By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
FAITHFULNESS
Ruth 1:11–18; 2:5–12
The Book of Ruth teaches that in His sovereign design, God ordains sorrowful tragedy to set the stage for supernatural triumph. God’s providence and faithfulness will not fail no matter how dark the times. The book is located historically during the time of the judges. We are introduced to a Judean family fleeing famine in Bethlehem and relocating in Moab.
Things went from bad to worse once they settled in Moab. Elimelech died and left Naomi with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They married Moabite wives named Orpah and Ruth. Within 10 years, both sons also died.
Loss (1:11–15)
Naomi shouldered the burden of caring for her two daughters-in-law. Without her husband and her two sons, her security was lost and her future bleak. She struggled to provide for herself as well as Orpah and Ruth. When Naomi heard that the Lord had ended the famine in Bethlehem, she decided to return home.
Naomi knew the best scenario for Orpah and Ruth was to return home to find husbands among the Moabite men, but both daughters-in-law wanted to go to Bethlehem with Naomi. She insisted that staying with her would ruin their lives, and her bitterness would engulf them.
Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and headed back home, but Ruth was determined to stay with Naomi.
She “clung” to her. This is the same word used in Genesis 2:24 to describe a man leaving his father and mother and bonding with his wife.
She felt sorrowful about the loss of her husband but also the loss in Naomi’s heart. She would not let Naomi suffer alone.
Loyalty (16–18)
Ruth fully committed herself to Naomi’s home, people and God. She pledged to remain with Naomi until her death. Ruth’s declaration to Naomi revealed the depth of love she had for her.
Ruth’s hallmark expression of loyalty to Naomi and commitment to the family she had married into was accompanied by her vow to live for the Lord, the God of Israel. This testimony evidenced Ruth’s conversion from worshiping Chemosh, the chief deity of the Moabites.
She enjoined her life to Naomi’s and called on God to witness her covenant. Ruth’s loyalty has been commended throughout generations. In this age of self-indulgence, her loyal love sparkles like a rare jewel.
Naomi had no argument left in her. The two widows continued their journey to Bethlehem, which would have taken about 7 to 10 days.
Provision (2:5–12)
Before beginning the next act in the drama, the narrator introduces a new character, Boaz, who was a relative of Elimelech. “Boaz” means “in him is strength.” He was a prominent man characterized by valor, wealth and property.
After settling in Bethlehem, the two widows needed food to survive, so Ruth asked Naomi for permission to glean in the grain fields. With Naomi’s blessing and according to the benevolent providence of God, Ruth “happened” to be in the portion of the field that belonged to Boaz. Boaz asked about Ruth’s identity and discovered a family connection.
Boaz spoke to Ruth and instructed her to stay in his field and to stick close to his female workers who were bundling the grain. He also offered her water and protection from his young men.
Ruth was overcome with gratitude for Boaz’s display of kindness toward her. Likewise, Boaz was struck with amazement at Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and to the God of Israel.
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