The Book of Ruth opens with a key time indicator: “In the days when judges ruled” (1:1) – a time when everyone did whatever was right in his own eyes (Judg. 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). It is not clear during what part of the period of the judges these events took place, but the famine with which the book opens would have been during one of Israel’s periodic times of unfaithfulness and idolatry. The book ends with the genealogy of King David, who was Boaz and Ruth’s great-grandson.

The main purpose of the Book of Ruth is to demonstrate the Lord’s covenant faithfulness to His undeserving people – which often manifests itself in hidden and surprising ways. Naomi interpreted the death of her husband and sons in Moab as evidence of the Lord’s hand of judgment upon her for the sin of leaving the promised land in search of greener pastures (1:21). This was indeed an act of unbelief, which resulted in her sons illegitimately marrying Moabite women (1:4). Yet in her bitterness, Naomi underestimated God’s grace. Her daughter-in-law, Ruth the Moabitess, insisted on coming back to Bethlehem with her, and she turned out to be the means whereby the Lord would meet Naomi’s needs – both for food to eat and for offspring to carry on the family name. What must have seemed to Ruth and Naomi to be a sacrifice of Ruth’s future turned out to be the opening of a new future for her as part of the Lord’s people.

Not only was Naomi’s bitterness turned to joy, but Israel’s need for a godly leader was also being provided – even though no one could have anticipated it at the time. Though the Lord’s actions are, in the main, concealed within this book, there are two specific events attributed directly to Him: providing food for His people (1:6) and the conception for Ruth (4:13). In these ways, the Lord provided for all His people’s needs.

What is more, Ruth’s covenantal commitment to Naomi and to Naomi’s God demonstrated that those who are not ethnic Israelites could still be incorporated into the people of God through faith. If Moabites who joined themselves to the Lord could be accepted, there was hope for other gentiles as well (Isa. 56:3-7).

The Book of Ruth essentially replicates the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). The family of Elimelech, in search of fullness, wandered away from the land where the Lord had promised to bless His people. Contrary to their expectation, Naomi ended up empty and alone. The Lord took away everything from her – not as an act of harsh judgment but as a means of bringing her back home, where He delighted to replace her emptiness with a new fullness. Similarly, the book opens with the Lord’s people experiencing a famine because of their idolatry, as happened regularly in the days of the judges.

Yet through this judgment, the Lord ultimately provided a king to meet their need for leadership. We too have gone astray from the Lord and need to receive His grace and mercy. Because of His covenant faithfulness, He has provided in Jesus Christ the Redeemer we all need. Jesus is the true King toward whom the genealogy of David ultimately extends (Matt. 1:5-6, 16), and He is the Redeemer in whom His wandering people find rest. In Him, the gentiles too are incorporated into the people of God by faith and are granted a place in the family of promise.

Getting Started Questions:

When have you observed hardship, difficulty, or even tragedy coming as a direct result of people’s foolish choices? What is your immediate, natural response when you see this happen? Why?

Why can bitterness so easily grip our hearts in the midst of grief, pain, and suffering? How have you seen God’s grace surprise and heal people who are wrapped in bitterness and anger?