Welcome to Bible Gateway’s weekly Look at the Book series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. This post will explore the book of Ruth, which takes place during the time of Judges. Though a small book, Ruth has some important themes about God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Set during the time of the Judges, Ruth portrays the promise of a life far beyond our expectations. As you read, take note of the themes of faithful love and redemption that prevail as events unfold for an Israelite family.
- Category: History
- Theme: Redemption
- Timeline: Sometime during Judges, 1375-1050 BC
- Written: During the reign of David, 1011-971 BC, possibly by Samuel
Key Verse
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” — Ruth 1:16 (NIV)
Major Theological Themes
- Ruth, as a Moabite, shows that God’s redemptive plan extends beyond the Jews to Gentiles.
- Women are co-heirs with men of God’s salvation grace.
- God’s sovereign and providential care of seemingly unimportant people at apparently insignificant times may later prove to be crucial to accomplishing God’s will.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Judges 2-3
- Day 2: Judges 21
- Day 3: Ruth 1
- Day 4: Ruth 2
- Day 5: Ruth 3
- Day 6: Ruth 4
- Day 7: Matthew 1:1-17
Consider
Ruth arrived in Bethlehem as a foreigner, became a maidservant, married Boaz, and was included in the physical lineage of Christ.
Access the rest of the series here. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
