The Romance of Redemption - in the Book of Ruth

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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