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The book of Ruth stands as a significant historical and theological narrative that speaks to the broader redemptive purposes of Jehovah. It is much more than a touching story of loyalty, love, and marriage. Ruth showcases key theological truths about faithfulness, covenant, and God’s providential care over His people. It takes place in a period of turbulence and instability—during the time of the judges, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). In the midst of this dark time in Israel’s history, the story of Ruth serves as a refreshing and hopeful counterpoint, demonstrating the steadfastness of God’s loving-kindness (Hebrew: hesed) to those who seek refuge in Him.

The Historical Setting and Background of Ruth

The opening verse of the book of Ruth sets the historical stage, “Now it came about in the days when the judges administered justice” (Ruth 1:1). This was a time of moral and spiritual decline in Israel, marked by frequent apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and the cyclical pattern of the people turning away from Jehovah only to cry out to Him when in distress. The book of Judges repeatedly highlights the failure of Israel to remain faithful to Jehovah, leading to chaotic and often dangerous circumstances.

Against this backdrop, the book of Ruth introduces a narrative that defies the chaos of the time. It offers an intimate view of a few faithful individuals living within a community that, by and large, has forgotten their covenant responsibilities. The story focuses on the family of Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons, who leave Bethlehem during a famine and move to the land of Moab (Ruth 1:1-2). Moab was a land that had historically been hostile to Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3-4), yet the family’s decision to relocate reflects the desperation they faced.

While in Moab, Elimelech dies, followed by the deaths of his two sons, leaving Naomi alone with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah (Ruth 1:3-5). These tragic events set the stage for one of the most profound examples of faithfulness in the Scriptures: Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi and commit herself to Naomi’s people and God. Ruth declares, “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). This statement of loyalty marks Ruth as a model of covenant faithfulness, not only to Naomi but also to Jehovah.

The Role of Faithfulness in the Book of Ruth

Faithfulness (hesed) is a central theme in the book of Ruth. The Hebrew term hesed encompasses steadfast love, loyalty, and covenant commitment, and it is a quality that both Ruth and Boaz exemplify. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi reflects her faith in Jehovah and her willingness to forsake her former life in Moab in favor of a new identity among Jehovah’s people. This decision is not merely one of familial loyalty but also of spiritual commitment. By aligning herself with Naomi and Israel, Ruth aligns herself with the covenant promises of Jehovah, even though she is a foreigner and a former worshiper of the Moabite god Chemosh.

Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, also exemplifies hesed in his treatment of Ruth. He goes above and beyond what is legally required of him in his role as redeemer. In Ruth 2:8-9, Boaz provides protection and special privileges to Ruth, ensuring her safety and allowing her to glean from the best parts of his field. Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth is a reflection of Jehovah’s kindness toward His people. As Boaz cares for Ruth and Naomi, Jehovah cares for Israel, even during a time of national apostasy. Boaz’s actions prefigure the ultimate kindness and redemption that would come through the Messiah, the greater Redeemer.

Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi and Boaz’s willingness to fulfill his role as redeemer highlight the importance of personal faithfulness to God’s covenant. Both characters embody a trust in Jehovah’s providential care and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Ruth’s faithfulness brings her into the lineage of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah. Boaz’s faithfulness preserves the family line of Elimelech and Naomi, ensuring that their name would not be blotted out from Israel.

The Legal and Social Framework: Kinsman-Redeemer and Levirate Marriage

Central to the book of Ruth is the concept of the kinsman-redeemer (go’el), which is rooted in Israel’s legal and social customs. The kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility of preserving the family’s inheritance and lineage. According to Levitical law, if a man died without leaving a son, his nearest male relative was obligated to marry the widow and produce offspring in the name of the deceased (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This practice, known as levirate marriage, ensured that the family name and inheritance were preserved.

Boaz, as a near kinsman of Elimelech, steps forward to redeem the family’s property and marry Ruth in order to raise up offspring for Elimelech. This act of redemption is more than a legal obligation; it is a reflection of Jehovah’s covenantal care for His people. Just as Boaz redeems Naomi’s family and ensures the continuation of their lineage, Jehovah acts as the Redeemer of Israel, preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises.

The legal proceedings in Ruth 4:1-10, where Boaz publicly declares his intent to redeem the land and marry Ruth, are significant for several reasons. First, they demonstrate the importance of following the proper legal and social customs in Israel. Boaz does not act in secret or attempt to bypass the legal process. Instead, he gathers the elders of the city as witnesses and ensures that the closer relative is given the opportunity to redeem the land. When the closer relative declines, Boaz steps forward as the rightful redeemer.

