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{{DOD-March}}
The events in the Book of [[Ruth]] take place during the days of the judges, but what a difference we see! Instead of violence and lawlessness, it is filled with tenderness, [[love]], and sacrifice. The book is placed between Judges and [[Samuel]] for a definite reason. Judges shows the decline of the Jewish nation; while [[Samuel]] shows the setting up of the Jewish kingdom. [[Ruth]] pictures Christ and His bride, for during this present age Christ is calling for His bride from among the Gentiles and the [[Jews]].
Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, a [[Bethlehem]] family, went to live in Moab because of famine in their land. The Moabites were descendants of Lot; thus distantly related to the [[Jews]]. However, the Moabites worshiped idols. The two sons married Moabite women ([[Ruth]] and Orpah) while living there, and after ten years the father and both sons had died. [[Ruth]] , with a burst of devotion of superb beauty, returned to [[Bethlehem]] with Naomi.
Boaz was the son of Rahab, the Jericho Canaanitish harlot (see our March 4 lesson). Thus [[David]]'s great grandmother was a Moabite and his great grandfather half Canaanite--outside blood to form the chosen family within the chosen nation.
This book begins with a funeral and ends with a wedding! It opens with famine and closes with fullness. [[Ruth]] 's [[love]] for her mother-in-law, and her willingness to obey the Word, brought her into joy and blessing. The decision she made in chapter 1 to return to [[Bethlehem]] with Naomi determined her future.
Certainly Boaz is a picture of Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer. Christ took upon Him our flesh (without [[sin]], of course), that He might redeem us. He paid the price, and He did it because He loved us. Like Boaz, He is the [[Lord]] of the Harvest; He supplies our needs; He redeems the inheritance for us; He gives us rest.
