From first glance at the book of Ruth, you see that there’s romance in the air. However, looking into the details, you’ll find a redemption story.
Before we get into it, I remember a question I was asked some days ago: Why do you read your Bible? My response was and is still: To learn about Christ. Reading the book of Ruth will open you up to Christ in ways you’ve never thought, at least I never thought so.
Chapter 1
In the first chapter of Ruth, you find that Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem (House of Bread) to Moab due to a famine. Looking at the last verse of Judges 21, you see that because there was no king in Israel, everyone did what they believed to be right. You know, there was never meant to be a human king in Israel; the relationship ought to have looked like the one below:
The english translation of Elimelech is My God is King. This comes in handy when you consider that He left Bethlehem to Moab, a city where God wasn’t glorified. While in Moab, Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Naomi and their Moabite daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth.
Imagine you’re Naomi and you hear that there’s now bread in Bethlehem, you definitely will pack up to return. At least I hope that’s what you’ll do. Well, that’s exactly what Naomi did and she asked her daughters-in-laws to return to their homes. Why? She had no sons for them to marry.
While Orpah returns home, Ruth boldly declares that Naomi’s people and God will be hers. On arriving Bethlehem, Naomi asks to be called Mara (Bitter), since she’s returned empty. Note that they arrive at the start of the barley harvest season (Gathering of souls).
Chapter 2
Ruth goes to glean the heads of grain that remain on Boaz’s field, a member of Elimelech’s family. In asking the one in charge of the reapers (The Holy Spirit), Boaz discovers that Ruth is Naomi’s daughter-in-law. Consequently, Boaz encourages Ruth to glean only in his field and stay close to his young women.
My favourite verse in the book of Ruth is vs. 10: Why have I found favour in your eyes since I’m a foreigner?
Boaz blesses Ruth in vs. 12 saying A full reward be given to you by the Lord God of Israel under whose wings you’ve come for refuge.
During the meal shared in vs. 14, we see a symbolism of the communion instituted by Jesus with His disciples.
Remember that Naomi had asked to be called Bitter because God afflicted her? Here, she is blessing God and recounting that “He hasn’t forsaken His kindness to the living and dead” when Ruth tells her she’s working with Boaz. And she stays there till the end of the harvest season.
Chapter 3
Naomi considers that Ruth needs security, and Boaz can provide just that. Shout-out to Mamas everywhere. She mentions that Boaz will be on the threshing floor; symbolic for removing the chaff from the wheat (separating believers from unbelievers).
Remember Boaz’s blessing for Ruth in Ruth 2:12, we see Ruth use that in vs. 9: “Take your maidservant under your wing.” Interestingly, I’m reminded of David’s Psalm 91 vs. 4:
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:4 NKJV
In vs. 12, Boaz mentions that while he’d like to fulfil Ruth’s request, there’s a closer relative than him. Why’s this important? If you read Deuteronomy 25:5-10, it details how when a man dies, his brother or close relative should marry his wife. If this close relative refuses to perform his duty, Boaz will then step in.
Chapter 4
This chapter is all about Boaz and the steps he took to redeem Ruth. Boaz, Elimelech’s closer relative and 10 men of the city elders (symbolic of the Law – 10 commandments) all sit at the city gate and discuss Ruth’s redemption.
So we see Boaz pay the price for Ruth and this land in vs. 9-10, fulfilling the requirements of the law.
While reading this chapter, it occured to me that this is Jesus’ earthly lineage. God used the union of Ruth and Boaz to describe what Christ will do for us when He comes to the earth.
If you struggle to understand what Jesus did, the book of Ruth provides wonderful insight.
Summary
Throughout the story, we see God in action. Ruth as a foreigner/Gentile marrying an Israelite – God’s people -, to moving to Israel after the death of her husband. There she chooses to serve the Israelite’s God and she’s redeemed by Boaz when the price or better still, the conditions of the law is fulfilled.
In reading the Gospels, you find the italicised symbols play out in Jesus’ parables and the Epistles.
If you haven’t heard about Jesus yet, this is a representation of what He did for you. My hope/prayer is that you read the book of Ruth noting these little details on Redemption and Romance.
P.S: This article is the gleanings from a Bible plan I recently completed.
Have you always read the book of Ruth understanding these symbols?
Thank you for reading – Funmi
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