Second, the public nature of the transaction underscores the communal aspect of redemption in Israel. The preservation of family lines and inheritance was not a private matter but one that involved the entire community. By redeeming the land and marrying Ruth, Boaz restores Naomi’s family to its rightful place within the covenant community. The elders and witnesses bless Boaz, saying, “May Jehovah make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel” (Ruth 4:11). This blessing places Ruth in the lineage of Israel’s matriarchs and affirms her place within the covenant promises of Jehovah.

The Theological Implications of Ruth’s Inclusion in the Messianic Line

One of the most remarkable aspects of the book of Ruth is the inclusion of a foreigner, specifically a Moabite woman, in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. The Moabites were historically enemies of Israel, and the Law of Moses prohibited Moabites from entering the assembly of Jehovah’s people (Deuteronomy 23:3-4). However, Ruth’s faith in Jehovah and her covenantal loyalty to Naomi result in her full inclusion in the blessings of Israel.

The inclusion of Ruth in the Messianic line serves as a powerful demonstration of Jehovah’s grace and the expansive nature of His covenant promises. The Abrahamic covenant promised that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 12:3), and Ruth’s inclusion in this lineage is a fulfillment of that promise. Despite her foreign origins, Ruth is grafted into the lineage of Israel’s greatest king, David, and through David’s line, the Messiah would come.

Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 highlights Ruth’s role in the Messianic line. She is one of only four women mentioned by name in the genealogy, along with Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba. Each of these women plays a unique role in the unfolding of Jehovah’s redemptive plan, and their inclusion in the genealogy underscores the fact that Jehovah’s grace is not limited by ethnicity, social status, or past sins. Instead, His grace is available to all who place their faith in Him and align themselves with His covenant promises.

The Importance of Hesed (Loving-Kindness) in the Book of Ruth

The Hebrew word hesed is often translated as “loving-kindness,” “steadfast love,” or “covenant loyalty,” and it is a central theme in the book of Ruth. The concept of hesed refers to the covenantal love and faithfulness that Jehovah shows to His people and that His people are called to show to one another. In the book of Ruth, we see hesed demonstrated in several key relationships: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth, and ultimately, Jehovah’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi, even when it meant leaving her homeland and her people, is an expression of hesed. She could have returned to Moab and started a new life, but instead, she chooses to remain with Naomi and seek refuge under the wings of Jehovah (Ruth 2:12). Ruth’s hesed toward Naomi mirrors Jehovah’s hesed toward Israel, as He remains faithful to His covenant people even when they are unfaithful.

Boaz’s treatment of Ruth is also an example of hesed. He goes beyond the requirements of the law in his kindness toward Ruth, providing her with protection, food, and ultimately, the security of marriage. Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi’s family is a reflection of Jehovah’s character as the ultimate Redeemer. Just as Boaz acts to restore Naomi’s family and preserve their inheritance, Jehovah acts to redeem His people and restore them to Himself.

The theme of hesed in the book of Ruth points to the larger redemptive narrative of the Bible. Jehovah’s covenantal love for His people is unchanging, and He remains faithful to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful. Through Ruth’s inclusion in the lineage of David and the Messianic line, we see the fulfillment of Jehovah’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The book of Ruth reminds us that Jehovah’s hesed extends to all who place their faith in Him and align themselves with His covenant people.

The Book of Ruth and the Messianic Hope

The book of Ruth is not only a story of personal redemption but also a key part of the Messianic hope that runs throughout the Old Testament. The genealogy at the end of the book (Ruth 4:18-22) traces the lineage from Perez, the son of Judah, to Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David. This genealogy establishes the connection between Ruth and the royal line of David, through which the Messiah would come.

Ruth’s inclusion in the Messianic line is a powerful demonstration of Jehovah’s redemptive purposes. The Messianic hope is not limited to Israel but extends to all the nations of the earth, as promised in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3). Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes a key figure in the fulfillment of this promise, as her faithfulness and loyalty to Jehovah result in her inclusion in the royal lineage of David and the Messiah.

The book of Ruth points forward to the coming of the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the role of the kinsman-redeemer on a cosmic scale. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth and restores Naomi’s family, Jesus redeems His people from sin and death, restoring them to a right relationship with Jehovah. The marriage of Boaz and Ruth serves as a type of the greater marriage between Christ and His bride, the church, which will be consummated at the end of the age (Revelation 19:7-9).

In conclusion, the book of Ruth is a story of faithfulness, redemption, and the unfolding of Jehovah’s covenant promises. It reminds us that Jehovah is faithful to His people, even in times of distress and uncertainty, and that His redemptive plan will ultimately prevail. Through the faithfulness of individuals like Ruth and Boaz, Jehovah works out His purposes for the salvation of His people and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).