Ruth

LeRoy Eims

Ruth was the great‑grandmother of David. A thousand years earlier, Abraham had been called of God to found a nation that would one day bring the Savior of the world to mankind.

In the Book of Ruth we have the founding of the family within that nation from which the Savior would come. Boaz was the son of Rahab, the harlot of Jericho. Ruth was a Moabite and Boaz was from the land of Canaan. Here is a mixture of races to form the chosen family which is a foregleam of a Messiah for all nations, for all time.

Near the field of Boaz, where Ruth gleaned, the announcement came to the shepherds on that night of nights. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10,11)

In the book of Judges we were in the midst of scenes of strife and bloodshed. The story of Ruth is a complete contrast to those conflicts, distress and sufferings portrayed in that book. How refreshing it is to turn from those scenes of horror and destruction to this simple family history where love and devotion are the watchwords and where all is quiet and restful.

Here there is nothing to disturb the simple trust in God that shines through the pages of this book. It is a lovely scene in the midst of unlovely surroundings.

Here is a woman of the land of Moab, a young widow. So strong is her affection for her mother‑in‑law, that she insists on sharing her lot and supporting her in her time of need with love and companionship. To do this she must leave her own native land and live in a foreign land among strangers.

It is easy to see that Naomi had led her to faith in the living and true God. Ruth's words to Naomi are among the most beautiful and poetic of Scripture. "...entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." (Ruth 1:16,17).

In her new land she met her future husband while she gleaned in his field. Boaz was impressed by Ruth's love and devotion for her mother-in‑law. "And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shown me, all that thou hast done for thy mother‑in‑law since the death of thine husband, and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people whom thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Ruth 2:11,12).

How little Ruth realized that God would recompense her work. She never knew that from her family would be born the Savior of the world. In like manner, little did Boaz know that when he performed the duties of a kinsman according to the law, that his wife would bear a son in the line of the Redeemer.

How God overrules events and circumstances to His own glory is clearly set forth. The story begins with sadness and heartbreak, and ends on a note of triumph and joy. As we watch this theme unfold here and throughout the whole of Scripture, we can take heart as we too face the difficulties of life.