April 1, 2003, Vol.3, No.7.
Two new articles every two weeks.
Bible Question? E-mail
us.
THIS ISSUE: "Introduction
to Ruth" (see below)
and "Introduction to First
Samuel"
Overview of the Bible:
Introduction to Ruth
by Keith Sharp
 Author of Ruth
The author of Ruth is unknown. However, the book was probably
written during the time of David (4:17-22).
Story of Ruth
Ruth is a beautiful love story. The young woman Ruth is a
moving example of loyalty, service, and obedience that our daughters
may emulate. No more exalted statement of loyalty has ever been
made than the stirring request of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi
(1:16-17).
Theme of Ruth
The theme of Ruth is the Lord's provident protection of the
faithful (2:12). The book touchingly portrays His care for a
widow and her Gentile daughter-in-law. Because of the faithfulness
of a destitute young widow, the Lord brought them out of deep
tragedy and sorrow to joy, prosperity, and honor.
Even amidst the gloom, decadence, and passion that so largely
dominated the times, this beautiful love story shows that faith,
love, loyalty, and self-sacrifice were also present. (L.A.
Mott, Jr., Joshua, Judges & Ruth. 29)
Purpose of Ruth
The purpose of Ruth is to show God's concern for the Gentiles.
It traces the lineage of David back to a Moabite (Gentile) woman
who chose to worship God (4:18-22). In doing so, it also traces
the lineage of Christ to the same woman as a foreshadowing of
the salvation to Jew and Gentile alike in Christ (Matthew 1:1-6;
Luke 3:23,31-32).
Outline of Ruth
1. The Loyalty of Ruth - chapter 1
2. The Service of Ruth - chapter 2
3. The Obedience of Ruth - chapter 3
4. The Reward of Ruth - chapter 4
~ ~ ~
|
