The Fellowship Residency Program has introduced me to the idea of reading commentaries alongside scripture. By next August, I will have read through the entire Bible as well as The King in His Beauty, our selected commentary. As I am reading, I am writing a little bit about each of the books of the Bible so you and I can have a more thorough understanding of the scriptures. I invite you to follow along with me as we learn the Bible in its entirety from Genesis to Revelation. This summary does NOT encompass the entire book, but it is a good place to start. I encourage you to read for yourself and begin your own Biblical journal along the way. To read any of my other Residency related posts, click here.
Introduction – There is debate about how to approach the canonical placement of the book of Ruth. Neither way of viewing it is better or worse. In our English Bible, Ruth is placed between Judges and 1-2 Samuel. The book of Ruth takes place during the days of the judges. However, Ruth closes with a genealogy that includes David, the man who will serve as Israel’s King. Therefore, Ruth is a good bridge between the time of judges and the time of kings.
Suffering – The famine seen in Ruth is an indication that the people are suffering as a result of the Deuteronomic curses of the covenant. Though it is not stated that Naomi has sinned personally, the book does emphasize Naomi’s suffering due to the loss of her husband and two sons. Naomi did recognize the Lord’s sovereignty over her life even in the midst of her suffering. In anticipation of the book of Job, Naomi gracefully walks through her time of hardship. She does not blame herself or God for her suffering. However, she also recognized that the Lord was in control over her circumstances. Even in the difficult times, her Lord remained her King. The book ends reminding us that Naomi’s suffering represented Israel’s suffering and need for a King. We will see in upcoming books that God will be faithful to his promises and raise up a King that will rule in justice and righteousness.
Faith – However, God is not a God that only brings about suffering. He would also bless Naomi through Ruth’s allegiance. When Naomi urges Ruth to return to Moab, Ruth offers the famous “where you go, I will go” message as a statement of her devotion to Naomi, Israel, and God Himself. Ruth’s persistent devotion and loyalty to Yahweh and His people is a representation of her immense faith.
Reward – Ruth’s faith then allowed her to become a citizen of Israel even though she would be traditionally considered a “foreigner.” On her own, Ruth did not earn her reward from God. Instead, she sought refuge and redemption from God, and He granted it to her on behalf of her strong loyalty and faith. God was working behind the scenes to provide a life for her from the beginning of the story all the way through to Ruth and Boaz bearing a child that paves the way for Jesus. Over and over, redemption is used to describe Boaz, Ruth and their circumstances. Likewise, the two are pointed out as being commendable in character and living under the grace or hesed of God. Naomi, Boaz, and Ruth each act in a way that highlight kindness towards one another, but it is their faith that prompts God’s favor over their lives.
Conclusion – “We see in this delightful story Yahweh’s care for those who trust in him.” We also see God as sovereign and graceful as He prepares blessings for His people. However, it is important to note that most of His grace and sovereignty is hidden from the people. Like Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, we must trust that God is working in hiding to bless us in ways we cannot be prepared for.
Themes: God desires faithfulness and loyalty. God is our redeemer. God is sovereign. Our pasts don’t keep us from experiencing God’s blessing as long as we are faithful. God uses the unordinary and the broken to leave a legacy that paved way for Jesus Christ.