RUTH

Ruth - Introduction
The book is named after a young woman of Moab, Ruth. She became great grandmother of David. This is one of the two books that is named after woman. The happenings mentioned in the book happened during the period of Judges, of religious and moral degeneracy, national disunity and general foreign oppression. The book reflects a temporary peace happened between the two nations - Israel and Moab. This is one of the instances in the Bible that have glimpses of private lives of the members of an Israelite family. This presents the account of the remnant of true faith and piety in the period of Judges. The authorship of the book is not clear. Presence of genealogy of David at the end of the book suggests that the book is written during the period of monarchy.

The author focuses on Ruth's unswerving and selfless devotion to desolate Naomi (1: 16-17; 2:11-12;3:10; 4:15) and on Boaz's kindness to these two widows (Ch 2-4). The story presents the striking examples of self-giving love that fulfills the law of God (Lev 19:18; Rom 13:10). Such love reflects the love of God. Ruth's total devotion to her desolate mother in law marks her as a true daughter of Israel and a worthy ancestress of David. Her life exemplifies the conformity of one's life to the will of God through the obedience that comes from faith. Redemption is a key concept in the book of Ruth. The Hebrew word for Redemption appears about 23 times in the book. The book is primarily about Naomi's transformation from despair to happiness, from emptiness to fullness, from destitution to security and hope.

The book opens with the emptiness in the life of Naomi (1:1-5) and ends with fullness in her life (4:13-17) with the following main divisions.
1. Ruth returns from Moab (1:6-22)
2. Ruth and Boaz meet in the harvest (Ch 2)
3. Ruth goes to Boaz at the threshing floor (Ch 3)
4. Boaz arranges to marry Ruth (4:1-12)

In chapter 1, we read about Elimelech moving away from the land of Canaan to the land of Moab on account of a famine, where he and his two sons died, and each of them left a widow. Naomi proposed to return to her own country, and set forward with her two daughters-in-law, whom, when they had gone a little way with her, she entreated them to go back. Oprah consented to go back while the other, Ruth resolved to go the journey with Naomi. Both of them came to the residence of Naomi in Bethlehem, where she was taken notice of by her old friends and acquaintance, to whom she related her present circumstances.

In chapter 2, we read about Ruth's gleaning corn in the fields of Boaz, a relation of Naomi. Boaz was saluted in a very kind manner by reapers and he observed a woman gleaning after them and understood about her. Ruth found favour in his eyes and he helped her so that she can continue gleaning in his field along with his servants. Naomi was pleased to know about the things happened and spoke well about Boaz.

In chapter 3, we read about a proposal of Naomi to Ruth, with advice and directions to get Boaz for her husband, Ruth's obedience to the instructions she gave her, the notice Boaz took of her and the conversation that passed between them, the dismissal of her in the morning to her mother-inlaw with a gift, to whom she returned and acquainted her with what had passed.

Fourth chapter relates how an offer was made to the nearest kinsman of Ruth to redeem her and the field her husband left, which he refused to do, upon which Boaz redeemed both and married Ruth before the elders of the city. A son, Obed (in whose line, David came) was born to them. The bitter life experienced by Naomi turned into joy. Insights from Ruth Oprah's departure from mother in law highlights the loyalty and selfless devotion of Ruth to her desolate mother in law. Ruth's commitment to care for her desolate mother-in-law remains the centre of attention throughout the book. Ruth was forsaking all that she had ever known to follow the one true God.

Ruth is mentioned as having a noble character in Ruth 3:11, highlighting the noble woman in Pr 31:10. Similarly, Boaz is also as a man of standing (Ruth 2:1). Ruth's desire to remain close to Naomi was actually a step of faith. She was essentially committing her life into God's hands. Sticking to our commitments will yield great rewards in the longer run, though immediately it looks like a foolish decision.

Several times the author reminds that Ruth is a foreigner from a despised people (Ruth 2:2,6, 10,21; 4:5,10). Her commitment to Naomi is complete even though it holds no prospect for her but to share in Naomi's desolation. The foreigner is accepted as ancestor of King David. When we commit to obey His will, God can and will use us, irrespective of our backgrounds.

Redemption is the key concept in Ruth. The kinsman- redeemer was responsible for protecting the members of the extended family..... to provide an heir for a brother who had died (Dt 25:5-10) to redeem land that a poor relative had sold outside the family (Lev 25:25-28), to redeem relative who had been sold into slavery (Lev 25:47-49). The kinsman's refusal to assume the kinsman redeemer's role highlights the Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 4:1-10).

Boaz demonstrated extraordinary concern for the provision and protection of Ruth. He favoured Ruth, because she had shown love and care for her mother-in-law. Boaz goes beyond the requirement of law in supplying Ruth with grain from the threshing floor (Ruth 2:15). By redeeming, Ruth Boaz was redeeming her and her family. God did not ask Boaz to be a hero, but just to do what he knew was right. In the same way, God is asking us to today to fulfil the responsibilities He has given us. When we do what we can, have a huge impact on our immediate families as well as on future generations.

Throughout the story, God was working behind the scenes. Ruth was guided by God into Boaz' s field, though at that time, she was unaware of it. He leads us to meet people and make decisions that make all the difference for us.

Naomi and Ruth needed food, so Ruth went in search of it. As she stepped out in faith, preserving in her commitment to Naomi, God provided what she needed - a place to gather grain in an atmosphere of safety and respect. She was also guided to Boaz who was not demanding any thing in return. When we come across blessed relationships and provisions in life, we need to take time to thank God for what He provides.

Naomi left for Moab with husband and two sons but returning Bethlehem empty. Naomi who had struggles and bitter experiences found peace and joy ultimately. The story of Ruth reminds us that God reverses tragedy for His people.