An outline or brief summary of the book of Ruth – book number 8 in the Old Testament bible.
Extracted with permission from TheBibleBrief book on Amazon
When:
Thought to be written in the monarchic period, around 100B.C.
Who:
Generally ascribed to the Prophet Samuel.
People & Places:
Ruth; Naomi; Boaz
Bethlehem; Moab
Sound-Bites:
May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” (Ch.2:12)
The neighbour women gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi!” So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ch.4:17)
The Messianic Link:
Ruth is the great grandmother of King David (The line of Jesse) from whom Jesus comes
Jesus is typified in Boaz the kinsman redeemer
Ruth Summary:
This is a short book of only 4 chapters that encompasses the aspect of redemption and love. Ruth and Orpah are widowed when their husbands die; after which Naomi (their mother-in-law) takes Ruth along with her back to Bethlehem.
She is then taken care of by Boaz who eventually marries her and she bears him a son called Obed, whom her mother-in-law, Naomi, helps to take care of.
Ruth is one of 5 women mentioned in the geneology of Jesus as written in Matthew 1: 1-6 the others being Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba and Jesus mother Mary.
Notes & Quotes:
Ruth is a prime example of strong& influential women in the Bible. This is a book that encompasses the grim times during the period of Judges. It is a light in the midst of darkness in some way, and particularly poignant to Christians as Ruth becomes the great grandmother of King David.
Here we have a book of love and loyalty, shown in the loyalty of Ruth towards Naomi and the love of Boaz towards Ruth. Boaz is a righteous man who ‘does the right thing’ by marrying Ruth and consequently brings her into the lineage of Christ, thereby fulfilling the plans of God.