Ruth 1-4; Luke 11:29-54

Key Verses

Ruth 4:14-15
Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

Ruth. It is good to read the whole book in one sitting. It’s a beautiful love story which is masterfully told. Considering it was set during the time of the Judges… well, it makes the main characters seem especially inspiring. It is one of the rare narratives in Scripture where the characteristics of the hero and heroine are all positive!

Kindness is a major theme of Ruth… Ruth is kind to Naomi. Boaz is kind to Ruth. And the kindness of God provides redemption for Naomi’s family.

Another major theme is God’s care and love for the foreigner. Boaz’ kindness to Ruth was probably influenced by the fact that his mother, Rahab, was also an outsider. And the fact that Ruth gives birth to Obed, the grandfather of King David, proves that God’s purposes and plans extend past Israel’s borders!

At the end of the book, we read of Boaz, Naomi’s kinsman-redeemer, redeeming Naomi’s land and daughter-in-law, Ruth. Boaz “buys back” what was taken away from Naomi through the death of her husband and sons. He endured great cost because he loved Naomi and Ruth!

Boaz points forward to our Redeemer..

Jesus “buys back” what we have lost through death. He “buys back” our righteousness – our very lives… He endured great cost!! Why? Because He loves us!