Purpose

To show God's providence and faithfulness through the story of a Gentile woman who becomes part of David's lineage.

Author

Possibly Samuel, who would have known this story as it connects to David's lineage. The author had intimate knowledge of ancient customs and legal procedures.

Historical Context

Written: 1050-1000 BC. During the time of the judges, showing God's work in ordinary lives.

Significance

Demonstrates God's inclusion of Gentiles and His sovereign work in preparing for the Messiah.

Key Themes

Loyalty, Providence, Redemption, Inclusion, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Ruth is one of only two books named after women (the other is Esther)
• Ruth was a Moabite - a people group that came from Lot's incestuous relationship
• Ruth's famous declaration of loyalty is still used in wedding ceremonies today

Prophecies

• The Messiah would come through David's line Fulfilled: Jesus is called 'Son of David' - Ruth is His ancestor (1000 years later)

Ruth Chapter 4 culminates the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting the theme of redemption within the context of Israel's customs and God's providential care. Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, approaches the city gate to negotiate the purchase of Naomi's land and the marriage to Ruth, ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's lineage. The chapter begins with Boaz calling upon the nearest redeemer, who initially agrees to redeem the land but withdraws when he learns that he must also marry Ruth, a Moabite widow. This pivotal moment emphasizes the importance of heritage and the risks involved in redemption. Boaz, undeterred, steps in and publicly claims his right to redeem both Naomi’s land and Ruth, thereby fulfilling his role as a redeemer. The elders and all the people witness this transaction, blessing Boaz and Ruth and invoking the blessings of prominent matriarchs of Israel, Rachel and Leah. As the narrative unfolds, Ruth and Boaz marry, and the Lord grants them a child, Obed, who becomes part of the lineage that leads to King David. The chapter concludes with a genealogy that roots this redemption story in the broader narrative of Israel's history, thus demonstrating God's faithfulness and providence through ordinary lives. The emotions of joy and gratitude permeate the chapter as Naomi experiences restoration through Ruth and the birth of her grandson, showcasing the transformative power of love and loyalty in the face of adversity.

Purpose

To show God's providence and faithfulness through the story of a Gentile woman who becomes part of David's lineage.

Author

Possibly Samuel, who would have known this story as it connects to David's lineage. The author had intimate knowledge of ancient customs and legal procedures.

Historical Context

Written: 1050-1000 BC. During the time of the judges, showing God's work in ordinary lives.

Significance

Demonstrates God's inclusion of Gentiles and His sovereign work in preparing for the Messiah.

Key Themes

Loyalty, Providence, Redemption, Inclusion, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Ruth is one of only two books named after women (the other is Esther)
• Ruth was a Moabite - a people group that came from Lot's incestuous relationship
• Ruth's famous declaration of loyalty is still used in wedding ceremonies today

Prophecies

• The Messiah would come through David's line Fulfilled: Jesus is called 'Son of David' - Ruth is His ancestor (1000 years later)

Ruth Chapter 4 culminates the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting the theme of redemption within the context of Israel's customs and God's providential care. Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, approaches the city gate to negotiate the purchase of Naomi's land and the marriage to Ruth, ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's lineage. The chapter begins with Boaz calling upon the nearest redeemer, who initially agrees to redeem the land but withdraws when he learns that he must also marry Ruth, a Moabite widow. This pivotal moment emphasizes the importance of heritage and the risks involved in redemption. Boaz, undeterred, steps in and publicly claims his right to redeem both Naomi’s land and Ruth, thereby fulfilling his role as a redeemer. The elders and all the people witness this transaction, blessing Boaz and Ruth and invoking the blessings of prominent matriarchs of Israel, Rachel and Leah. As the narrative unfolds, Ruth and Boaz marry, and the Lord grants them a child, Obed, who becomes part of the lineage that leads to King David. The chapter concludes with a genealogy that roots this redemption story in the broader narrative of Israel's history, thus demonstrating God's faithfulness and providence through ordinary lives. The emotions of joy and gratitude permeate the chapter as Naomi experiences restoration through Ruth and the birth of her grandson, showcasing the transformative power of love and loyalty in the face of adversity.