One of the most intriguing books in the Bible is the book of Ruth. For those who may not be too familiar with it, let me summarize it for you.
- Ruth is 4 short chapters and not one word of God, Yahweh or any other title you might want to give Him is included.
- A famine strikes the land of Israel so a Jewish man named Elimelech takes his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Kilion (Chilion in some translations) to Moab. A Jew in Moab? Hmmm.
- Elimelech dies. The two boys marry Moabite women, then they both die 10 years later. Naomi, while grieving, hears that the famine is over so with nothing to live for she decides to move back to her hometown of Jerusalem. On the way she gives her two daughters-in-law a choice of returning home. Orpah returns home but Ruth goes with Naomi. Her classic response in Ruth 1:16-17 is often used in weddings because it talks about commitment.
- Ruth begins working in the fields to bring home some food for the two of them. The fields belong to a wealthy man named Boaz. Boaz offers Ruth protection from other men and also a job gleaning in his fields.
- Boaz is a relative of Elimelech and is known as a kinsman-redeemer. He offers to buy the land and with that land comes Ruth, whom he takes as his wife. The great part of that arrangement is found in Ruth 4. Naomi is given a grandson but there is more! “And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.” (4:17). And if you are putting 2 + 2 together you know the rest of the story. Jesus, the Messiah, the Promised King, is from the lineage of David.
How refreshing it was to read again this story this morning. And how fantastic it was to be reminded (again) of God’s goodness and His plan and to watch it all come together. Who knew (but God) that a trip back home by a sad, defeated, and heart-broken Naomi would lead to Ruth becoming the wife of the kinsman-redeemer of Elimilech’s family. I marvel at God’s good timing and His way of working things out far beyond my ability to understand and to know. I may not always grasp the Omniscience (All-knowing) of God; I certainly don’t always understand His ways; but one thing I will drive a stake through is that He does all things well and His Word and love for me never changes. Have a blessed day my friends as you consider the teachings of Ruth. 🙂
