Who was Ruth?

Ruth was a central figure in the biblical book that bears her name, a narrative set during the tumultuous period of the Judges. She was a Moabite woman, which is significant because Moabites were traditionally excluded from the assembly of the Lord for ten generations due to their actions against Israel during the Exodus (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). Despite this background, Ruth married Mahlon, a son of Elimelech and Naomi, who had emigrated to Moab from Bethlehem due to a famine in Judah. After the deaths of her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law, Ruth demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and faithfulness to her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. When Naomi decided to return to her homeland, Ruth famously declared, "Don't urge me to leave you, or to return from following you. For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me" (Ruth 1:16-17). This declaration embodies the profound concept of *hesed*, or steadfast love and covenant loyalty, which characterizes her actions throughout the book. Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth began to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi, a provision permitted by Mosaic Law for the poor and foreigners. She providentially found herself in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and righteous kinsman of Elimelech. Recognizing her exceptional character and loyalty, Boaz extended great favor to her, acknowledging her dedication: "May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge" (Ruth 2:12). Through Naomi's guidance and Ruth's obedience, Boaz acted as a *goel*, a kinsman-redeemer, fulfilling the custom of marrying the widow of his deceased kinsman to perpetuate the family line and property. Their marriage (Ruth 4:13) resulted in the birth of Obed, who became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David. Thus, Ruth, the Moabite woman, became an ancestress of David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 1:5. Her story is a testament to God's providence, His inclusive nature, and the power of faithful love to transcend societal barriers and fulfill divine purposes.

The Book of Ruth is situated during the period of the Judges, a time in Israelite history (approximately 1400-1050 BC, though some scholars place it later) characterized by spiritual apostasy, moral decline, and political instability, famously summarized by the phrase, "every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Despite this overarching chaos, the narrative of Ruth offers a stark contrast, portraying acts of faithfulness, integrity, and divine providence within an ordinary family setting. Social customs of the era, such as gleaning for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22) and the institution of the kinsman-redeemer (*goel*) and levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), are central to the plot. These laws provided a safety net for vulnerable members of society, particularly widows, by ensuring the continuation of family lines and the redemption of ancestral land. The cultural tension of Ruth's Moabite origin against the backdrop of Israel's laws regarding foreigners underscores the theological message of God's universal reach and His inclusion of outsiders.

Ruth's story profoundly illustrates divine providence, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly ordinary events and human choices to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan. Her narrative highlights the theological concept of *hesed* – God's steadfast, covenantal love – as reflected in Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's benevolent care. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Moabite woman, traditionally an outsider, into the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) underscores a significant theme of God's universal grace and His intention to include all peoples within His redemptive scope, breaking down ethnic and religious barriers. The Book of Ruth serves as a counter-narrative to the prevailing chaos of the Judges, showcasing that even in times of moral decay, God preserves a faithful remnant and works through faithful individuals to advance His purposes.