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The Story of Ruth
The story of Ruth is an interesting inclusion in the scriptures. Like much of the Bible, I remain intrigued as to why God recorded the things that He did. In general, this narrative stands in stark contrast to those noted at the end of Judges - tales of greed and dishonesty and violence and immorality and idolatry. If the history of God’s people at the end of the Judges was all that God left us, it would appear that the future of Israel was bleak at best and doomed at worst.
But Ruth reminds us that there remained a remnant who were good, benevolent, moral, and faithful to God’s covenant. And it is a compelling revelation of God’s providence. And it clarifies somewhat how the levirate law worked in practicality. And it offers a purposeful record of David’s ancestry, and thus the Lord’s (Matthew 1; Luke 3), with the inclusion of yet another Gentile woman (Tamar and Rahab preceding Ruth). The presence of Gentiles in the lineage of the Messiah surely foreshadowed the universal offer of salvation. And it records one of the most beautiful passages in all of scripture:
“...wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God...”
Ruth 1.16-17
But today I am impressed simply by the loyalty of Ruth. I don’t know where her character found its basis. She was a Moabite, and though they were descended from Lot and thus had a historical connection to both Israel and Yahweh, there is nothing to indicate that they were really loyal to either. In fact, they are often enemies to God and His people.
But Ruth is portrayed as remarkable in her character. She is loyal to Naomi, accompanying her, working for her, caring for her, obedient to her. Her reputation for such was known publicly, and impacted Boaz (Ruth 2.11f), who responded to such by extending special favor to her. As the story will proceed, he becomes the more impressed with her through continued interaction, eventually taking her as his own wife (ch.3-4). And while Naomi appears to recognize the hand of God in all of this (and surely Boaz did as well), it is the attitude, disposition, loyalty, kindness, diligence, morality, and grace of Ruth that consistently impacts all who interact with her.
In this day and age, where such attributes are difficult to find, we need to think more about Ruth. And in a world that seems too selfish, greedy, busy, and dismissive to care for our families, she is an exemplar unsurpassed. Ruth stands as a denunciation to everyone who forsakes spouse, children, parents, or any other family member who is in need of care, kindness, love, attention, and appreciation. Though a Moabitess, her words epitomize godly devotion:
“The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me...”
Ruth 1.17
God help me today to be more like her.
