INTRODUCTION
TO RUTH
Why read Ruth: Ruth is a
story of family distress and redemption. The main players are
Naomi who becomes a widow, Ruth who also becomes a widow, and
Boaz who becomes a Kinsman-Redeemer. It is the only place we see
this aspect of the Law being worked out. The story is simple and
straight forward and can be easily read in one sitting in under
a half an hour. It comes from a culture that is very different
from our own in the West today, but has a simplicity and caring
about it that perhaps should speak volumes into our own needy
day. It is an historical account with profound significance.
Ruth
1: Naomi
Loses Her Family but gains Ruth
v.1-5
Naomi's family are lost
v.6-13
Naomi sends her daughters-in-law home
v.14-18
Ruth commits herself to Naomi
v.19-22
Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem
Ruth 2: Ruth
Meets Boaz in the Grain Field
v.1-3
Ruth ‘chances' to work in the field of Boaz
v.4-9
Boaz welcomes here in his field
v.10-17
Boaz cares for her
v.18-23
Ruth reports back to Naomi
FRAMEWORKS:
Ruth 3: Ruth
and Boaz at the Threshing Floor
v.1-5
Naomi Instructs Ruth on Potential Courtship Rites
v.6,7
Ruth obeys Naomi
v.8-13
Boaz understands, accepts & instructs Ruth
v.14-18
Ruth Reports back to Naomi
FRAMEWORKS:
Ruth 4: Boaz
Marries Ruth
v.1-12
Boaz Negotiates for Ruth
v.13-17
Naomi Gains a Son
v.18-22
The Genealogy of David