Page 77 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

Just as Boaz was the one responsible to redeem the property of his deceased relative Elimelech, along
with his widow Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth, likewise, Jesus Christ was the One chosen by God
to redeem His people to God. Just as Boaz was motivated by love when he redeemed Naomi and Ruth,
Christ too was motivated by love for lost humanity when he purchased redemption on the cross. Just as
Naomi and Ruth were destitute without anyone to help them until Boaz came along and redeemed
them, likewise, we are all helpless and destitute spiritually with no one else except Christ who alone can
redeem us. It's only by His perfect, sinless blood that was shed for us that anyone can be redeemed to
God. For this is what it says in the song they sing in heaven:

And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." (Rev 5:9, NKJV)

Only Jesus Christ the Son of God could redeem us to God. He is not only our blessed Redeemer, but He is
our Kinsman, because He became one of us through His incarnation, when He took upon Himself the
form of a man (Phil 2:7; Jn 1:14; Mat 1:18; Gal 4:4). He became closely related to us by being born into
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Adam's race through the virgin Mary.

Brief Summary

Chapters 1:7-22 focuses on the return from exile of Naomi. Soon after Naomi and her two daughters-in-
law set out for Judah, she urges them to go back to their families, praying YHWH would deal kindly with
them, giving security and rest that she can’t provide. Orpah agrees, but Ruth pledges loyalty, forsaking
her family/land to identify with Naomi’s people/God. When they returned from exile, Bethlehem was
stirred up joy or shock? Overwhelmed with grief, Naomi testifies to YHWH’s sovereignty but questions
His goodness. “Shaddai has dealt bitterly with me…. YHWH has testified against me, Shaddai has brought
calamity upon me.” Yet, focusing on her trials has made Naomi blind to God’s provision. Viewing herself
as empty, Naomi overlooks Ruth, the one God will use to save her.

Chapters 2:1-23 focuses on God’s provision to Naomi and Ruth. After the opening introduction of Boaz
creates expectation, Ruth asks to go glean at Boaz’s. He responds with great care, offering Ruth
provision and protection, likely due to his family heritage- Rehab. She is overwhelmed by his generosity,
which he credits to YHWH’s reward for loyal love for Naomi. Boaz even allows Ruth to glean among
bundles, instructing his servants to leave grain for her. When Ruth returns to Naomi, and shows what
she gleaned, and tells about Boaz, Naomi is overjoyed, as he is a family redeemer. She instructs Ruth to
stay with his female servants. Their emptiness is filled through harvest season, but the future remains
uncertain. There is no evident escape- long-term security for Naomi and Ruth.

Escape Plan (3:1-18) Naomi, desiring security for Ruth, devises a plan to entice Boaz to marry her: bathe,
perfume, best clothes, midnight rendezvous in secluded place, after drinking he will tell you what to do.
Risking her reputation out of love for Naomi, Ruth goes to the threshing floor, but she shows strength by
proposing marriage- Ezek. 16 Boaz praises her loyalty, gives conditional agreement if closer relative
refuses and continued provision. Boaz shows a his character by following the spirit of the levirate law-

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