Ruth
by Ken Cayce
©
Ken Cayce All rights reserved.
Copyright
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapters
Introduction
Back to Table of Contents
Ruth Explained
Go To Ruth Index
Book of Ruth Explained
Title:
Ancient versions and modern translations consistently entitle this book
after Ruth the Moabitess heroine, who is mentioned by name 12 times (1:4 -
4:13). Only two Old Testament books receive their names from women, Ruth
and Esther. The Old Testament does not again refer to Ruth, while the New
Testament mentions her just once, in the context of Christ's genealogy
(Matt. 1:5; compare Ruth 4:18-22). "Ruth" most likely comes from a Moabite
and/or Hebrew word meaning "friendship." Ruth arrived in Beth-lehem as a
foreigner (2:10), became a maidservant (2:13), married wealthy Boaz (4:13),
and was included in the physical lineage of Christ (Matt. 1:5).
The Book of Ruth derives its name from its principal character. The
biographical sketch of this godly young Moabitess contains much information
concerning the customs of the ancient Near East and provides its readers
with some valuable data regarding the ancestry of King David. It also
demonstrates God's gracious concern for all mankind, Jew and Gentile alike.
The book was read at the Feast of Pentecost.
All 85 verses of Ruth have been accepted as canonical by the Jews. Along
with Song of Solomon, Esther, Ecclesiastes and Lamentations, Ruth stands
with the Old Testament books of the Megilloth or "five scrolls." Rabbis
read these books in the synagogue on 5 special occasions during the year,
Ruth being read at Pentecost due to the harvest scenes of Ruth (chapters 2
and 3).
Authorship:
Jewish tradition credits Samuel as the author, which is plausible since he
did not die (1 Sam. 25:1), until after he had anointed David as God's
chosen king (1 Sam. 16:6-13). However, neither internal features nor
external testimony conclusively identify the writer. This exquisite story
most likely appeared shortly before or during David's reign in Israel (1011
- 971 B.C.), since David is mentioned (4:17, 22), but not Solomon. Goethe
reportedly labeled this piece of anonymous but unexcelled literature as
"the loveliest, complete work on a small scale". What Venus is to statuary
and the Mona Lisa is to paintings, Ruth is to literature.
The author has many purposes.
1. Historically, he provides information as to certain activities and
customs in the period of the judges.
2. Theologically, the book emphasizes the sovereign activity of God's
providential working in the affairs of man. Not only does God's promise to
the seed of Abraham go on through the troubled time of the judges, but He
so arranges the details of earth's history and the chosen line to include
salvation for Gentiles as well. Ruth then provides an important link in the
unfolding messianic genealogy.
3. Devotionally, the book provides several analogies between the work of
the kinsman-redeemer of ancient Israel and that of Jesus Christ, who serves
as the saving Mediator for all men. It also assures the believer of God's
continuing love for a helpless mankind and of His willingness to meet man's
needs.
Historical Setting:
The opening verse places the book in the era of the judges, at a time of a
great famine. Such a condition existed in the days of the Midianite
oppression (Judges 6:3-6). If this was the occasion spoken of in the Book
of Ruth, a date in the middle of the twelfth century B.C. would be
distinctly possible for the events narrated here. Besides the opening
statement of the book, the internal evidence reveals an intimate
acquaintance with ancient Hebrew and Near Eastern social customs (chapters
three and four). This data argues strongly for an early date. Moreover,
Jewish canonical tradition links (Judges and Ruth), together as one book,
again pointing to an early date. Thus seen, the Book of Ruth provides its
readers with a light of spiritual faithfulness in a period of otherwise
spiritual darkness.
Genealogically, Ruth looks back almost 900 years to events in the time of
Jacob (4:11) and forward about 100 years to the coming reign of David
(4:17, 22). While Joshua and Judges emphasize the legacy of the nation and
their land of promise, Ruth focuses on the lineage of David back to the
patriarchal era.
