A review of the Old Testament
Ruth

A review of the Old Testament Ruth

Title

Ruth bears the name of its main character. She is a Moabite woman who becomes an Israelite.

Authorship

The author of Ruth is not identified but Jewish tradition attributes the work to Samuel.

Date

The composition of the book is uncertain but the story of Ruth takes place in the latter part of the period of the Judges (c1100 B.C.)

Outline

1. The Flight to Moab (1:1-5)

2. Ruth's loyalty and care for Naomi (1:6-2:23)

3. Ruth and Boaz (3:1-4:22)

Plot

Naomi and her husband Elimelech move to Moab because of a famine in Israel. While there Naomi loses her husband and two sons.

Her sons had married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. The deaths of the men in her family, however, places Naomi in a very difficult situation but God intercedes.

Ruth becomes the hero of the story when she persuades Naomi to return to Judah and she, although a Moabite, will go with her. Naomi is reluctant but her and Ruth return to Bethleham where by God's grace Ruth meets and marries a wonderful man, Boaz, her kinsman redeemer.

In the end Ruth becomes part of the kingly line of David through her marriage to Boaz.

Major Characters

Ruth, Naomi, Boaz

Major Events

1. Ruth's insistence on caring for Naomi.

2. Naomi's wise counsel for Ruth.

3. Boaz's rescue of Ruth as her kinsman redeemer.

Purpose and Message

1. To present a positive alternative to the chaotic times of the Judges.

2. To show that faith in God survived in Israel through common folk.

3. To show that God's mercy and grace was still there even in times of much disobedience.

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