The Basics: A Brief Overview of Ruth
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Ruth
INTRODUCTION:
If you had just read the book of Judges, you might find yourself in a bleak mood based on the nation of Israel acting in such a repetitive sinful nature. However, the book of Ruth is an account of a love story by two people who sought the Lord’s will and found in each other in the pursuit. It is the perfect story of redemption, love, and a blueprint for anyone who is single and wanting to see why we should follow the Lord and allow His will to be done in our life.
WHO WROTE IT:
We cannot be dogmatic on who wrote the book of Ruth, however some have speculated that it was the Prophet Samual.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
We know the book is written after the events had transpired. While the events themselves are documented as having been done during the period between Joshua and King Saul, Ruth is written during the time of the Judges. Famed author and pastor Chuck Swindoll identifies that the book of Ruth was written some time in 1160 BC and 1100 BC.
KEY TOPICS:
Ruth discusses the Jewish law, the practice of Jewish law, love, Gentile, Jew, family, days of Judges, and salvation.
KEY SECTIONS:
The book can be divided into two parts. Chapter 1 is Ruth without Boaz, and chapters 2-4 describe Ruth and Boaz pursuing each other; while serving God and obeying His commandments.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
When reviewing other books of the Bible, we can quickly identify that the book of Ruth leans heavily on the book of Judges since the book of Ruth is accounted as occurring during the time of Judges. However, the book of Ruth is a subtle reflection of Jesus Christ loving on the Church. This is a romantic story with spiritual significance. If you want to know just how much Jesus Christ loves you, first read the Gospel of John and then go to Ruth. Nevertheless, the book of Ruth is leaned heavily upon by 1 and 2 Samual, and 1 and 2 Chronicles as well. King David would have read the love story of his grandparents, the actions of David’s grandfather rescuing Ruth played a vital role for David. Yet, for Boaz he was the son of Rehab who was a Gentile. Seeing Ruth would have just reminded him of his mother and the stories of how his father and mother had meet so many years ago.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
The Book of Ruth paramountly needs to be identified as proof that if we follow God and eagerly serve Him, we are not doomed to living a life of sorrow. God promises sorrow and tribulation in this world, but He never promised that He would not guide us in this life and at times bring us to something that even the world would have to identify as much better. As stated before, the book of Ruth is a love story between two people who were never expected to find each other. While they are both real individuals, careful study of the book of Ruth will direct the reader to identify Boaz as being symbolic of Jesus Christ and Ruth as being symbolic of the Church in the New Testament. Ruth can further help the reader reflect on the proper way to love one’s spouse and their family sacrificially. If you are raising children, two incredible examples can be found in Boaz for men and Ruth for women. The book of Ruth helps identify the laws given in Deuteronomy, specifically chapters 25:5-6 which are the foundation for the events of Ruth. Ultimately, the story of Ruth settles one thing, the lineage of King David Ruth 4:18-22, “18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David” but also shows Jesus being proud of having remarkable women in His genealogy. Unlike the common practice during that time, Jesus was not ashamed of women. He rather exemplified the significance that God had originally ordained woman to be with man. Ruth is the story of the importance of man and woman as how God sees it.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming
JL