Synopsis of the Book of Ruth:
The Book of Ruth is a narrative that takes place during the time of the judges in Israel. It tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who, after her husband's death, chooses to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth accompanies Naomi to Bethlehem, where they face poverty and uncertainty. In Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner who shows kindness to her. Boaz, impressed by Ruth's character, agrees to act as her kinsman-redeemer, marrying her and providing for her and Naomi. Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. The Book of Ruth highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and God's providential care.
Why was The Book of Ruth removed from the slave Bible?
The Book of Ruth was one of the many books removed from the Slave Bible. The Slave Bible was a heavily edited version of the Bible that was used during the period of slavery in the 19th century. It was specifically created for enslaved Africans with the intention of promoting obedience and docility by removing portions of the Bible that could potentially inspire thoughts of liberation or empowerment.
The Slave Bible contained significant omissions, particularly removing sections that emphasized freedom, justice, and resistance. The Book of Ruth, with its themes of loyalty, redemption, and the inclusion of a foreign woman in the lineage of King David, might have been seen as potentially subversive or empowering to enslaved individuals.
Overall, the removal of certain books and passages from the Slave Bible was a deliberate act to control the narrative and suppress ideas that could challenge the institution of slavery.
Themes found throughout the Book of Ruth:
- Loyalty and faithfulness: Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi demonstrates the importance of standing by loved ones in difficult times.
- God's providence: The book emphasizes how God works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of His people.
- Redemption and restoration: The story highlights the role of the kinsman-redeemer, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Redeemer.
- Inclusion and acceptance: Ruth's acceptance into the Israelite community shows the value of embracing diversity and welcoming outsiders.
- Trusting God's guidance: Ruth's decision to follow Naomi to Bethlehem exemplifies the trust in God's leading and provision.
- Blessings through obedience: Ruth's faithfulness and hard work in the field lead to favor and provision from God.
The Book of Ruth is a short narrative found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It consists of four chapters that tell the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her journey of loyalty, faith, and redemption. Here is a summary of each chapter:
Chapter 1: Naomi's Family in Moab
- The story begins during the time of the judges in Israel.
- A famine prompts a man named Elimelech, along with his wife Naomi and their two sons, to leave Bethlehem and settle in the land of Moab.
- Elimelech dies, and their two sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah.
- After living in Moab for about ten years, both of Naomi's sons die, leaving her widowed along with her daughters-in-law.
Chapter 2: Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
- Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab.
- Ruth, however, remains loyal to Naomi and accompanies her to Bethlehem.
- Ruth goes to glean in the fields for food, and she ends up in the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi.
- Boaz shows kindness to Ruth and allows her to gather grain in his fields.
Chapter 3: Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor
- Naomi comes up with a plan to secure a future for Ruth.
- Ruth follows Naomi's instructions and goes to Boaz while he is sleeping at the threshing floor.
- Ruth asks Boaz to take her as his wife, invoking the concept of the kinsman-redeemer.
- Boaz acknowledges Ruth's virtue but informs her that there is a closer relative who has the first right to redeem her.
Chapter 4: Boaz Redeems Ruth
- Boaz gathers the elders of the city and confronts the closer relative about the redemption of Naomi's land and Ruth.
- The closer relative declines the responsibility, allowing Boaz to redeem the land and marry Ruth.
- Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son named Obed.
- Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, making Ruth an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Additional details and nuances within the Book of Ruth:
- The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, a period of Israel's history known for its cycles of disobedience and God's deliverance.
- The Moabites were descendants of Lot, who was the nephew of Abraham. They were considered foreign to the Israelites, and there was historical tension between the two nations.
- The concept of gleaning, which Ruth engages in, was a provision in the Mosaic law that allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops from the fields of landowners.
- Naomi's return to Bethlehem coincides with the barley harvest, which is significant in the story as it provides Ruth an opportunity to glean in the fields.
- The role of the kinsman-redeemer was a cultural practice in ancient Israel. It allowed a close relative to redeem land, marry a deceased relative's widow, and ensure the continuation of the family line.
- Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, follows the proper legal procedures to secure the rights of redemption, demonstrating his integrity and adherence to the customs of the time.
- The mention of King David's lineage and the inclusion of Ruth as his great-grandmother connect the story of Ruth to the broader narrative of God's plan of salvation unfolding through generations.
These additional details contribute to the richness and context of the story, offering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural backdrop in which the events of the Book of Ruth take place.
Main Themes and Points:
- Loyalty and Faithfulness: Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to embrace the God of Israel demonstrate the power of commitment and faithfulness.
- Redemption and Restoration: The story highlights the concept of redemption, both in terms of land inheritance and personal relationships, emphasizing God's role in restoring and blessing the faithful.
- Providence and God's Guidance: The Book of Ruth showcases how God orchestrates events and guides individuals in their lives, even in times of hardship and uncertainty.
- Inclusion and Mercy: Ruth, as a foreigner and a Moabite, is welcomed into the community of Israel, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's mercy and love.
Scriptures from the Book of Ruth:
- Ruth 1:16 - "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'"
- Summary: Ruth expresses her unwavering commitment and loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring her willingness to stay with her and adopt her people and God as her own.
- Ruth 1:17 - "Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me."
- Summary: Ruth declares that she will remain with Naomi until death, invoking a curse upon herself if anything were to separate them. This emphasizes the depth of her loyalty and dedication.
- Ruth 2:12 - "May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
- Summary: Boaz blesses Ruth, acknowledging her faith in God's protection and promising her abundant rewards from the Lord for seeking refuge under His wings.
- Ruth 2:20 - "The Lord bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers."
- Summary: Naomi recognizes Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, someone who can provide for and protect their family. This highlights God's provision and the role of a redeemer in restoring and blessing His people.
- Ruth 3:5 - "I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered.
- Summary: Ruth submits to Naomi's instructions, showing her humility and obedience, which reflects the importance of trust and submission in our relationships and our walk with God.
- Ruth 3:9 - "Who are you?" he asked. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family."
- Summary: Ruth humbly asks Boaz to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer by spreading his garment over her, symbolizing his protection and care. This demonstrates Ruth's understanding of the redemption process.
- Ruth 4:14 - The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!"
- Summary: The women celebrate God's provision of a guardian-redeemer for Naomi and express their hope that he becomes famous throughout Israel. This highlights God's faithfulness and the transformation of hardships into testimonies.
- Ruth 4:15 - He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."
- Summary: The women prophesy over Naomi, assuring her that her daughter-in-law Ruth, who loves her and has given birth to a son, will renew her life and sustain her in old age. This verse speaks of God's restoration and blessing.
- Ruth 4:16 - Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him.
- Summary: Naomi takes care of Ruth's child, Obed, symbolizing the healing and joy that can come through God's redeeming work in our lives.
- Ruth 4:17 - The women living there said, "Naomi has a son!" And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
- Summary: The women in Bethlehem rejoice with Naomi upon the birth of her grandson, Obed. Obed becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn becomes the father of King David, tracing Ruth's lineage and highlighting God's providence in fulfilling His promises.