At least 7 major theological themes emerge in Ruth.
1. Ruth the Moabitess illustrates that God's redemptive plan extended
beyond the Jews to Gentiles (2:12).
2. Ruth demonstrates that women are co-heirs with men of God's salvation
grace (compare Gal. 3:28).
3. Ruth portrays the virtuous woman of (Prov. 31:10; compare 3:11).
4. Ruth describes God's sovereign (1:6; 4:13), and providential care (2:3),
of seemingly unimportant people at apparently insignificant times which
later prove to be monumentally crucial to accomplishing God' will.
5. Ruth along with Tamar (Gen. Chapter 38), Rehab (Joshua chapter 2), and
Bath-sheba (2 Sam. chapters 11 and 12), stand in the genealogy of the
messianic line (4:17, 22; compare Matt. 1:5).
6. Boaz, as a type of Christ, becomes Ruth's kinsman-redeemer (4:1-12).
7. David's right (and thus Christ's right), to the throne of Israel is
traced back to Judah (4:18-22; compare Gen. 49:8-12).
Background - Setting:
Aside from Beth-lehem (1:1), Moab (the perennial enemy of Israel, which was
east of the Dead Sea), stands as the only other mentioned
geographic/national entity (1:1-2). This country originated when Lot
fathered Moab by an incestuous union with his oldest daughter (Gen 19:37).
Centuries later the Jews encountered opposition from Balak, king of Moab,
through the prophet Balaam (Num. chapters 22-25). For 18 years Moab
oppressed Israel during the time of the judges (3:12-30). Saul defeated the
Moabites (1 Sam. 14:47), while David seemed to enjoy a peaceful
relationship with them (1 Sam. 22:3-4). Later, Moab again troubled Israel
(2 Kings 3:5-27; Ezra 9:1). Because of Moab's idolatrous worship of Chemosh
(1 Kings 11:7, 33; 2 Kings 23:13), and its opposition to Israel, God cursed
Moab (Isa. Chapters 15 and 16; Jer. chapter 48; Ezek. 25:8-11; Amos 2:1-3).
The story of Ruth occurred in the days "when the judges governed" Israel
(1:1; ca 1370 to 1041 B.C.; Judges 2:16-19), and thus bridges time from the
judges to Israel's monarchy. God used "a famine in the land" of Judah
(1:1), to set in motion this beautiful drama, although the famine does not
receive mention in judges, which causes difficulty in dating the events of
Ruth. However, by working backward in time from the well-known date of
David's reign (1011 - 971 B.C.), the time period of Ruth would most likely
be during the judgeship of Jair (ca 1126 - 1105 B.C.; Judges 10:3-5).
Ruth covers about 11 or 12 years according to the following scenario.
1. Verses 1:1-18, ten years in Moab (1:4);
2. Verses 1:19 - 2:23, several months (mid-April to mid-June), in Boaz's
field (1:22; 2:23);
3. Verses 3:1-18, one day in Beth-lehem and one night at the threshing
floor; and
4. Verses 4:1-22, about one year in Beth-lehem.
An exciting story of true romance, the book also gives instruction in
practical living in such things as personal morality, a genuine concern for
the needs of others, and the necessity for personal godliness in the face
of testing and adversity. A great deal of helpful information for today's
Christian woman may also be found in the example of Ruth, whose virtues of
godliness, purity, humility, honesty, fidelity and thoughtfulness remain an
exemplary standard for all. Similarly, Boaz becomes for the Christian man a
model of God-given strength, honor, graciousness, courtesy and compassion;
that can give encouragement for becoming a believing gentleman in the
finest sense of the word.
Chapters
Back to Table of Contents
Chapter Selection
Chapters
Back to Table of Contents
Ruth 1
Ruth Chapter 1
Ruth 1:1 "Now it came to pass in the days
when the judges ruled, that there was a
famine in the land. And a certain man of
Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the
country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his
two sons."
