THE BOOK OF RUTH
Introduction:
“This lovely story should be read in connection with the first half of Judges, as it presents a picture of life in Israel at that time.
Typically, the book may be taken as a fore view of the church (Ruth), as the Gentile bride of Christ, the Bethlehemite who is able to redeem.” — Scofield.
This beautiful pastoral story is considered a literary gem by critics. One of two books in the Bible in which woman is the principal character, —Ruth and Esther. Ruth, a Moabite, married a Hebrew husband; Esther, a Jewess, married a Gentile king.
Author: Unknown, possibly Samuel.
Period: The time of the Judges
Subject: How a Young Moabitish Woman’s Life Was Enriched.
1) By a beautiful Constancy, and Wise Choice, Ruth 1:16.
2) By a humble Industry, Ruth 2:2-3.
3) By accepting Counsel from an Older Friend, Ruth 3:1-5.
4) By the kinsman redeemer, Ruth 4:1-9,
5) By a Providential Alliance, Ruth 4:10-11.
6) By Exaltation to a Royal Line, Ruth 4:13-17.
Main Purpose: To show how a Gentile Woman became one of the Ancestors of Christ.
Historical Analysis:
1) The Sojourn in Moab, Ruth 1:1-5.
2) The Sad Return Home, Ruth 1:6-22.
3) Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, Ruth 2.
4) Her Marriage to Boaz, Ruth 4:13.
5) The Birth of her son, the grandfather of David, Ruth 4:13-16.
6) The Genealogy of David, Ruth 4:18-22.