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Ruth is considered an Old Testament gem. It serves as a reminder that in the period of the Judges, where everyone did what was right in their own eyes, God had not abandoned his people.
The widow of Abimelech, Naomi, returned to Israel after living in Moab. She returned with her Moabite daughter-in-law and asked people to call her “Marah,” which means “bitter.” Naomi described God as having dealt very bitterly with her. Like Ruth, Naomi would also be redeemed.
Ruth asked Boaz to consider marriage based on the role of a kinsman redeemer so that Naomi might have a future in Israel. Boaz agrees to this and marries Ruth. This provided Ruth with needed protection and Naomi a family.
This book ends with a genealogy. Boaz and Ruth have Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David. Ruth ends on a hopeful note that God was accomplishing his purpose.
Ruth teaches us about four characteristics of God:
God will provide in the best way.
God has a plan in difficult circumstances.
God is faithful.
God took us when we were hopeless and gave us new life.
When things seem unstable, God knows what he is doing. We might feel like God has dealt bitterly with us. Yet through our redemption in Christ, we have been given a new life and a new family.
Brittany Proffitt lives in Dallas, TX, holds a BA in Religion, and is a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is passionate about Scripture and how God’s Word impacts individuals’ hearts and lives.