Title and Author: The book of Ruth is named after its central character, Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. The authorship of Ruth is traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, although the text itself does not specify an author. Conservative scholars often hold to this tradition, viewing Samuel as a likely candidate due to his role in Israel's history and his connection to the Davidic lineage.

Historical Context: Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by social and religious chaos in Israel, roughly between 1200 and 1020 BC. This era was marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The narrative of Ruth provides a contrast to the widespread unfaithfulness of the time, highlighting themes of loyalty, faith, and divine providence.

Audience: The original audience of Ruth was likely the Israelites, particularly those living during or shortly after the time of the Judges. The story served to remind them of God's faithfulness and the importance of covenant loyalty, even during tumultuous times.

Purpose: The purpose of Ruth is multifaceted: it demonstrates God's providence and faithfulness, highlights the importance of loyalty and kindness, and traces the genealogy of David, establishing the legitimacy of his kingship. It also serves as a testament to God's inclusive plan of salvation, as seen in the inclusion of a Moabite woman in the lineage of Christ.

Genre and Style: Ruth is a historical narrative with elements of a love story. Its style is straightforward, focusing on dialogue and character development to convey its themes.1. Elimelech (Ruth 1:2)
Elimelech is Naomi's husband, a man from Bethlehem in Judah who moves his family to Moab due to a famine.

2. Naomi (Ruth 1:2)
Naomi is Elimelech's wife, who becomes a widow in Moab and later returns to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth.

3. Mahlon (Ruth 1:2)
Mahlon is one of Naomi and Elimelech's sons, who marries Ruth in Moab and later dies.

4. Chilion (Ruth 1:2)
Chilion is Naomi and Elimelech's other son, who marries Orpah in Moab and also dies.

5. Ruth (Ruth 1:4)
Ruth is a Moabite woman, Mahlon's widow, who remains loyal to Naomi and accompanies her back to Bethlehem.

6. Orpah (Ruth 1:4)
Orpah is Chilion's widow, who initially sets out with Naomi and Ruth but eventually returns to her people in Moab.

7. Boaz (Ruth 2:1)
Boaz is a wealthy relative of Elimelech in Bethlehem, who shows kindness to Ruth and eventually marries her.

8. Unnamed Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4:1)
This is a closer relative to Elimelech than Boaz, who has the first right to redeem Elimelech's land but declines to marry Ruth.1. Bethlehem in Judah (Ruth 1:1)
- Bethlehem is a town in the region of Judah. It is the original home of Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons. The story begins here with a famine that prompts the family to move to Moab. Bethlehem is also known as the "House of Bread."

2. Moab (Ruth 1:1)
- Moab is a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites. Elimelech and his family move here to escape the famine in Bethlehem. It is in Moab that Naomi's sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.

3. The Fields of Moab (Ruth 1:6)
- This refers to the agricultural areas in Moab where Naomi and her family lived. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem from these fields.

4. The Road to Judah (Ruth 1:7)
- This is the path Naomi takes when she decides to return to Bethlehem from Moab. It is on this road that she urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers' homes.

5. The Barley Fields of Boaz (Ruth 2:3)
- These fields belong to Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Ruth goes to glean in these fields to provide for herself and Naomi. It is here that she first meets Boaz.

6. The Threshing Floor (Ruth 3:2)
- The threshing floor is a place where grain is separated from chaff. Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is winnowing barley, setting the stage for Ruth's proposal to Boaz.1. Famine in Judah and Elimelech's Family Moves to Moab (Ruth 1:1-2)
- Due to a famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, move to Moab to find sustenance.

2. Death of Elimelech and His Sons (Ruth 1:3-5)
- Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi a widow. Her sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, but after about ten years, both sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed.

3. Naomi Decides to Return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:6-7)
- Hearing that the famine in Judah has ended, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Her daughters-in-law initially set out with her.

4. Orpah Returns to Moab, Ruth Clings to Naomi (Ruth 1:14-18)
- Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to return to their families. Orpah eventually agrees, but Ruth refuses, famously declaring her loyalty to Naomi: "Where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay" (Ruth 1:16).

5. Naomi and Ruth Arrive in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19-22)
- Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi expresses her bitterness over her losses, asking to be called Mara, meaning "bitter."

6. Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field (Ruth 2:1-3)
- Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. She happens to work in the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech.

7. Boaz Shows Kindness to Ruth (Ruth 2:8-13)
- Boaz notices Ruth and shows her kindness, allowing her to glean among the sheaves and offering her protection and provision.

8. Ruth Reports to Naomi (Ruth 2:19-23)
- Ruth returns to Naomi and tells her about Boaz's kindness. Naomi recognizes Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer and encourages Ruth to continue gleaning in his fields.

9. Naomi's Plan for Ruth to Seek Boaz as a Redeemer (Ruth 3:1-4)
- Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor and request his protection as a kinsman-redeemer.

10. Ruth's Night Visit to Boaz (Ruth 3:6-13)
- Ruth follows Naomi's instructions and visits Boaz at night. Boaz is impressed by her loyalty and agrees to act as her redeemer, but notes there is a closer relative who has the first right.

11. Boaz Arranges to Redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:1-6)
- Boaz meets with the closer relative at the town gate. The relative declines to redeem Ruth, allowing Boaz to take on the role.

