Faith & Reason Nexus

Meaning of Ruth, Hebrew meaning: “Friendship” or “Association”
Authorship and Time Written: Uncertain and Uncertain
Position in the Bible: Holy Bible
Chapters: 4
Verses: 85
Words: 2,578
Observations about Ruth:

• Story of love, devotion, and redemption set in the days of the Judges.
• Moabite woman forsakes pagan heritage for Israel.
• Faithfulness in a time of national unfaithfulness rewarded by God.
• Ruth, the great grandmother of David.
• Boaz brings a Moabite woman into David’s family line.

Settings in the Book of Ruth:
1. Country of Moab (1:1-18)
2. Field in Bethlehem (1:19-2:23)
3. Threshing floor in Bethlehem (3:1-18)
4. City of Bethlehem (4:1-22)
Virtues of Ruth: Described as a virtuous woman (3:11). Demonstration of love in chapters 1 & 2 rewarded in chapters 3 & 4.
Kinsman-Redeemer Concept: Means “One who redeems.” Boaz, by marrying Ruth and preserving the family line, acts as a redeemer.
Book Details:

• 8th Book in the Bible
• 8th Book in the Old Testament
• 3rd of 12 books of History (Joshua – Esther)
• 58 Books to follow it

Notable Characters and Vows: Boaz appears 13 times in the Book of Ruth. Ruth’s vow (Ruth 1:16-17) expresses loyalty and commitment, illustrating a deep bond.

Meaning of Names in the Book:

• Elimelech: “My God is King”
• Naomi: “Pleasant”
• Mara: “Bitter”
• Mahlon: “Sick”
• Bethlehem: “House of Bread”
• Chilion: “Pining”
• Ruth: “Friendship”
• Orpah: “Stubbornness”
• Boaz: “In His Strength”

Transformation in Ruth’s Life: In 22 short verses, Ruth transitions from widowhood and poverty to marriage and wealth.

Choices of Characters: Orpah chooses to leave Naomi and is not mentioned again in the Bible.

Ruth’s Profound Vow: Ruth 1:16-17 expresses a profound vow of loyalty and commitment to Naomi.