The theme of this book is the grace of God. The book is set in the time of the Judges and our last study showed the general apostasy of those days. Famine has come to Judah and the family of Elimelech. Elimelech decides to go to the land of Moab. Although a sensible move, if looked at in terms of avoiding famine, he was leaving the land where God had promised His blessings (Deuteronomy 28; Leviticus 26), and was becoming part of a society that demanded idolatry from its citizens. (Not dependent on God’s provision). The author does not comment on the death of husbands or sons as being linked to this step. The purpose of the book is to show the grace of God in Naomi’s life even after the family chooses involvement with pagan idols.
RUTH AND NAOMI
1:1-5 Famine and Death
1:6-22 Leaving Moab for Bethlehem
Ruth’s choice to return with Naomi must be seen as a choice concerning God. She was deliberately leaving the gods of Moab for the true God of Israel.
2:1-23 GOD’S PROVISION
Read Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19 The grace of god led Ruth to the fields that belonged to Boaz, so opening the door for everything else that is going to take place. An ephah equals approximately fifty (50) pounds Note especially verse 20 where Naomi recognizes Boaz as a near relative. In Hebrew this is Goel, for which we do not have a word in English. It means one who is my close kinsman, from whom covenant demands care and protection for me. Each member of a Hebrew family was bound by covenant to protect the other: none could be lonely or destitute. Read carefully Leviticus 25:25; 47-55; Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 19:6; 25:5-10. All these Scriptures speak of the Goel. Boaz was a shadow of the Lord Jesus Christ who would not only be his descendant, but also the Goel, i.e., Kinsman Redeemer of mankind.