Ruth 1:2 "And the name of the man [was]
Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi,
and the name of his two sons Mahlon and
Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah.
And they came into the country of Moab, and
continued there."
Ruth 1:3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband
died; and she was left, and her two sons.
Ruth 1:4 "And they took them wives of the
women of Moab; the name of the one [was]
Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and
they dwelled there about ten years."
Ruth 1:5 "And Mahlon and Chilion died also
both of them; and the woman was left of her
two sons and her husband."
Ruth 1:6 "Then she arose with her daughters
in law, that she might return from the
country of Moab: for she had heard in the
country of Moab how that the Lord had
visited his people in giving them bread."
Ruth 1:7 "Wherefore she went forth out of
the place where she was, and her two
daughters in law with her; and they went on
the way to return unto the land of Judah."
Ruth 1:8 "And Naomi said unto her two
daughters in law, Go, return each to her
mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with
you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and
with me."
Ruth 1:9 "The LORD grant you that ye may
find rest, each [of you] in the house of
her husband. Then she kissed them; and they
lifted up their voice, and wept."
Ruth 1:10 "And they said unto her, Surely
we will return with thee unto thy people."
Ruth 1:11 "And Naomi said, Turn again, my
daughters: why will ye go with me? [are]
there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that
they may be your husbands?"
Ruth 1:12 "Turn again, my daughters, go
[your way]; for I am too old to have a
husband. If I should say, I have hope, [if]
I should have a husband also tonight, and
should also bear sons;"
Ruth 1:13 "Would ye tarry for them till
they were grown? would ye stay for them
from having husbands? nay, my daughters;
for it grieveth me much for your sakes that
the hand of the LORD is gone out against
me."
Ruth 1:14 "And they lifted up their voice,
and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother
in law; but Ruth clave unto her."
Ruth 1:15 "And she said, Behold, thy sister
in law is gone back unto her people, and
unto her gods: return thou after thy sister
in law."
Ruth 1:16 "And Ruth said, Entreat me not to
leave thee, [or] to return from following
after thee: for whither thou goest, I will
go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:
thy people [shall be] my people, and thy
God my God:"
Ruth 1:17 "Where thou diest, will I die,
and there will I be buried: the LORD do so
to me, and more also, [if ought] but death
part thee and me."
Ruth 1:18 "When she saw that she was
steadfastly minded to go with her, then she
left speaking unto her."
Ruth 1:19 "So they two went until they came
to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when
they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the
city was moved about them, and they said,
[Is] this Naomi?"
Ruth 1:20 "And she said unto them, Call me
not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty
hath dealt very bitterly with me."
Ruth 1:21 "I went out full, and the LORD
hath brought me home again empty: why
[then] call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD
hath testified against me, and the Almighty
hath afflicted me?"
Ruth 1:22 "So Naomi returned, and Ruth the
Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her,
which returned out of the country of Moab:
and they came to Beth-lehem in the
beginning of barley harvest."
Ruth 2
Ruth Chapter 2
Ruth 2:1 "And Naomi had a kinsman of her
husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the
family of Elimelech; and his name [was]
Boaz."
Ruth 2:2 "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto
Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and
glean ears of corn after [him] in whose
sight I shall find grace. And she said unto
her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:3 "And she went, and came, and
gleaned in the field after the reapers: and
her hap was to light on a part of the field
[belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the
kindred of Elimelech."
Ruth 2:4 "And, behold, Boaz came from
Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The
LORD [be] with you. And they answered him,
The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 2:5 "Then said Boaz unto his servant
that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel
[is] this?"
Ruth 2:6 "And the servant that was set over
the reapers answered and said, It [is] the
Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi
out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 2:7 And she said, I pray you, let me
glean and gather after the reapers among
the sheaves: so she came, and hath
continued even from the morning until now,
that she tarried a little in the house.
