QUOTES ABOUT THE BOOK OF RUTH:
John MacArthur: "The Old Testament book of Ruth is a flawless love story. Although it is brief (eighty-five verses), it still runs the full range of human emotions—from the most gut-wrenching grief to the very height of glad-hearted triumph."
Biblical.com: "Redemption is a key concept throughout the account; the Hebrew word (redemption) in its various forms occurs 23 times."
Rev. Brian Bill: "Many people have said that the Book of Ruth is the most beautiful short story ever written. It’s an account of anxiety, fear, love, and commitment that inflames the imagination and soothes the soul. It begins with despair and ends with delight."
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John MacArthur: "The Old Testament book of Ruth is a flawless love story. Although it is brief (eighty-five verses), it still runs the full range of human emotions—from the most gut-wrenching grief to the very height of glad-hearted triumph."
Biblical.com: "Redemption is a key concept throughout the account; the Hebrew word (redemption) in its various forms occurs 23 times."
Rev. Brian Bill: "Many people have said that the Book of Ruth is the most beautiful short story ever written. It’s an account of anxiety, fear, love, and commitment that inflames the imagination and soothes the soul. It begins with despair and ends with delight."
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Who wrote this book?: Although it is not specific as to the author of the Book of Ruth, most scholars believe that this text was written by the Prophet Samuel.
Date of Writing: The general view is that this text was written between 1011 and 931 B.C.
Why was it written?: This wonderful book was written for the purpose of telling the reader that God is reliable. He directs our lives, and the best path for us is if we can lovingly obey Him and rely on His wisdom. While we're at it, we can reflect that love and kindness towards others. Note: you will also see an amazing parallel of the New Testament teaching of Jesus' grace and love extended toward the sinner.
Key Verse: Ruth 1:16, ""...Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'"
Brief Summary: The setting for the Book of Ruth begins in the heathen country of Moab, a region northeast of the Dead Sea, but then moves to Bethlehem. This true account takes place during the dismal days of failure and rebellion of the Israelites, called the period of the Judges. A famine forces Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, from their Israelite home to the country of Moab. Elimelech dies and Naomi is left with her 2 sons, who soon marry 2 Moabite girls, Orpah and Ruth. Later both of the sons die, and Naomi is left alone with Orpah and Ruth in a strange land. Orpah returns to her parents, but Ruth determines to stay with Naomi as they journey to Bethlehem. This story of love and devotion tells of Ruth's eventual marriage to a wealthy man named Boaz, by whom she bears a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David and the ancestor of Jesus. Obedience brings Ruth into the privileged lineage of Christ.
Does this book connect with Jesus in the New Testament?: It certainly does. Here's a hint: keep looking for the word "kinsman-redeemer." You'll see an interesting mystery involving Boaz, a relative of Naomi on her husband’s side, who did a noble act to save the poor Ruth by obeying the teaching of Leviticus 25:47-49). If you read it and understand it, you will see a picture of what Christ will do for the sinner. Look up and learn the definition of "redeem" and you will see the tie-in.
Date of Writing: The general view is that this text was written between 1011 and 931 B.C.
Why was it written?: This wonderful book was written for the purpose of telling the reader that God is reliable. He directs our lives, and the best path for us is if we can lovingly obey Him and rely on His wisdom. While we're at it, we can reflect that love and kindness towards others. Note: you will also see an amazing parallel of the New Testament teaching of Jesus' grace and love extended toward the sinner.
Key Verse: Ruth 1:16, ""...Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'"
Brief Summary: The setting for the Book of Ruth begins in the heathen country of Moab, a region northeast of the Dead Sea, but then moves to Bethlehem. This true account takes place during the dismal days of failure and rebellion of the Israelites, called the period of the Judges. A famine forces Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, from their Israelite home to the country of Moab. Elimelech dies and Naomi is left with her 2 sons, who soon marry 2 Moabite girls, Orpah and Ruth. Later both of the sons die, and Naomi is left alone with Orpah and Ruth in a strange land. Orpah returns to her parents, but Ruth determines to stay with Naomi as they journey to Bethlehem. This story of love and devotion tells of Ruth's eventual marriage to a wealthy man named Boaz, by whom she bears a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David and the ancestor of Jesus. Obedience brings Ruth into the privileged lineage of Christ.
Does this book connect with Jesus in the New Testament?: It certainly does. Here's a hint: keep looking for the word "kinsman-redeemer." You'll see an interesting mystery involving Boaz, a relative of Naomi on her husband’s side, who did a noble act to save the poor Ruth by obeying the teaching of Leviticus 25:47-49). If you read it and understand it, you will see a picture of what Christ will do for the sinner. Look up and learn the definition of "redeem" and you will see the tie-in.
What I like about Ruth: This book flows with God's grace! Some people may have felt that Ruth had no right to be favored at all - after all, she was from Moab, and that country was as far from worshiping God as you could get - to the point of actually sacrificing children to their cult-like gods. Ruth, however, wants no more of that - she wants the God of Naomi, and God accepts her happily.