An Overview Of The Book Of Ruth Theology Religion Essay Example

nine times in a relational manner - once each in Ruth, Psalms, Esther, Daniel; twice in Ezra; and once each in Job and Zechariah. Furthermore, hesed used spiritually occurs 40 times - four times in Genesis; once each in Exodus and Deuteronomy; twice in 2nd Samuel; 15 times in Psalms; once each in 1 Kings and 2nd Chronicles; once each againin Job, Isaiah,J eremiah,and Ruth(2). Moreover,humans are commanded by God to possess and imitate this trait as they are made His image bearers. Despite its association with positive emotion,Hesed also incorporates judgmentand accountability aspect.Hesed, a Hebrew word and an important Jewish theological concept, can refer to possessing the gift of loving-kindness or lacking it entirely. It appears approximately 250 times in the Hebrew Bible, with around 125 occurrences in the Psalms alone. While not explicitly called hesed in the Greek New Testament, the Gospel can be viewed as embodying the idea of loving-kindness, mercy, and selfless giving. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave..." (Emilio, 2012:4).

An examination of the book of Ruth reveals that it is named after one of its main characters. Within the Bible's collection of books, there are two named after women: Ruth and Esther. Ruth was a Moabite while Esther was a Jewess. The Book of Ruth narrates how a Gentile woman came to reside among Israelites and became David's great-grandmother—the greatest king in Israel's history. Conversely, the Book of Esther depicts an Israelite woman who entered into a Gentile king's court and ultimately saved her people by becoming queen (Cowle, 2008:22).

In his analysis, Tiessen commends the book of Ruth as a well-crafted literary work within

the Old Testament. Despite its comparatively lower status within both Judaic canon and Christian Bible, the story remains widely recognized due to its captivating and thought-provoking narrative. This book recounts how two women triumph over obstacles to preserve their family lineage—an ancestry that eventually leads to King David.The book emphasizes the significance of the name Ruth, mentioning it 12 times as a symbol of friendship. This theme is reflected in her relationship with Naomi and others she encounters. Despite being a stranger in a foreign land, Ruth assimilates easily due to her friendly nature. The book of Ruth is also connected to Jesus Christ's genealogy as recorded in Matthew 1:5. According to Heijkoop, it beautifully illustrates how the Holy Spirit gathers family circumstances, pointing to an important truth. This narrative highlights significant aspects of Jesus Christ's life and uses the word "kinsman" which can be translated as "Redeemer" or "Avenger." Described as 'the Perfect Story,' this small book consisting of four chapters has garnered numerous testimonials. Cundall and Morris (1968) view it as a story of friendship where Ruth displays devotion to Naomi and Naomi cares for Ruth, fulfilling their family duties. Boaz marries Ruth to continue the name of the deceased Moabites, while raising questions about whether Yahweh can be trusted and revealing the relationship between God and man through its true narrative form.Naomi interprets the incident as a sign that either God has forsaken her or He can no longer be relied upon. The author of the book is unknown, but the final verse of chapter 4 suggests that it was written during King David's time, as it marks the end of Ruth's

descendants (Harlow, 1987;6). According to Reid (2000), the narrative in Ruth is presented from a female perspective and seems to encourage believers to have faith in Naomi and Ruth (25). Hesed, which is an intrinsic part of God's nature, serves as the central theme of the book. Hesed embodies God's benevolent and merciful character (Farmer, 1991: 96). It is also expected for humans to exhibit hesed towards one another. The story follows a Gentile woman who may not have personally encountered God but learned about Him through her mother-in-law. This woman becomes an instrument of God's hesed by showing kindness to Naomi when she had lost all hope. Farmer argues that Ruth's speech in verses 1:16-17 represents an act of hesed as she dedicates herself and her future to the Lord, becoming a vessel through which God transforms Naomi's emptiness into fulfillment. Through Ruth's loving-kindness, God turns a crisis situation into an opportunity for hope. Christians find value in studying and reflecting on the book of Ruth because it begins with hardship, experiences uncertainty but concludes with happiness. Naomi’s misfortunes lead her to believe that despite everything, God still remains in control and capable of bringing salvationNaomi expressed her belief to her daughters-in-law, saying, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's house. May the Lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you find rest in the home of another husband." She kissed them and they wept together. The daughters-in-law replied, "We will go back with you to your people." However, Naomi urged them to reconsider, questioning why they would

come with her when she had no more sons who could marry them. She explained that even if she were to have a husband and bear sons again, it would be impractical for them to wait until the sons grew up and remain unmarried for so long. Naomi considered her situation more bitter than theirs because she believed God's hand was against her. They all wept once more. Orpah said goodbye by kissing her mother-in-law while Ruth clung onto her.

