning under Boaz 2:1-23

   1. Ruth is noticed by Boaz. 2:1-7

      1. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz. 2:1-3
      2. Boaz inquires about Ruth. 2:4-7
   2. Ruth is protected by Boaz. 2:8-13

      1. Boaz assures Ruth of protection. 2:8-9
      2. Boaz explains why Ruth is favored. 2:10-13
   3. Ruth is provided for by Boaz. 2:14-23

      1. Boaz provides a surplus. 2:14-16
      2. Ruth brings Naomi the surplus. 2:17-19
      3. Naomi rejoices in Boaz' provision. 2:20-23
3. Ruth's Request for Redemption by Boaz 3:1-18

   1. Naomi's instructions for redemption 3:1-5

      1. Her reason for Ruth's redemption 3:1-2
      2. Her recommendation for Ruth's appeal 3:3-5
   2. Ruth's obedience for redemption 3:6-9

      1. Her actions on the threshing floor 3:6-7
      2. Her appeal for redemption 3:8-9
   3. Boaz' consent for redemption 3:10-13

      1. His commendation of Ruth's character 3:10
      2. His compliance with Ruth's request 3:11
      3. His condition about the nearer kinsman 3:12-13
   4. Ruth's return to Naomi 3:14-18

      1. Boaz sends Ruth off. 3:14-15
      2. Naomi cautions patience. 3:16-18
4. Ruth's Rest in Redemption by Boaz 4:1-22

   1. Her redemption proposed by Boaz 4:1-6

      1. The proposal by Boaz 4:1-5
      2. The refusal by the near kinsman 4:6
   2. Her redemption supplied by Boaz 4:7-12

      1. The procedure of redemption 4:7-8
      2. The pledge of redemption 4:9-10
      3. The blessing of the people 4:11-12
   3. Her redemption rewarded with a son 4:13-22

      1. The birth of Obed 4:13-17
      2. The lineage of Obed 4:18-22