The Book of Ruth
in a Nutshell
The Book of Ruth
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of Ruth is a short and beautifully crafted story set during the dark and chaotic time of the judges. It tells how God worked through ordinary people and quiet faithfulness to bring about His larger plan of redemption. The story centers on Ruth, a Moabite widow, who chooses to follow the God of Israel and becomes part of His covenant people. Through her loyalty, kindness, and trust in God, Ruth is woven into the royal lineage that will eventually lead to the Messiah.
The story begins with tragedy. Naomi, an Israelite woman, moves with her husband and two sons to Moab during a famine. Her husband and sons die, leaving her alone with her two daughters-in-law. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges them to stay in Moab. One agrees, but Ruth refuses, declaring her devotion not only to Naomi but also to Israel’s God: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”
In Bethlehem, Ruth gathers grain to provide for Naomi and meets Boaz, a kind and respected man who owns the field. Boaz shows her extraordinary kindness, and Naomi sees God’s providence at work. She encourages Ruth to seek Boaz as a “kinsman-redeemer,” someone who can marry her to preserve the family line. Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s character, willingly takes on this role and arranges to marry her legally and honorably.
Their union results in the birth of a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. What begins as personal loss and quiet faith ends in restoration, joy, and the continuation of God’s redemptive plan. Though Ruth was a foreigner, she is fully welcomed into God’s people, showing that His grace extends beyond borders and backgrounds.
Ruth is a story of loyalty, redemption, and quiet providence. It reminds readers that even in dark times, God is at work through the faithfulness of ordinary people. The book gently leads into the coming of Israel’s monarchy and offers a glimpse of the greater Redeemer to come, born from the same lineage as Ruth and Boaz.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of Ruth
Outline of the Book of Ruth
I. Ruth’s Loyalty and the Journey to Bethlehem (1:1–22)
A. Tragedy in Moab (1:1–5)
1. Elimelech’s family leaves Bethlehem due to famine (1:1–2)
2. Deaths of Elimelech and his sons (1:3–5)
B. Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth (1:6–22)
1. Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab (1:6–13)
2. Ruth's declaration of loyalty (1:14–18)
3. Arrival in Bethlehem during the barley harvest (1:19–22)
II. Ruth’s Faithfulness in the Fields of Boaz (2:1–23)
A. Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field (2:1–7)
1. Introduction of Boaz, a kinsman of Elimelech (2:1–3)
2. Boaz inquires about Ruth (2:4–7)
B. Boaz shows kindness to Ruth (2:8–16)
1. Protection and provision for Ruth (2:8–14)
2. Ruth gleans generously (2:15–16)
C. Naomi recognizes Boaz as a redeemer (2:17–23)
1. Ruth reports her day to Naomi (2:17–20)
2. Ruth continues gleaning in Boaz’s field (2:21–23)
III. Ruth’s Proposal and Boaz’s Promise (3:1–18)
A. Naomi’s plan for Ruth to seek marriage (3:1–5)
B. Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor (3:6–9)
C. Boaz promises to act as redeemer (3:10–13)
1. A nearer redeemer must be consulted (3:12–13)
D. Ruth returns to Naomi with Boaz’s gift (3:14–18)
IV. Boaz Redeems Ruth and Marries Her (4:1–22)
A. Boaz negotiates at the city gate (4:1–12)
1. The nearer kinsman declines to redeem (4:1–8)
2. Boaz officially acquires Elimelech’s property and marries Ruth (4:9–12)
B. Ruth and Boaz have a son (4:13–17)
1. Naomi is blessed with a grandson (4:13–16)
2. The child is named Obed, grandfather of David (4:17)
C. Genealogy from Perez to David (4:18–22)
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