The book of Ruth is a beautifully told narrative of God’s faithfulness. Here are some tips to help you as read or teach through this often-overlooked Old Testament book.
Ruth reads like a four-act play.
When reading or teaching from Ruth, it helps to see the natural divisions in the story. The narrative of Ruth unfolds in four acts, corresponding to the four chapters. Each of the four acts has a distinct location: Moab, grainfields, the threshing floor, and the town gate. As each scene unfolds, you can ask questions as you would do for any good story: Who are the primary characters? Is there a source of tension that needs to be resolved? What actions or decisions take place?
Stepping back, you can experience the story arc through the four scenes. You can guide yourself or your listeners to consider the emotion(s) involved with each movement. Here is a suggestion:
- Chapter 1: Despair
- Chapter 2: Curiosity
- Chapter 3: Hope
- Chapter 4: Elation
If you read or preach it in four parts, it’s helpful to be reminded of the events and emotions that characterized the previous acts.
Naomi might be the most relatable figure.
In reading devotionally through Ruth, a great pathway into experiencing the narrative is the journey of Naomi. Of the three main characters, Naomi receives the most development. While Ruth and Boaz are only portrayed in favorable light, Naomi’s portrayal is mixed, and reflects how many of us might respond in similar situations.
Naomi’s emotional state and responses to circumstances ebb and flow throughout the narrative. In Chapter 1, she grieves over her losses, and blames God for her bitter life (1:13, 20-21). She even seems to encourage her daughters-in-law to worship other gods (1:15). In Chapters 2 and 3, Naomi appears to live vicariously through Ruth, carefully planning her interaction with Boaz. In the final scene, Naomi rejoices with the local women as the focus is on her restoration (4:13-17). A reader at home or listener in the pew can readily relate to Naomi’s experience.
God consistently provides.
It’s important to remember that God is the hero in the book of Ruth. Remember the ‘big picture’ in which the narrative is embedded. As the ‘bridge’ between Judges and 1 Samuel, Ruth tells us how God faithfully works to provide for his people, even when they are turning away from him during the period of the judges. He provides food for his people (1:6), safety and refuge for Ruth (2:3, 13), and redemption and a grandson for Naomi (2:20; 4:16-17).
The people haven’t had consistent, godly leadership since the days of Joshua, but God works through the events described in Ruth to provide King David for them (see the next book, 1 Samuel). How does a man after God’s own heart come to lead the people after a time of chaos and apostasy? Through a man and woman of faithfulness and great character, Ruth and Boaz.
God honors and works through an unlikely person.
Ruth has several strikes against her: She is poor, widowed, and a foreigner. It would be unlikely for a Jewish reader to view her with favor. Don’t miss the fact that Ruth was from Moab. The Moabites, led by King Eglon, were the oppressors of God’s people for eighteen years during the time of the judges (See Judges 3:12-14). She would be seen as the enemy.
Even so, the narrative celebrates her as an example of faithfulness. Ruth’s leaving of her home and people (2:11) echoes the description of Israel’s revered patriarch Abraham (Genesis 12:1). Boaz calls her a ‘woman of noble character’ (3:11), a phrase only occurring elsewhere in the Bible twice, most notably in Proverbs 31:10.
The figure of Ruth demonstrates that God’s plan goes beyond Israel. She ends up being an ancestor of David (4:22), and the next book, 1 Samuel, describes his journey before and during his kingship. Ultimately, we are reminded in Matthew’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5) that Ruth, the unlikely figure, has the privilege of being in the line of Jesus. Through this non-Jew, we get a glimpse into God’s plan to have all people groups be blessed through Christ.
Boaz is a preview of Jesus.
As you read or teach the book of Ruth, consider how the figure of Boaz is portrayed. As the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz took on the debts and misery of Naomi and Ruth, making them his own so that they could have a future. It was costly, as the unnamed relative acknowledged (4:6). Boaz’s loving-kindness is evident in the story.
In the same way, Jesus entered into human flesh, becoming our kinsman. He paid a great cost on the cross, taking our debts as our Redeemer. Boaz gives us a preview of the ultimate act of redemption. It is because of the lovingkindness of Christ that we who follow him can have a future.
With a greater appreciation for the dimensions of this key Old Testament narrative, enjoy the account of God’s faithfulness!
(Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article appeared in Church Society’s Crossway magazine.)
Recommended Book: Teaching Ruth & Esther, by Christopher Ash (Christian Focus Publications, 2018)
With the wisdom of a seasoned Bible teacher, Christopher Ash offers an accessible guide to teaching and preaching the books of Ruth and Esther. After a chapter containing a guide to reading Old Testament stories, Ash directs the reader through these two beautiful stories named after women. First, Ash introduces each biblical book, describing its structure and giving some broad guidance on approaching its particularities. Then, breaking up each story into parts or ‘episodes,’ the author offers comments on important features of each part. Along with his guidance through the text, Ash provides instructions on teaching and preaching each part, ways the message can be applied to modern-day living, and discussion questions for group study. This book is especially helpful in showing how both biblical narratives serve as pictures of the gospel.