Introduction
The peaceful story of
Ruth
is set in the violent times of
The book of Judges
. Ruth, a Moabite woman, is married to an Israelite. When he dies, Ruth shows uncommon loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law and deep devotion to the God of Israel. In the end she finds a new husband among her former husband’s relatives, and through this marriage becomes the great-grandmother of David, Israel’s greatest king.
The stories of
Judges
show the disaster that came when God’s people turned away from him.
Ruth
shows the blessing that came to a foreigner who turned to Israel’s God and so became part of his faithful people.
Outline of Contents
Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth (1.1-22)
Ruth meets Boaz (2.1—3.18)
Boaz marries Ruth (4.1-22)