Page 42 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook- short

RUTH
Ruth is a book that narrates God’s providence in a time of Israel’s
decline in leadership and spiritual condition. The author of the
date is both unknown during/after reign of David. Themes
include: Steadfastness and Sovereignty. Message: In the face of
exile and emptiness, with no escape evident, God used a faithful
foreigner to providentially preserve Naomi, secure the royal line
(David/Messiah) Exigencies Exiled? Empty? Escape? Full to Empty (1:1-6) Set in the Judges period, the
story opens with an Israelite family moving to Moab temporarily due to famine. In a short time, Naomi’s
husband, sons die no hint of rebellion, judgment. As a result, “Naomi is left far from the patrimony of
her husband’s family, with no husband, no sons, and no grandchildren. In the Israelite mind, this family
has become an ‘unfamily’ and this woman is in dire straits.” Naomi is left exiled (Moab), empty (no
provider), and no evident escape (no male heir). But she hears from Moab that YHWH has taken notice
of His people, giving bread the ‘house of bread.’ Yet the question remains whether Shaddai will protect
and provide for Naomi and Ruth. Does He care for individuals? Will He fill Naomi’s emptiness?

Chapter’s 1:7-22 focus 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 conversion, 1:16-17. 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.

Chapter’s 2:1-23 focus on God’s provision to Naomi and Ruth. After opening introduction of Boaz
creates expectation, Ruth asks to go glean- poor and happens by chance to come into field of Boaz. 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, 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 drink she will tell you what to do.
Indecency is supported by Boaz’s response- let it not be known, Naomi’s question who are you? (3:14-
16). 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 his character by following the spirit of the levirate
law- marrying widow, raising offspring for deceased (Deut. 25:5f). When Ruth brings news, Naomi hopes
her future is secure, but they wait for Boaz to resolve issue soon!

Escape Secure (4:1-22) Going to the gate to settle this business matter, Boaz gathers the elders and the
closer family redeemer. When he offers property rights to Elimelech’s land, the other man agrees,
perhaps thinking of Naomi as the only widow- no sons. Or since the levirate duty was voluntary, perhaps
he planned to ignore Ruth. But Boaz insures Ruth’s security, by adding her redemption to agreement,
especially among elders. When the man defers, Boaz redeems the land, acquires Ruth as his wife. YHWH
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