Commentary on Ruth
Comprehensive analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Introduction to Ruth
Ruth is a narrative book in the Old Testament that recounts key historical events and developments in Israel's history. The book contains important stories, characters, and events that contribute to the broader biblical narrative and redemptive history.
As with other biblical narratives, Ruth combines historical reporting with theological interpretation, showing how God works through historical circumstances and human actions to accomplish His purposes. The narrative demonstrates divine providence, human responsibility, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Throughout Ruth, readers can observe God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings and opposition. The book's events establish important precedents and patterns that inform biblical theology and provide context for understanding later Scriptural developments.
Historical Context
Ruth is set during the Judges period (c. 1100 BCE) but was likely written later, possibly during David's reign or the early monarchy. The story provides insight into rural life, legal customs, and social relationships during Israel's pre-monarchic period.
Agricultural Context
The narrative reflects the agricultural rhythms of ancient Palestine, with barley and wheat harvests providing seasonal structure. The gleaning laws mentioned in Ruth demonstrate social welfare provisions protecting widows, orphans, and foreigners. Archaeological evidence confirms agricultural practices described in the book.
Legal Background
The kinsman-redeemer (goel) institution reflected in Ruth represents ancient Near Eastern family law designed to preserve property within clan structures. Similar legal concepts appear in Mesopotamian law codes, though Israel's implementation emphasized covenant community values and care for vulnerable members.
Literary Features
Ruth employs narrative techniques characteristic of biblical historiography. The book uses plot development, characterization, dialogue, and setting to convey both historical events and theological meaning. Narratives in Ruth are carefully structured to highlight divine providence and human response.
Structure
The narrative structure of Ruth involves a clear progression with rising and falling action, climactic moments, and resolution. The author selectively includes details that advance the theological purpose while maintaining historical accuracy.
Literary Devices
Common literary devices in Ruth include:
- Repetition - Key phrases and motifs recur to emphasize important themes
- Type-scenes - Conventional scenarios (e.g., encounters at wells, divine calls) that evoke specific expectations
- Inclusio - Framing sections with similar language to create literary units
- Chiasm - Mirror-image structures that highlight central elements
These narrative techniques guide the reader's interpretation and highlight theological significance within historical events.
Key Passages in Ruth
Ruth 1:1
Opening statement establishing key themes
Ruth 4:1
Concluding summary or final exhortation
Book Outline
Introduction and Background (1-2)
- Chapter 1 ( Ruth 1 Ruth 1: Chapter 1 )
- Chapter 2 ( Ruth 2 Ruth 2: Chapter 2 )
Conclusion and Final Exhortations (3-4)
- Chapter 3 ( Ruth 3 Ruth 3: Chapter 3 )
- Chapter 4 ( Ruth 4 Ruth 4: Chapter 4 )
Major Themes
The book develops several significant theological themes:
Divine Providence
God sovereignly works through historical circumstances and human decisions to accomplish His purposes. Even through times of difficulty and apparent setbacks, God remains active in guiding history toward His intended outcomes.
Covenant Fidelity
The book traces God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings. This covenant relationship forms the framework for understanding Israel's successes, failures, and responsibilities.
Leadership and Authority
Various leaders demonstrate both positive and negative examples of exercising authority. Their successes and failures reveal principles of godly leadership and the consequences of abusing power.
Obedience and Blessing
The narrative demonstrates connections between faithfulness to God's commands and experiencing His blessing. Conversely, disobedience leads to various forms of judgment and discipline.
Theological Significance
Ruth contributes significantly to biblical theology in several areas:
Understanding of God
The book reveals aspects of God's character and ways of working in history. Through divine actions, declarations, and interactions with humanity, Ruth deepens our understanding of God's attributes and purposes.
Covenant Relationship
The book develops aspects of God's covenant relationship with Israel, showing both divine faithfulness and the consequences of human response. These covenant dynamics establish patterns that inform later biblical theology and find fulfillment in Christ.
Ethical Framework
Through both explicit commands and narrative examples, Ruth contributes to the biblical understanding of righteous living. These ethical principles reflect God's character and establish standards that remain relevant for moral formation.
Messianic Anticipation
Various passages in Ruth contribute to the developing messianic hope in Scripture. These elements find ultimate fulfillment in Christ, demonstrating the progressive nature of divine revelation and the unity of God's redemptive plan.
Cross References to Other Books
- Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets - Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets
- Romans 15:4 Old Testament written for our instruction - Old Testament written for our instruction
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 Old Testament examples as warnings - Old Testament examples as warnings
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Scripture's inspiration and usefulness - Scripture's inspiration and usefulness
- Hebrews 1:1-2 God's revelation in the prophets and in His Son - God's revelation in the prophets and in His Son
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Ruth continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Ruth continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- 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. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ruth 2:2 [Text of Ruth 2:2] - Key teaching in verse 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of Ruth continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of Ruth continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Contemporary Application
This book provides valuable insights for contemporary application:
Understanding God's Character
The book reveals aspects of God's nature that remain relevant for today's believers. These divine attributes provide the foundation for theology, worship, and spiritual formation. Understanding God's character shapes our expectations, prayers, and relationship with Him.
Covenant Faithfulness
God's commitment to His covenant promises demonstrates His trustworthiness and faithfulness. This encourages believers to trust God's promises today and to model similar faithfulness in relationships and commitments. The covenant pattern also informs our understanding of baptism and communion as signs of the new covenant.
Ethical Guidance
While specific applications may require contextual adaptation, the book's ethical principles provide timeless guidance for moral decision-making. These principles address relationships, justice, integrity, and other aspects of personal and community life. They challenge contemporary cultural values that contradict biblical standards.
Spiritual Formation
The examples of both faithfulness and failure provide learning opportunities for spiritual development. These biblical accounts invite self-examination and encourage growth in godly character. They remind believers that spiritual formation involves both divine grace and human responsibility.