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1. A Look at the Book:

1. Name: from the primary character in the Book - a Moabite woman named Ruth = "a friend"
2. Author & Time of Writing:

1. There is disagreement among the scholars with reference to the author, but no evidence has been presented to deny the Jewish tradition that Ruth was written by Samuel
2. Ruth was likely penned during the latter part of Saul’s reign after the anointing of David (4:17-22)

3. Date of Events

1. In the days when the judges ruled (1:1)
2. F. LaGard Smith - "between Judges 12 and 13."

4. Theme: Love and Loyalty

2. Overview of the Book:

1. The sojourning in Moab (1:1-5) probably span the most time:

1. Elimelech takes Naomi and their two sons to the land of Moab due to a famine in Judah - vv 1-2
2. While in Moab, Elimelech dies and his sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth - vv 3-4
3. The sons die, leaving the three women widowed - v 5

2. The sad return to Judah - 1:6-22

1. Naomi hears of God’s restoration of Israel - v 6
2. Naomi encourages her daughters-in-law to return to their families and marry again. At first, both refuse, but at Naomi’s pleading, Orpah returns - vv 7-14
3. Naomi again encourages Ruth to return, but Ruth resolutely refuses - vv 15-18.
4. Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem together - vv 19-22

3. Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz and gains his favor - ch 2
4. Ruth claims Boaz as a redeemer kinsman - ch 3
5. Boaz marries Ruth under the right of redeemer kinsmen - ch 4

3. Key Passages:

1. Ruth 1:16-17
2. Ruth 1:20-21
3. Ruth 2:10-12
4. Ruth 2:15-21
5. Ruth 3:10-11
6. Ruth 4:11-12
7. Ruth 4:17

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