Main Themes of the Book of Ruth

Who wrote the book of Ruth and who did they write it for?

The book of Ruth was likely written by Samuel and was written to the nation of Israel.

When did the events of the book of Ruth happen?

Ruth was written approximately between 1046-1035 BC.

What was the setting of the book of Ruth?

Ruth’s story happened in the time of the Judges and would have been in the transition period from Joshua’s leadership to Samuels when Israel had no king. This book takes place in Bethlehem with some time in Moab, which was a pagan nation. Moabites were perpetual enemies of Israel and constantly received judgments from the prophets for their sins.

What is the purpose of the book of Ruth?

• Faithfulness and friendship of Ruth (Ruth 1)
• Redemption of Ruth (Ruth 2-4)
  • Genealogy of David (Ruth 4)

How does the book of Ruth apply to my life?

• Provides details about the genealogy of King David, and therefore Jesus Christ.
• Expresses God’s desire for all people to believe in Him and be redeemed, no matter what their background.
• Expresses the importance of both loyal and romantic love.
• Illustrates how God demonstrates His faithful love for His people.
• Exemplifies an illustration of Jesus Christ as our loving and compassionate Redeemer.
• Teaches that followers of God should trust Him in times of judgment, be responsible and hardworking even in tough times, and display willing hearts to be obedient to the Lord in all circumstances.
• Teaches of the importance of commitment and our willingness to honor God in our relationships
• Displays the faithful service and obedience Christians are called to have toward one another, and to the Lord.
• Reminds Christians that God comforts and provides for His people, even in unexpected ways.
• Reinforces that God’s way is always right, even when we don’t understand.

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Summary

Naomi had just lost all of her sons as well as her husband and fell into grief. Upon sending her daughters-in-law away, one of them, Ruth, refused to go. The book of Ruth tells of Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, but goes much further, deeper and wider than just that.

Ruth left her home as well as the culture and religions she’d known all her life to live with Naomi in enemy territory. She also chose to serve the God of Israel and left everything she’d known behind. Life was challenging for Naomi and Ruth upon returning to Naomi’s homeland, but Ruth worked hard and displayed how a Christion should respond to work, hardship, grief and so much more.

Ruth obeyed and helped her mother-in-law and committed her life to loving and caring for Naomi. She displayed how we should trust the Lord in times of struggle, judgment and uncertainty. The book of Ruth displays many examples of what a Christian should act like.

Above all, Ruth’s story foreshadows the redemption that was to come, and that we are now offered, through Jesus Christ. There is much to learn from Ruth’s example, and also from Boaz, her redeemer. This story is not only a foreshadowing of Christ, but also gives us a glimpse at His lineage and how God chose to use a Moabite, gentile woman in the bloodline of our Savior.