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Ruth: A Book of Providence
In the grand narrative of Scripture, the Book of Ruth stands as a beautiful testament to God's tender providence. Between the chaos of Judges and the kingship of Samuel, this short four-chapter story reveals how God works through ordinary people and everyday faithfulness while simultaneously steering the course of redemptive history.
Finding Ruth in the Biblical Narrative
The Book of Ruth moves the biblical story forward in several key ways. It bridges the gap between Judges (which ends with "there was no king in Israel") and the establishment of kingship in 1 Samuel. The very name "Elimelech" means "my God is king," reminding readers that while Israel had no human king, God remained sovereign.
Most significantly, Ruth concludes by revealing that this ordinary story of faithfulness produced the lineage of King David, Israel's greatest monarch. This transitional book shows God working through everyday faith to accomplish His grand purposes.
Chapter 1: Unexplained Heartache
1
Famine in Bethlehem
During the time of the Judges, a famine strikes Bethlehem. Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons relocate to Moab across the Jordan River.
2
Tragedy Strikes
Elimelech dies. The sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law without protection or identity.
3
Ruth's Faithful Choice
When Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, Ruth makes a profound declaration of loyalty: "Where you go, I will go... your people shall be my people, and your God my God."
4
Return to Bethlehem
Naomi returns bitter, asking to be called "Marah" (bitter) instead of "Naomi" (pleasant), saying "the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me."
Chapter 2: "As Luck Would Have It"
The story continues with Ruth seeking to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning leftover grain in the fields, a provision in Mosaic law for the poor. The text says she "happened" to come to the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech.
This "coincidence" is actually divine providence at work. Boaz notices Ruth, learns of her loyalty to Naomi, and shows extraordinary kindness by instructing his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her to collect.
When Naomi learns Ruth has met Boaz, she exclaims, "May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" She recognizes Boaz as "one of our redeemers" - someone who could legally provide for them under Mosaic law.
Chapter 3: Humility and Kindness
Naomi's Plan
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor after the harvest celebration, instructing her to "uncover his feet" - a gesture of humility requesting his protection.
Ruth's Request
With great humility, Ruth identifies herself as a servant and asks Boaz to "spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer" - requesting his protection and redemption.
Boaz's Response
Boaz praises Ruth's loyalty and agrees to redeem her, though he notes there is a closer relative who has first right. He promises: "As the Lord lives, I will redeem you" if the other redeemer declines.
The text carefully emphasizes that nothing improper occurred between Ruth and Boaz, highlighting their moral integrity and righteousness even in this unusual circumstance.
Chapter 4: Present Kindness with a Partial Picture
Boaz immediately goes to the city gate where legal matters were settled. He meets with the unnamed closer relative (referred to merely as "so-and-so"), who initially agrees to redeem Elimelech's property but backs out when he learns he must also marry Ruth.
Boaz publicly declares his intention to redeem both the property and take Ruth as his wife. They marry, and "the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son" named Obed. The story concludes by revealing that Obed became the grandfather of King David, connecting this small story of faithfulness to God's grand redemptive plan.
God's Tender Providence
Providence Through Heartache
God works through tragedy and loss, drawing Ruth to Bethlehem precisely when needed. The timing of their return at harvest, Ruth's "chance" encounter with Boaz - all reveal God's guiding hand.
Providence Through Ordinary People
God accomplishes His purposes through ordinary people living faithfully - not through epic battles or miraculous signs, but through kindness, loyalty, and obedience.
Providence Toward Kingship
This small story of redemption produces the lineage of David, Israel's greatest king, and ultimately points toward Christ, the eternal King.
Providence For All Nations
Ruth the Moabitess becomes part of Israel's royal lineage, showing God's heart for all nations and foreshadowing Christ's global kingdom.
The Gospel Shape of Ruth
Providence That Draws People
God's grace is non-discriminatory, reaching even outsiders like Ruth the Moabitess, using circumstances to draw people to Himself.
Kindness That Bestows Value
Boaz bestows value and protection on Ruth, just as Christ bestows value on us by dying for us.
Humility To Ask
Ruth humbles herself as a servant seeking grace, believing Boaz is willing and able to save.
A Worthy Redeemer
Boaz is both kinsman (qualified by relationship) and worthy (willing to redeem), pointing to Christ as our kinsman through incarnation and worthy through sinlessness.
Christ Our Kinsman Redeemer
The story of Ruth ultimately points to Jesus Christ as our greater Boaz - our kinsman redeemer. Just as Boaz was both related to Ruth (through marriage) and worthy to redeem her, Christ became our kinsman by taking on human flesh while remaining perfectly worthy.
Like Boaz who satisfied the law's requirements to redeem Ruth, Jesus satisfied the law's demands through His perfect life and sacrificial death. And just as Boaz didn't merely redeem Ruth but united himself to her in marriage, Christ redeems us to unite us with Himself eternally.
Through this beautiful story, we see that from ordinary Bethlehem came David, Israel's greatest king. And later, from the same town came Jesus, the King of Kings, born of Mary and Joseph - ordinary people used in God's extraordinary plan.
Trusting God's Providence in Our Lives
1
Don't Despise Small Things
God works through ordinary people and everyday faithfulness. The mundane moments of obedience may be pivotal in His grand plan.
2
Trust Through Unexplained Loss
Like Naomi who experienced bitter loss, we may not understand God's purposes in our suffering, but can trust His tender providence is at work.
3
Accept Partial Pictures
Ruth and Naomi never saw how their story would produce David or ultimately Christ. We may never see the full impact of our faithfulness in this lifetime.
4
Look to the Cross
The cross is our living guarantee that one day all things will be set right according to God's timing and purposes. Until then, we remain faithful, trusting God is steering history.