12. Boaz Marries Ruth (Ruth 4:9-13)
- Boaz marries Ruth, and she bears a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.

13. Naomi's Joy and the Lineage of David (Ruth 4:14-22)
- The women of Bethlehem celebrate Naomi's joy in having a grandson. The book concludes with a genealogy tracing from Perez to David, highlighting Ruth's place in the lineage of King David.1. Loyalty and Devotion
Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi is a central theme. Despite the hardships, Ruth chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, demonstrating deep commitment and love.
(Ruth 1:16-17): "But Ruth replied: 'Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.'"

2. Providence and Divine Guidance
The narrative illustrates how God's providence guides the lives of individuals, even in seemingly ordinary events.
(Ruth 2:3): "So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech."

3. Redemption and Kindness
The concept of a kinsman-redeemer is central, highlighting themes of redemption and kindness through Boaz's actions.
(Ruth 2:20): "Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, 'May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.' Naomi continued, 'The man is a close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.'"

4. Community and Inclusion
Ruth, a Moabite, is accepted into the Israelite community, emphasizing themes of inclusion and acceptance.
(Ruth 2:10): "At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, 'Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?'"

5. Faithfulness and Integrity
Boaz's character exemplifies faithfulness and integrity, as he acts honorably in his dealings with Ruth and Naomi.
(Ruth 3:11): "And now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character."

6. Hope and Restoration
The story moves from despair to hope, as Naomi's life is restored through Ruth's marriage to Boaz and the birth of Obed.
(Ruth 4:14-15): "The women said to Naomi, 'Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel. He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.'"1. Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel)
- Description: Boaz serves as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, which is a type of Christ as our Redeemer. In the cultural context, a kinsman-redeemer was a close relative who had the responsibility to redeem a family member in serious difficulty, such as by marrying a widow to preserve the family line.
- Reference: "Then Boaz said, 'On the day you buy the field from Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.'" (Ruth 4:5)

2. Provider
- Description: Boaz provides for Ruth and Naomi by allowing Ruth to glean in his fields and ensuring she has more than enough. This provision is seen as a type of Christ’s provision for His people.
- Reference: "When she got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, 'Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not humiliate her.'" (Ruth 2:15)

3. Protector
- Description: Boaz acts as a protector for Ruth, ensuring her safety while she works in his fields. This protective role is seen as a type of Christ’s protection over His followers.
- Reference: "Boaz replied, 'I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.'" (Ruth 2:11)

4. Bridegroom
- Description: Boaz’s marriage to Ruth is seen as a type of Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church. The union between Boaz and Ruth symbolizes the relationship between Christ and His Church.
- Reference: "So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son." (Ruth 4:13)

5. Restorer of Life
- Description: Through Boaz’s actions, Naomi’s life is restored, and her family line is preserved. This restoration is seen as a type of Christ’s work in restoring life to those who are spiritually dead.
- Reference: "The women said to Naomi, 'Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.'" (Ruth 4:14-15)1. Prophecy of Ruth's Loyalty and Its Reward:
- Foreshadowing: Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi and her God (Ruth 1:16-17) can be seen as a commitment that leads to her being part of God's plan.
- Fulfillment: Ruth's loyalty is rewarded by her becoming the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17), placing her in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6).

2. Prophecy of Boaz as a Kinsman-Redeemer:
- Foreshadowing: Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer is introduced when Naomi explains the concept to Ruth (Ruth 2:20).
- Fulfillment: Boaz fulfills this role by marrying Ruth, thus preserving the family line of Elimelech (Ruth 4:9-10).

3. Prophecy of the Lineage of David:
- Foreshadowing: The genealogy at the end of the book (Ruth 4:18-22) points to the significance of Ruth and Boaz's union.
- Fulfillment: This genealogy establishes the lineage leading to King David, which is crucial for the messianic prophecies concerning Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16).

While the Book of Ruth does not contain explicit prophecies in the traditional sense, these elements highlight the unfolding of God's plan through ordinary events and faithful individuals.

1. The Return from Moab  ( 1:1⁠–⁠22 )

a. Naomi Becomes a Widow  ( 1:1⁠–⁠5 )

b. Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi  ( 1:6⁠–⁠18 )

c. The Return to Bethlehem  ( 1:19⁠–⁠22 )

2. Ruth Meets Boaz  ( 2:1⁠–⁠23 )

a. Ruth Gleans in the Fields  ( 2:1⁠–⁠7 )

b. Boaz Shows Kindness to Ruth  ( 2:8⁠–⁠16 )

c. Ruth Returns to Naomi  ( 2:17⁠–⁠23 )

3. Ruth’s Redemption Assured  ( 3:1⁠–⁠18 )

a. Naomi Advises Ruth  ( 3:1⁠–⁠5 )

b. The Kinsman-Redeemer  ( 3:6⁠–⁠15 )

c. Ruth Returns to Naomi  ( 3:16⁠–⁠18 )

4. Boaz Redeems Ruth  ( 4:1⁠–⁠22 )

a. Boaz Secures the Right of Redemption  ( 4:1⁠–⁠12 )

b. Boaz Marries Ruth  ( 4:13⁠–⁠17 )

c. The Line of David  ( 4:18⁠–⁠22 )