Ruth

Author: Unknown
Date of Writing: 10th Century BC
Type of Book: Historical
Theme: A Kinsman-Redeemer

The book of Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible that were named after women (Esther being the other). It is a short book that tells of a love story that happened during the time of the judges, which was a dark time in the history of the nation of Israel. Horrible things were happening as a result of the constant backsliding of God's people. But here in the book of Ruth, we see a bright spot in this beautiful love story; and we see that God was at work preparing a line through which the Messiah would come.

We aren't sure who wrote the book of Ruth. Jewish tradition credits it to Samuel, but the references to David's throne and his genealogy would probably put it at a later date. Samuel never saw David rise to the throne, so it was perhaps written during the reign of Solomon.

The book is important for several reasons. First, it is the only genealogy we have that connects David to the tribe of Judah. This is significant because the Messiah was to come through the tribe of Judah, and the genealogy of Jesus traces back to David.

Secondly, this book shows the heart of God, as He desires to reach the whole world, not just the Jewish people. Ruth was a Moabitess, a member of a cursed race. She grew up in a culture of paganism and idolatry. But through the testimony of her mother-in-law, she came into faith in the God of Israel and would ultimately be in the line of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This foreshadows our ultimate inclusion as Gentiles in God's plan to be grafted into God's family.

Another important significance that we find in this book is the illustration and elucidation of the kinsman-redeemer law. This was the law by which a close relative could take over the right of inheritance and redeem the inheritance when the heir was unable to do so. This is why Jesus, as our Kinsman-Redeemer, was able to redeem us. We were unable to redeem ourselves, so He, as our close relative, stepped in and paid the price for our redemption on the cross.

So this beautiful little love story, serving as a bright light in a dark time, shows us how God was preparing a family through which He could reach out, in His love for the world, to redeem us to Himself.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible