The Book of Ruth compares and contrasts with the Epilogue of Judges in that both feature major characters from Bethlehem. The mercenary Levite and the unfortunate concubine both originate in Bethlehem, while the major action in Ruth takes place in Bethlehem. But if the Epilogue portrays life in Israel at its anarchic worst, Ruth gives us a glimpse of things working out the way God intended, in spite of the trials and vicissitudes of life.

Naomi's desolation—the loss of husband and sons while sojourning in a foreign land—sets the scene for a trial of divine and human character. Without male support in this patriarchal society, she can only look to Yhwh for support and provision. Will God come through? Yes, through people who share God's heart. Ruth's loyalty is the first sign. Apparently attracted to Yhwh by Naomi's witness, Ruth is a Gentile convert who chooses Yhwh against all the odds.

Her remarkable profession of commitment and statement of faith, 1:16-17, is echoed at many wedding ceremonies. She chooses to share Naomi's fate, which looks bleak, as Orpah recognizes. Ruth's departure from her land and kin is nothing less than Abrahamic. But her faith and willing spirit guide her in the path of Yhwh's care and provision, which is hinted at in the return to Bethlehem, the 'House of Bread,' at the beginning of the harvest. 

The reader already knows it is no coincidence that Ruth ends up in Boaz' field, for Yhwh is at work. As his words and actions suggest, Boaz, like Ruth, is a person after God's own heart. He becomes God's hands in providing for his kinswoman, Naomi, as the Law required, through Ruth, whose own actions have spoken for her. Boaz' blessing (2:12) is a remarkable and beautiful model of practical pastoral theology and insight into the nature of God and particular human need.

Naomi, recognizing that Yhwh is at work, helps to 'fix up' Ruth with her kinsman. The circumstances of Ruth's 'date' with Boaz may seem a little risqué to us, and provide an opportunity to reflect (audience-appropriately) on honest yet modest sexuality. Her proposal to him, "Spread your wings over me'"(3:9), echoing his own blessing of her by "Yhwh, under whose wings you have come for shelter" (2:12), leads us to reflect on how people embody God and the Gospel.

Boaz exhibits wisdom and integrity in seeing the matter of kinship-redemption through to its proper end, in an appropriate public forum. The marriage bears fruit, restoring Naomi's lost posterity. God has proven himself the widows' husband and orphans' father, and has done it through the faithful obedience of believers. The Davidic genealogy provides an opportunity to talk about the kind of society God desires: the Messianic community, the Body of Christ.

Go to Judah: a Transformed Life