INTRODUCTION
The Book of Ruth tells the simple and beautiful story of Naomi, a Hebrew woman, and her Moabite daugher-in-law, Ruth. Set in the dark days of the Judges, the tale of Ruth and Naomi reminds us that even in the worst of times godly men and women live quiet lives of faith.
The book, probably written during Israel’s early monarchy, is significant for two other reasons. It traces the lineage of David, one of Ruth’s descendants. And it illustrates the Old Testament concept of the kinsman-redeemer who, moved by family loyalty, acts to save a helpless relative. One day God’s Son, Jesus, born of this family line, would become true Man that He might be the Kinsman-redeemer of humankind.
OUTLINE OF CONTENTS
I.
Ruth Returns to Israel with Naomi
Ruth 1:1–22
II.
Ruth Gleans in the Field of Boaz
Ruth 2:1–23
III.
Ruth Seeks Marriage with Boaz
Ruth 3:1–18
IV.
Ruth’s Son, Obed, Is Born
Ruth 4:1–22
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