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Ruth
Though the book of Ruth does not name its author most believe this

book was written by the prophet Samuel somewhere between 1011
and 931 B.C. The book of Ruth teaches us that regardless of our
extreme di culties in life, we can still live according to God’s Word.
The book of Ruth, written to the people of Israel, reminds us that
there are no "accidents" in God's plan. Though Ruth was a Moabitess
and a foreigner, through her faithful devotion to her mother-in-law
she married wealthy Boaz and became the great-grandmother of
King David, which also made her an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

For followers of Christ, a major theme found in this book is that of
the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz was a relative of Naomi on her
husband’s side and performed his duty as described in the law of
Moses, to redeem an impoverished relative from his or her
circumstances (Lev. 25:47-49). This foreshadows the coming of
Christ, who redeems us as spiritually impoverished people from the
slavery of sin. Christ died on the cross so that we might become
children of God. By being our redeemer, He makes us his kinsmen.

Samuel

Samuel was the last judge of Israel and when he came to lead, Israel
was at a low point spiritually. The priesthood was corrupt, and the
Ark of the Covenant had been taken from the tabernacle. The
judges were dishonest, and idolatry was practiced throughout the
land. But through the godly in uence of Samuel and his un inching
leadership, the tide began to change, and Samuel was the prophet

chosen by God to anoint David as king over Israel.

One of the most important verses in the Bible relates to the words of
Samuel to King Saul: “Does the Lord delight in burnt o erings and
sacri ces as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is
better than sacri ce, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1
Samuel 15:22). Like Samuel, we must make obedience to God’s
Word our top priority - always.

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