The Romance of Redemption
In the Book of Ruth
This is a brief synopsis of the book of Ruth in the Old
Testament. It is a true love story that provides us with a very moving account
of God's grace within the strict conditions in the Jewish law. The story of
Boaz and Ruth is an enduring testimony to the reality of, and the power of,
redemption.
Chapter One
Setting - The land of Israel in the time when the Judges ruled
Place - Bethlehem - Judah
Time - Probably around the time of Ehud. (Early in the time
of the Judges)
Judges 3:30
(KJV) “And Moab was subdued under the
hand of Israel. And the land had rest eighty years.”
Conditions - There was a famine in the land
Family
Elimelech is the
husband, Naomi is his wife. They have two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. Due to the
famine conditions Elimelech takes his family to Moab.
In Moab
Elimelech dies and
Naomi is widowed; Mahlon marries Ruth a Moabitess; and Chilion marries Orpah a Moabitess.
Mahlon dies and Ruth is widowed. Chilion dies and Orpah is widowed. After about
ten years in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. The famine is over! Orpah
returns to her mother in Moab. Ruth goes with Naomi to Bethlehem
Chapter Two
Boaz is introduced,
the “mighty man of wealth”. Naomi’s circumstances are not good; she has
forfeited the family property and possessions and comes back as a penniless
widow. Ruth’s circumstances are worse.
As a Moabitess she is not only a penniless widow, but as a foreigner has no
rights, or privileges under Jewish law.
However, there
are provisions of grace under the Law for widows. (Leviticus 19:9,10 ; Deuteronomy
24:19). Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field. Boaz notices the stranger, nourishes her with
“handfuls of purpose”. Ruth stays with Boaz’s maidens until harvest time is
finished.
Chapter Three
Naomi seeks
Ruth’s future welfare under the rights of Redemption under the Law.
-
Leviticus 25:23,24 [Redemption of
land and possessions.]
-
Leviticus 25:48 [Redemption of
bond servants.]
-
Deuteronomy 25:5-10 [Redemption
of a childless widow.]
-
Leviticus 25:8-10 [Year of
Jubilee.]
Kinsman Redeemer - Only a brother or very close relative could redeem ie buy back, or make good the claims
under the law. Boaz is a Kinsman redeemer. Ruth makes her claim on Boaz. Boaz
is willing, however, there is a closer kinsman. Ruth stays with Boaz during the
night.
Chapter Four
In the morning, Boaz
goes to the gate of the city and tells his kinsman to sit down. He then takes
10 elders of the city and makes them sit down. He informs his kinsman of the redemption
claim. His kinsman is unable to redeem Naomi and Ruth and he forfeits his right
of redemption.
Boaz redeems Ruth
and takes her for his wife. Boaz also redeems Naomi’s (Elimelech’s) inheritance.
Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son Obed. Obed is King David’s grandfather.
This blog post is
the first post in a three part series on the book of Ruth. In the next blog
post we will look at Boaz as a type of Christ.
Jon Peasey
Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com
[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version;
unless otherwise noted]
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