Book Of Ruth Analysis

The Book of Ruth begins with this: “Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land.” (Ruth 1:1 NKJV). Even though the times were bad during the judges, “one wonders how the Israelites could have gone so wrong” (Hill&Walton, 2009, p.245) understand that, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6) or rather they did not follow the law. Judges is a story of a deteriorating nation, and as such, it is a picture of deteriorating Christian life. Even so, in Ruth we read that there were still men like Boaz who obeyed God’s law, and showed compassion to those in need. And of Ruth who cared for her mother in law, and worked hard to provide for her even though Naomi tried to send her away- back to her family’s home. Ruth showed a deep commitment to Naomi; binding herself to Naomi, to the land of Israel, and to the God of Israel.
“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Ruth was shown favor in God’s eyes by her actions of perseverance, faithfulness, love and endurance; which shows us how actions and commitments of ordinary and unexpected people such as foreigners and widows can change the course of history. “This again provides a contrast to the book of Judges, in which loyalty within bounds of the covenant is scarce” (Hill&Walton,