1.  Ruth is one of two books in the Bible named after a woman, and one of four women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew one.  The author is unknown, though Jewish tradition says it was Samuel.  It was probably written during the monarchy either of David or Solomon (based on the explanation of the shoe ceremony and the full genealogy of David in chapter four).

2.  The action takes place during the time of the judges, a dark time of spiritual decline, interrupted by periods of revival.  There was a constant pattern of failure, followed by God’s anger, bondage to an oppressor, then crying out to the Lord, the raising up of a deliverer, and finally rest or ease; only to begin the cycle all over again.  The last verse of Judges 21:25 describes the times well.  Ruth and Boaz are examples of purity, faith, and responsible living in dark days. They were ordinary people with extraordinary faith.

3.  The first verses of the book introduce us to Elimilech and his family.  He did not trust the Lord to take care of his family in the midst of a famine so he left Israel for Moab where he and his two sons die, leaving his wife Naomi alone in an inhospitable land with the widows of his sons. Naomi, whose name means “pleasant” or “pleasantness” becomes bitter about the circumstances of her life and she renames herself Mara which means “bitter.”

4.  Some of the lessons of the book are (various sources):

-the providence of God who is at work in the lives of His people: “The truth of the book for all ages may be started as follows: The Lord is faithful in His business of loving, superintending, and providentially caring for His people.”(Reed)

-when we yield to God, He will help us no matter how difficult the situation.

-we must not blame God for our missteps.

-“There are no small decisions” (Wiersbe)

-Trust the Lord and wait for Him

-God is gracious to save all who come to Him

-“The high ideals of integrity in relationships and marriage.” (Talk Thru the OT)