Expositional Study
Ruth: An Expositional Study
Providence, Covenant Faithfulness, and the Redemption of a Family
David V. Lott, Ph.D.
The Book of Ruth is a masterwork of biblical narrative — compact in length yet profound in theological depth. Set in the period of the judges, it traces the journey of a Moabite widow who leaves her homeland to follow her mother-in-law back to Bethlehem, and in doing so enters the covenant community of Israel and the lineage of David.
This eight-part study examines the book through careful attention to its historical setting, its literary structure, and the legal institutions that govern its central transactions. Particular attention is given to the nature of Ruth's loyalty, the role of divine providence in the seemingly ordinary events of the narrative, the legal framework of land redemption and levirate obligation, and the significance of Boaz's conduct at the city gate of Bethlehem.
The study also includes a dedicated examination of the legal foundations underlying the redemption scene in Ruth 4 — drawing on Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 25, Numbers 27 and 36, and Genesis 38 — and concludes with a synthesis of Ruth's place in redemptive history and the genealogy that connects Boaz and Ruth to David and, ultimately, to Christ.
Study Progression
Loss, Loyalty, and the Return to Bethlehem
Historical and theological introduction to the book, followed by the account of Naomi's loss, Ruth's declaration of loyalty, and the return to Bethlehem.
Providence in the Field and at the Threshing Floor
Ruth's encounter with Boaz in the fields of Bethlehem, the workings of divine providence in ordinary circumstances, and Naomi's plan at the threshing floor.
Redemption at the City Gate
The public legal proceedings at Bethlehem's gate, the nearer redeemer's refusal, Boaz's declaration, and the community blessing.
Legal Foundations of Redemption and Marriage
An integrated examination of the legal institutions governing the transactions in Ruth 4 — drawing on Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 25, Numbers 27 and 36, and Genesis 38.
Ruth in Redemptive History
Concluding synthesis of the book's theological message, the genealogy of David, and Ruth's place in the redemptive purposes of God.