February 24, 2019

The Book of Ruth

Author:

Not clearly known, but it is presumed to be Samuel.

Setting:

Most likely around 1100 B.C. since Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David, who reigned between 1010-970 B.C.

Major Events:

Ruth marries into a Jewish family. When all the men in the family die, Ruth displays her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by remaining behind with her and gathering food to keep them alive. One day as Ruth was gleaning barley in a field, she is recognized by Boaz, who takes an interest in her and then orders his workers to watch over Ruth. Naomi recognizes Boaz as her late husband's relative and encourages Ruth to pursue him since Boaz should wed a relative's widow in order to continue a family line. Boaz eventually marries Ruth and starts a prominent family.

Transcendental:

Ruth was from a pagan family of Moab. She went on to marry a Jewish man and became the great-grandmother of Israel's most prominent and powerful king, David-an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Take Away:

We have the trust in God to provide for us when we need His provision and to guide us in our lives to perform things in a way that is better than we could ever imagine.