The period of judges was a dark time for the people of Israel (Judges 21:25). It was when a cycle of chaos and rebellion repeated itself. Shockingly, a beautiful story also unfolded during this period. The main character of this story is Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite woman whom God would use to do some incredible things. Let’s rehearse this beautiful story during a dark time.

Chapter 1

  • These events in the book of Ruth occurred during a time of famine and when judges were in the land (Ruth 1:1).
  • Elimelech takes his family to Moab. While living in Moab, he dies, and his two sons take Moabite women as their wives (Ruth 1:2-4).
  • Mahlon and Chilion also died in Moab (Ruth 1:5). After ten years, Naomi returns to Israel (Ruth 1:6-10). She advises her two daughters-in-law to remain in Moab.
  • Orpah stays in Moab, but Ruth is determined to follow Naomi (Ruth 1:14-22).

Chapter 2

  • Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth gathers grain for her and Naomi (Ruth 2:1-2). There were provisions in the Law for the poor to be able to glean in the fields of the wealthy after the reapers were finished (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19).
  • Ruth gathers grain in the field of Boaz (Ruth 2:3).
  • Boaz is impressed with Ruth and makes provisions for her (Ruth 2:4-7).
  • Boaz tells Ruth not to glean in anyone else’s field (Ruth 2:8-17).
  • Once Naomi hears about this encounter, she decides to play the matchmaker (Ruth 2:20-23).

Chapter 3

  • Naomi advises Ruth on getting Boaz’s attention (Ruth 3:1-5).
  • Boaz is ecstatic that Ruth is interested in him (Ruth 3:6-10).
  • Boaz tells her he wants to redeem her since he is a close relative. But there was a relative closer in kin than him (Ruth 3:11-12).
  • Boaz tells Ruth to return to Naomi; the following day, he will try to redeem her (Ruth 3:13).

Chapter 4

  • Boaz tells the next of kin about some land he had the right to redeem, but if he redeems it, he will also have to take Ruth (Ruth 4:1-5).
  • The man relinquishes his right of redemption (Ruth 4:6-9).
  • This frees up Boaz to marry Ruth (Ruth 4:10). They marry and have a son, and through their union, Naomi is blessed with another son to raise (Ruth 4:10-15).

What can we learn?

  • Ruth is a woman of great faith (Ruth 1:16-17). She develops her own faith and sacrifices a lot to serve God.
  • God makes provisions for His people. He took care of Ruth and Naomi. He also takes care of us!
  • Good friendships are a blessing. Ruth was a loyal and dedicated friend to Naomi (Ruth 4:15).
  • God’s providence was constantly at work in Ruth’s life. God continues to work providentially in the lives of His people.
  • God used Ruth to bring His Son into the world (Ruth 4:16-21; Matthew 1:1). He can also use us for His glory!

Conclusion:

Do you need to come to the Messiah?