Notes by Jack W. Hayford
Pastor, Church on the Way, Van Nuys, California
Date: Between 1050 and 500 BC
Theme: GOD's sovereign intervention brings universal redemption
Key Words: Sovereign, the Almighty, Redeemer
Author and Date: The experts differ about the date in which the book was written, but the epoch in which the plot took place is evident. That which the book of Ruth relates occurred during the period of the Judges, as part of the events that took place between Joshua's death and the rise of Samuel's influence (probably between 1150 and 1100 BC).
Rabbinic tradition holds that Samuel wrote this book in the second half of the 11th century BC. Although recent critics suggest a date after the exile (around 500 BC), the language used in the book, as well as its references to the customs and prevailing conditions in the 12th century BC, recommend the acceptance of the much earlier date. It's also reasonable to suppose that Samuel, who witnessed the decadence of Saul's kingdom and was led by GOD to anoint David as the chosen heir to the throne of Israel, had written the book of Ruth. This beautiful story had already begun to form part of the oral traditions of the people, and the final geneology would serve the purpose of establishing a link with the patriarchs, giving a satisfactory response to all those Israelites who desired to be sure of the family ascendancy of their king.
Purpose: Nearly all the commentators consider the Book of Ruth to be an essay about GOD's sovereignty that emphasizes his mercy and relates the happy ending of a story that begins with a scene of hunger, death and grief. Unfortunately, those observations are often made citing the repeated laments of Naomi, who complained bitterly that GOD's hand had been raised against her (1:13,20,21). Twice, in her lamentations, Naomi uses the term "Almighty" to refer to GOD, emphasizing that his irresistable power had turned against her. However, it's not necessary to assume that Naomi's point of view should be accepted as a spiritual revelation called to become doctrine. On the contrary, her words are better understood as an expression of human perplexity picked up by the story.
This explanation, when considering Naomi's words, appears essential for a healthy interpretation of the text. Attributing the disasters that appear in this book to the intention or hand of GOD doesn't agree with the revelation that Scripture offers, as a whole, about the divine nature. The famine (1:1) was a natural byproduct of sin, a punishment that the people imposed upon themselves for their disobedience. The LORD had warned them that the land itself would turn against them if they were unfaithful (Deut. 28:15,16,23,24,38-40). Even more, Elimelech's decision to move with his family to the land of Moab (1:2) isn't presented as a fruit of some divine instruction, but of his own choice. Why suggest that the events that occur next (his death and that of his sons) is due to divine providence? Another reason exists to affirm that these unfortunate events, although they didn't escape the divine omniscience, don't represent a punishment from GOD, but the natural results of circumstances beyond the divine promise. GOD's protection is for those who remain obedient in the inheritance that they have received from Him.
Naomi represents something more than a folkloric theology. Although she obviously was a sincere and believing woman, she is revealed as vulnerable to the common practice of blaming GOD for those events that take away, cause death or harm to his people, before which helpless humanity can do nothing. But the Scripture reveals, through the integrity of its message, that such misfortunes do not proceed directly from GOD, but are the result of the punishment human beings bear for original sin, or the fruit of the flesh when deciding to follow their own ways, no matter how malicious or innocent the attempt, or the consequence of the direct assault of our great adversary, the Devil (John 10:10).
Ruth is book that demonstrates that GOD's sovereignty isn't minimized by these observations. On the contrary, it stresses that His objective is his sovereign grace and power. As Almighty he allows man to be free and doesn't oppose him, but transforms the restrictions, damage, difficulties and cousels that lead us to failure and are the result of sin, the flesh, or the Devil.
Content: The great German poet, Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe described Ruth as "the most beautiful short story". This striking, fascinating and historically significant narration can be called the most precious jewel of the Old Testament. It's not only a masterpiece of universal literature, but thanks to it we know the geneology of David, called by GOD to head up the lineage that led to the eternal kingdom of the Messiah.
