How God Uses Ruth in the Bible
In the Bible, the story of Ruth stands out as a powerful narrative of divine grace and providence. Contrary to the misconception that God's use of Ruth is limited to a single verse, the entire book of Ruth vividly illustrates how God intricately weaves her story into His grand plan. From her return with Naomi to her ultimate union with Boaz, Ruth's journey is a testimony of God's intervention in human lives.
The Role of Ruth: Bringing Hope and Lineage
God uses Ruth not just in key verses but through the entirety of the book of Ruth. Ruth's decision to return to her mother-in-law Naomi and embrace the God of her husband Boaz's family signifies her faith and devotion. It is through her actions and choices that the narrative weaves a profound and meaningful story of divine purpose and providence.
Biblical Verses Highlighting God's Role in Ruth's Journey
Ruth 2:11-12
Boaz, aware of Ruth's faith and dedication, expresses recognition and gratitude:
“All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done and a full reward be given you by the Lord the God of Israel under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”
This verse highlights the divine recognition of Ruth's steadfast faith and the promise of divine reward. Boaz's statement reflects the overarching theme of God's provision and protection.
Ruth 4:9-13
In the climactic moments of the story, Boaz's actions and the people's response underscore the fulfillment of God's plan:
“Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite the widow of Mahlon I have bought to be my wife to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem and may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.” So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. And he went in to her and the Lord gave her conception and she bore a son.”
This passage signifies the fulfillment of God's plan in Ruth's life, leading to the birth of Obed and eventually ensuring David's lineage. God's hand is evident in the family's reunion and the continuation of the lineage.
Ruth 4:18-22
This section provides a lineage of David:
“Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron Hezron fathered Ram Ram fathered Amminadab Amminadab fathered Nahshon Nahshon fathered Salmon Salmon fathered Boaz Boaz fathered Obed Obed fathered Jesse and Jesse fathered David.”
This genealogy illustrates the direct connection between Ruth and the kingship of David, further emphasizing the divine purpose in Ruth's story.
Ruth in the Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:1-25
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, as found in Matthew's Gospel, includes Ruth as a crucial link:
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac and Isaac the father of Jacob and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar and Perez the father of Hezron and Hezron the father of Ram and Ram the father of Amminadab and Amminadab the father of Nahshon and Nahshon the father of Salmon and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth and Obed the father of Jesse and Jesse the father of David.”
In this context, Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ underscores her deep spiritual significance. Boaz marrying Ruth not only secured the continuation of a noble family but also paved the way for the ancestry of the Messiah.
Conclusion: Unfolding God's Plan Through Ruth's Life
The life of Ruth is a testament to the intricate ways in which God weaves His plan through the lives of His people. From her humble beginnings to her adoption into the royal lineage of David and ultimately through Jesus Christ, Ruth's story highlights God's sovereign purposes and divine intervention in human affairs.
God's use of Ruth in the Bible is not limited to a single verse but is a continuous narrative of faith, redemption, and divine providence. By navigating her story, readers can gain deeper insights into God's overarching plan and the role faith plays in fulfilling that plan.