The Book of Ruth is a short yet powerful story found in the Old Testament. Though it is only four chapters long, it carries deep meaning about love, loyalty, and God’s providence. Here are ten interesting facts that highlight the beauty of this book.
1. Ruth Was a Moabite
Ruth was not an Israelite by birth. She came from Moab, a nation often at odds with Israel. Her inclusion shows God’s grace reaching beyond one nation.
“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn...” (Ruth 2:2)
2. The Story Happens During the Time of the Judges
The events of Ruth take place in the days when the judges ruled Israel, a time known for instability and disobedience. Ruth’s story shines as a contrast of faithfulness in dark times.
“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land.” (Ruth 1:1)
3. Ruth Showed Great Loyalty to Naomi
After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi instead of returning to her homeland. Her loyalty is one of the most famous parts of the story.
“Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge...” (Ruth 1:16)
4. Ruth’s Hard Work in the Fields
Ruth gleaned leftover grain in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself. This act of humility and diligence caught the attention of Boaz.
“So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned...” (Ruth 2:17)
5. Boaz as a Kinsman-Redeemer
Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s late husband and had the right to redeem Ruth through marriage. This “kinsman-redeemer” role points forward to Christ as our Redeemer.
“And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s...” (Ruth 4:9)
6. Ruth and Boaz’s Marriage
Ruth and Boaz’s union was blessed by the community and became part of God’s larger plan for Israel’s history.
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.” (Ruth 4:13)
7. Ruth Is in the Lineage of King David
Ruth, a foreigner, became the great-grandmother of King David, one of Israel’s greatest leaders.
“And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” (Ruth 4:22)
8. Ruth Is Part of Jesus’ Genealogy
Ruth’s name is recorded in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew. This shows how God included people from outside Israel in His redemptive plan.
“And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth...” (Matthew 1:5)
9. A Book Named After a Woman
The Book of Ruth is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman (the other is Esther). This highlights the important role of women in God’s story.
10. The Central Theme Is Redemption
From famine to fullness, loss to blessing, the Book of Ruth tells how God redeems lives and weaves His purposes even through hardship.
“Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman...” (Ruth 4:14)
Summary in a Quick List
- Ruth was a Moabite outsider.
- The story happens during the time of the Judges.
- Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is legendary.
- She worked hard in the fields.
- Boaz was the kinsman-redeemer.
- Their marriage was blessed by God.
- Ruth became David’s great-grandmother.
- She appears in Jesus’ genealogy.
- One of two Bible books named after women.
- The main theme is redemption.