Ruth 2:9 "[Let] thine eyes [be] on the
field that they do reap, and go thou after
them: have I not charged the young men that
they shall not touch thee? and when thou
art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink
of [that] which the young men have drawn."
Ruth 2:10 "Then she fell on her face, and
bowed herself to the ground, and said unto
him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes,
that thou shouldest take knowledge of me,
seeing I [am] a stranger?"
Ruth 2:11 "And Boaz answered and said unto
her, It hath fully been showed me, all that
thou hast done unto thy mother in law since
the death of thine husband: and [how] thou
hast left thy father and thy mother, and
the land of thy nativity, and art come unto
a people which thou knewest not
heretofore."
Ruth 2:12 "The LORD recompense thy work,
and a full reward be given thee of the LORD
God of Israel, under whose wings thou art
come to trust."
Ruth 2:13 "Then she said, Let me find favor
in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast
comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken
friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be
not like unto one of thine handmaidens."
Ruth 2:14 "And Boaz said unto her, At
mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the
bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar.
And she sat beside the reapers: and he
reached her parched [corn], and she did
eat, and was sufficed, and left."
Ruth 2:15 "And when she was risen up to
glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
saying, Let her glean even among the
sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 2:16 "And let fall also [some] of the
handfuls of purpose for her, and leave
[them], that she may glean [them], and
rebuke her not."
Ruth 2:17 "So she gleaned in the field
until even, and beat out that she had
gleaned: and it was about an ephah of
barley."
Ruth 2:18 "And she took [it] up, and went
into the city: and her mother in law saw
what she had gleaned: and she brought
forth, and gave to her that she had
reserved after she was sufficed."
Ruth 2:19 "And her mother in law said unto
her, Where hast thou gleaned today? and
where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that
did take knowledge of thee. And she showed
her mother in law with whom she had
wrought, and said, The man's name with whom
I wrought to day [is] Boaz."
Ruth 2:20 "And Naomi said unto her daughter
in law, Blessed [be] he of the LORD, who
hath not left off his kindness to the
living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto
her, The man [is] near of kin unto us, one
of our next kinsmen."
Ruth 2:21 "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He
said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by
my young men, until they have ended all my
harvest."
Ruth 2:22 "And Naomi said unto Ruth her
daughter in law, [It is] good, my daughter,
that thou go out with his maidens, that
they meet thee not in any other field."
Ruth 2:23 "So she kept fast by the maidens
of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley
harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt
with her mother in law."
Ruth 3
Ruth Chapter 3
Ruth 3:1 "Then Naomi her mother in law said
unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek
rest for thee, that it may be well with
thee?"
Ruth 3:2 "And now [is] not Boaz of our
kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?
Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the
threshing floor."
Ruth 3:3 "Wash thy self therefore, and
anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee,
and get thee down to the floor: [but] make
not thyself known unto the man, until he
shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 3:4 "And it shall be, when he lieth
down, that thou shalt mark the place where
he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and
uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he
will tell thee what thou shalt do."
Ruth 3:5 "And she said unto her, All that
thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:6 "And she went down unto the floor,
and did according to all that her mother in
law bade her."
Ruth 3:7 "And when Boaz had eaten and
drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to
lie down at the end of the heap of corn:
and she came softly, and uncovered his
feet, and laid her down."
Ruth 3:8 "And it came to pass at midnight,
that the man was afraid, and turned
himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his
feet."
Ruth 3:9 "And he said, Who [art] thou? And
she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid:
spread therefore thy skirt over thine
handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman."
Ruth 3:10 "And he said, Blessed [be] thou
of the LORD, my daughter: [for] thou hast
showed more kindness in the latter end than
at the beginning, inasmuch as thou
followedst not young men, whether poor or
rich."
