Ruth 1 Commentary

The book of Ruth follows the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who marries an Israelite man who later dies, leaving her a widow with few resources. While the easy route would have been to return to her family and find a Moabite husband, Ruth commits to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law and joins her on the journey back to her home in Israel. Ruth is a model of courage and character, as she continually works to provide for herself and her mother-in-law. Boaz, a relation of Ruth’s late husband, enters the scene and provides for Ruth, taking note of her character and care for her mother-in-law.

Ruth is an incredible example to us as someone who forsook an old life for a new one, lived courageously and faithfully, and was greatly rewarded in the end.

The book of Ruth also presents the idea of a kinsman-redeemer, a close relative or relationship that is able to provide immense, immeasurable benefits to another person. Boaz serves as a kinsman-redeemer, and also sacrifices for the benefit of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. Boaz and Ruth are both rewarded for their faithful service by being the great grandparents of King David. That places them in the direct lineage of  Jesus Christ, who serves as a kinsman-redeemer for all of mankind.

Ruth is ultimately an example of a godly wife (Ephesians 5:22-24) and also of the relationship all believers should have with Christ. She was virtuous and faithful while serving others. She was subject to Boaz and submitted herself to his leadership. Boaz also made a great sacrifice which provided immeasurable benefit to Ruth. This kind of marriage is a picture of our relationship with Christ. Christ is our leader and ultimately our redeemer and savior, who sacrificed himself for us. Our faithfulness to him is for our good. Just as Ruth’s sacrifices and faithfulness to Boaz resulted in him acting as her kinsman-redeemer and providing her great reward, so our faithfulness and submission to Christ will result in our reward (Revelation 3:21).

Chapter 1 revolves around the tragic circumstances and heartache experienced by a woman from Bethlehem named Naomi. She travels with her extended family to Moab since there is a famine in the land of Israel. While in Moab, her husband and sons die. One of her daughter-in-laws returns to her relatives to start a new life while one daughter-in-law, Ruth, remains with Naomi no matter what.