Historical Setting: The events in the book occurred at a dark time in Israel's history - in "the days when the judges ruled" (1:1), according to the historical introduction. This was a period when the nation lapsed again and again into worship of false gods. What a contrast this is to Ruth, who remained faithful to GOD, although she was a Moabite by birth - one considered an alien by GOD's Chosen People.
Theological Contribution: Ruth's life gives us a beautiful example of the providence of GOD. He brought Ruth to precisely the right field where she could meet Boaz. GOD is also portrayed in the book as the model of loyal and abiding love (2:20).
The above two sections were taken from the "Illustrated Bible Dictionary", published by Thomas Nelson Publishing.
Purpose and Theology: (HBH)
The story teaches that GOD rewards the faithfulness of His people. GOD accomplished this by using Boaz as the family's "kinsman-redeemer" (2:20; 3:12-13; 4:1-10). Kinsman-redeemer refers to a relative who helped a troubled family member so that the family was not dispossessed of land or left without an heir (Lev. 25:25-34; Deut. 25:5-10).
Christ Revealed: Boaz represents one of the most drmatic figures in the Old Testament. He nticipates the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The role of redeemer, so marvelously fulfilled by Boaz, by restoring Ruth's personl condition, doesn't need commentary. Her action mkes her participte in the blessing of Israel and introduces her into the geneology of the Messiah (Eph. 2:19). A magnificent silhouette of the Master appears here, which prefigures his redemptive grce with centuries of anticipation. As our Redeemer, He is made flesh, comes in human form (John 1:14; Phil. 2:5-8). By his willingness to identify himself with humanity (as Boaz did with his family), Christ has finished the work of redeeming us from our condition. Even more, Ruth's inability to change her situation typifies the absolute human defenselessness (Rom. 5:6); and Boaz's disposition to pay the complete price of Ruth's restoration (4:9) anticipates the payment that Christ offered for our salvtion (I Cor. 6:20; Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 1:18,19).
The Holy Spirit in Action: There are no direct references in this book to the Holy Spirit, but an interesting analogy is revealed between the function of the Spirit of GOD and Naomi's interest in guiding Ruth in the process of establishing relations with Boaz. Although the idea that Naomi had of GOD's intervention in her life was limited, it in every way typifies how the Spirit works in our favor. Naomi appear as a loving and tender woman who faces the difficulties with great strength of character. On the occasion of the first encounter between Ruth and Boaz, Naomi's indications should be seen as representative of the way that the Holy Spirit is manifested and guides: 1) to bring people to Christ (John 16:8; Romans 2:4); and 2) and to led them to the road of blessings that GOD has reserved for human beings (John 16:13-15; Gal. 5:5,16-18,22-25).
Personal Application: The message of Ruth transcends the immediate purpose of offering Dvid's geneology. Ruth presents various important themes, each one of which merits being explored and elaborated. 1) The Book of Ruth introduces the universal dimension of GOD's redemptive purpose. The inclusion of the Moabite Ruth, as Gentile participant, in the geneology of the kings of Israel, presents GOD's love embracing all the nations of the earth. The LORD not only includes Gentiles in his plan of salvation, but he employs people who don't belong to the chosen people as instruments of his redemptive work. The message of Ruth opposes exclusivists, whether those who existed in that time, or those who still manifest themselves in the tendencies or groups of our time. 2) The Book of Ruth realizes the beauty of dedication and friendship and emphasizes family values. Both things have great significance and should be strengthened in our days. The way that Ruth prioritizes her duties as Naomi's daughter-in-law, Naomi's concern for helping Ruth and the protection that Boaz offers to the young woman of promising future, are themes worthy of exam and commentary.
3)Ruth is a book filled with images about redemption. The divine principle that is manifested through the tradition of the Levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5-10) dramatically reveals GOD's purpose that humans can always recover their losses and that extends that possibility to those in need. Although, technically speaking, no marriage of this type takes place (according to levirate tradition), this is the principle upon which Boaz's action rests, and that serves to illustrate one of the ways that the Spirit of GOD works in his redemptive purpose.
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