The Book of Ruth is significantly shorter than its predecessors. It is only four chapters long, but it is jam-packed. Using my “Know your Bible” pocket companion, I can confirm that the author of Ruth is mainly unknown, though it has been attributed to Samuel. It is an account of a family—a mother, a father, and two sons. The two sons marry, and two daughter-in-laws join the family. Their names are Orpah and Ruth. The men of the household all die, and Naomi, the mother, tries to send the daughters back to their original homes. Orpah agrees, but Ruth refuses. Ruth is highly attached and devoted to Naomi. I loved Ruth’s words to Naomi: “Do not press me to leave you or turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die- there will I be buried. May the Lord do this and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you.” (Ruth 1:16-17).
Ruth’s dedication to her Mother-in-law is unfailing and reminds me of marriage vows. The book shows the purity of Ruth’s soul and trusting nature, which is demonstrated when she meets Boaz. Boaz wanted nothing from Ruth but to be a loving and open host to Naomi and Ruth, who had become a packaged deal. Ruth demonstrated her hard work in the fields, willingness to listen, and devotion to the Lord without malice or self-importance. It seemed to be meant to be that Ruth and Boaz would be together and continue a solid familial line that would lead to David. Boaz followed the laws set forth by kinsman inheritances. He offered the land that Naomi still had, along with Naomi and Ruth, to the others in his “next-of-kin” group. It became apparent that nobody but Boaz could claim Ruth as his partner.
Chris tells me Ruth is short but chock full. I hope I’m not missing anything, as I infer the meanings as I read. Ruth was a pure soul. She felt love and devotion and did not hide them from anyone. She was a Gentile who married a Jew, and, through her passion, essentially converted in her faith. She never wavered. It was as if she was called to be a mother in the family line that bore David and, according to my companion book, eventually Jesus.
Why are women mentioned in the Bible such a small amount thus far? Sure, they didn’t pick up swords and pillage unsuspecting and disbelieving enemies. However, they used their influences to shape the way that Biblical history played out. We have Delilah, who used her charms to incapacitate Samson, and Eve’s influence, which opened Adam’s eyes to sin – two not-so-great reputations for women to carry. But, now, we have Ruth – a pure and open soul who was herself and brought and shared the qualities of leadership and devotion. Lord, let my heart be like Ruth’s. And now, I will begin reading First Samuel.