Ruth 3:11 "And now, my daughter, fear not;
I will do to thee all that thou requirest:
for all the city of my people doth know
that thou [art] a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:12 "And now it is true that I [am
thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a
kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:13 "Tarry this night, and it shall
be in the morning, [that] if he will
perform unto thee the part of a kinsman,
well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if
he will not do the part of a kinsman to
thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman
to thee, [as] the LORD liveth: lie down
until the morning."
Ruth 3:14 "And she lay at his feet until
the morning: and she rose up before one
could know another. And he said, Let it not
be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:15 "Also he said, Bring the veil
that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it.
And when she held it, he measured six
[measures] of barley, and laid [it] on her:
and she went into the city."
Ruth 3:16 "And when she came to her mother
in law, she said, Who [art] thou, my
daughter? And she told her all that the man
had done to her."
Ruth 3:18 "Then said she, Sit still, my
daughter, until thou know how the matter
will fall: for the man will not be in rest,
until he have finished the thing this day."
Ruth 4
Ruth Chapter 4
Ruth 4:1 "Then went Boaz up to the gate,
and sat him down there: and, behold, the
kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto
whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside,
sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat
down."
Ruth 4:2 "And he took ten men of the elders
of the city, and said, Sit ye down here.
And they sat down."
Ruth 4:3 "And he said unto the kinsman,
Naomi, that is come again out of the
country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land,
which [was] our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 4:4 "And I thought to advertise thee,
saying, Buy [it] before the inhabitants,
and before the elders of my people. If thou
wilt redeem [it], redeem [it]: but if thou
wilt not redeem [it, then] tell me, that I
may know: for [there is] none to redeem
[it] beside thee; and I [am] after thee.
And he said, I will redeem [it]."
Ruth 4:5 Then said Boaz, What day thou
buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou
must buy [it] also of Ruth the Moabitess,
the wife of the dead, to raise up the name
of the dead upon his inheritance.
Ruth 4:6 "And the kinsman said, I cannot
redeem [it] for myself, lest I mar mine own
inheritance: redeem thou my right to
thyself; for I cannot redeem [it]."
Ruth 4:7 "Now this [was the manner] in
former time in Israel concerning redeeming
and concerning changing, for to confirm all
things; a man plucked off his shoe, and
gave [it] to his neighbor: and this [was] a
testimony in Israel."
Ruth 4:8 "Therefore the kinsman said unto
Boaz, Buy [it] for thee. So he drew off his
shoe."
Ruth 4:9 "And Boaz said unto the elders,
and [unto] all the people, Ye [are]
witnesses this day, that I have bought all
that [was] Elimelech's, and all that [was]
Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of
Naomi."
Ruth 4:10 "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the
wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my
wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon
his inheritance, that the name of the dead
be not cut off from among his brethren, and
from the gate of his place: ye [are]
witnesses this day."
Ruth 4:11 "And all the people that [were]
in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are]
witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is
come into thine house like Rachel and like
Leah, which two did build the house of
Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah,
and be famous in Beth-lehem:"
Ruth 4:12 "And let thy house be like the
house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto
Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall
give thee of this young woman."
Ruth 4:13 "So Boaz took Ruth, and she was
his wife: and when he went in unto her, the
LORD gave her conception, and she bare a
son."
Ruth 4:14 "And the women said unto Naomi,
Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left
thee this day without a kinsman, that his
name may be famous in Israel."
Ruth 4:15 "And he shall be unto thee a
restorer of [thy] life, and a nourisher of
thine old age: for thy daughter in law,
which loveth thee, which is better to thee
than seven sons, hath borne him."
Ruth 4:16 "And Naomi took the child, and
laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto
it."
Ruth 4:17 "And the women her neighbors gave
it a name, saying, There is a son born to
Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he
[is] the father of Jesse, the father of
David."
Ruth 4:18 "Now these [are] the generations
of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:19 "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram
begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:20 "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and
Nahshon begat Salmon,"
Ruth 4:21 "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz
begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:22 "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse
begat David."
###