How to Read and Understand Ruth

Ruth is a wonderful little love story tucked into the Old Testament, but maybe not in the way you might think. It does have your standard guy meets girl, girl uncovers guy’s feet, guy marries girl love story in it. However, that’s not the only focus. 

The book of Ruth opens up in Israel during the time of the judges. If you have read that book, you know that time period was cringeworthy in Israel’s history. The book of Ruth chronicles the story of Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law. 

Naomi’s husband and two sons had passed away in a foreign land, Moab, where Ruth was from. Legally, it was okay for Ruth to leave her mother in law and find a new husband. In her kindness, Ruth stayed with Naomi and made the trek with her back to Judah, Naomi’s homeland. 

The book of Ruth is the story of how both Ruth and Boaz take care of and ultimately bring hope back to Naomi by following the guidelines and provisions of the Law. Naomi, who was unable to take care of herself, was provided for by Ruth and ultimately Boaz. 

The significance of this book is not only found in God’s provision for Naomi, but it is a taste of God’s provision for us. Like Naomi, we are unable to take care of our own sin, but God sent Jesus to redeem us, and bring us back to Him. That is the greatest of all love stories. 

What to look for when reading Ruth:

• Naomi’s journey from despair to joy
• the kindness of the more fortunate to take care of the less fortunate
• God’s provision