Book Synopsis
The book of Ruth is a cleverly narrated story about interpersonal relationships. While the main theme of this book is redemption, it is also about solving the crisis of the bloodline of a Jewish family. In addition to these themes, many other truths emerge. This story involves relational issues such as marriage, death, friendship, loyalty, romance, singleness, courtship, and remarriage. It begins with a crisis: there’s a famine in Bethlehem.
In many respects, Ruth’s story is our story. Her story teaches us, first of all, to discover the purposes of God in our relationships with others (verses 1-4). Why have you met the people you’re with? Why are you with the people you’re with? Why do you have the relationships that you have with other people in your life?