Ruth

During the dark days of the Judges, we have recorded in Ruth an oasis in the desert.

Author & date

The author and date are unknown, but the internal evidence of the book suggests that it was written after teh period of the Judges. see Ruth1:1& Ruth 4:22, which records the genealogy down to David.

Outline

A. Ruth chooses Ch.1

1. Elimelech moves to Moab Ch1:1-5
2. Ruth returns with Naomi Ch.1:6-22

B. Ruth & Boaz Ch.2-3

1. Ruth in Boaz’s field Ch2:1-3
2. Boaz’s kindness Ch.2:4-17
3. Naomi’s encouragement Ch.2:18-3:6
4. Ruth’s legal claim Ch.3:7-36

C. Ruth & Boaz marry Ch.4

1. The nearest kinsman refuses to redeem Ch.4:1-7
2. Boaz redeems and marries Ruth Ch.4:8-12
3. Genealogy of David Ch.4:13-22

Notes

a. Notable 

There are only two books of the Bible devoted the he history of women:

1. Ruth, a Gentile, who marries a Hebrew man
2. Esther, a Jewess, who marries a gentile.

b. The Famine

Ruth 1:1-5, was this the famine of Jud.6:3-4?