Naomi then informed Ruth that Orpah was returning to her own people and gods and suggested she do the same. The origin of Moab can be traced back to Genesis 19:30-38 where Moab's first mother disobeyed by seeking a relationship with a man at any cost in order to bear children. Furthermore, Heijkoop mentions disobedience among the female descendants of Moab in verses 31-33. Naomi holds YHWH accountable for the tragic circumstances in her life as she believes everything stems from God himself.The text suggests that Job accepted his misfortune as God's doing, comparing it to Naomi's situation. In Job 19:21-22, he acknowledges that the hand of God has struck him and questions why his friends pursue him like God would. Bruggeman, quoted by Tiessen, explains how Job doubts God's reliability and wonders if Yahweh may not be trustworthy. Similarly, Naomi finds herself in a calamity and contemplates whether Yahweh is also unreliable. In 1:13b, she declares that Yahweh's hand is against her, excluding her daughters-in-law who have suffered significant loss as well. Naomi emphasizes her solitary state without a husband or children for hope and views all these circumstances as mistakes made by God. She

tries to prevent her daughters-in-law from joining her by depriving them of any hope while giving them a false image of God who is actually the husband to widows and helper to strangers. Instead of acknowledging that she brought misfortune upon herself by leaving God and His appointed place for blessings, Naomi blames God for everything negative that has happened to her.Despite the availability of a place where they could have experienced God's mercy, as expressed by the Psalmist who said, "Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him, who revere and worship Him with awe, who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine" (Ps 33:18-19), she and her entire family chose to go to Moab. Naomi's strong effort to deter her daughters-in-law from joining her was unexpected considering her desire for them to become true children of the Lord God of Israel. However, given her difficult circumstances, it seemed like the only option available to her. Orpah followed her mother-in-law's advice and returned to her own people and gods, while Ruth remained steadfastly committed. She told Naomi, "Urge me not to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge." Ruth symbolized this commitment by saying,"Your people shall be my people and your God my God.Where you die I will decease,and at that place will I be buried.The Lord do so to me,and more besides if anything but decease parts me from you"(1:16-17). Even though she had no obligation or expectation to provide for her

mother-in-law's needs,Ruth displayed kindness by going into the fields gathering leftover grain.Naomi was suggested by her to let her glean ears of maize, as gleaning was a special provision of God's law for the poor, especially aliens, widows, and orphans (Lev.19:9-10;23:22;Deut.24:19). This practice required field owners to leave the corners of their fields and the leftovers from the reapers for these groups. Ruth volunteering to care for Naomi demonstrates her display of "hesed," a trait attributed to YHWH. It is remarkable how Ruth, a non-Israelite, possesses qualities that should belong to God's chosen descendants. Emilio ponders how Ruth obtained this divine characteristic originally granted to Abraham's descendants - Isaac and Jacob. The Holy Bible does not provide an answer to this puzzle; however, the Talmudic account holds value in clarifying the divinity of hesed found in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Simply put, according to teachings from Sages in the Talmudic account, Ruth is believed to be a direct descendant of Abraham through Lot. They teach that she is Eglon's daughter and Balak's granddaughter who are direct descendants of Moab - Lot's son and Abraham's nephew. Consequently, Ruth inherited Abraham's lovingkindness that he instilled in Lot. The hesed shown by Ruth towards Naomi allowed her to encounter her "Savior" when she encountered Boaz and received unexpected admiration and favor from him.Boaz acknowledged all that Ruth had done for her mother-in-law since the death of her husband and leaving her parents and homeland to go to an unfamiliar place. He prayed for God to reward her and provide her with a full recompense. Ruth asked for favor in Boaz's sight because he had comforted

and spoken kindly to her, even though she was not one of his servants. During mealtime, Boaz invited her to come and eat bread and dip it in the vinegar-soaked grain. She sat beside the harvesters, and he gave her some parched grain. She ate until she was satisfied and still had some leftover for Naomi (Ruth 2:15A). Boaz, seeing Ruth, ordered his young men not to reprimand her and allowed her to glean among the bundles (Ruth 2:11-15). This paper highlights the similarities between Ruth and Boaz as stated by Reid (2000). Boaz commended Ruth for being kind towards Naomi (Ruth 2:11-12), while Ruth praised Boaz for treating her generously (Verses 10, 13). When Boaz entered the field, he greeted his workers with "The Lord be with you!" demonstrating his leadership and respect for his employees. The workers responded with "The Lord bless you!" portraying Boaz as a good man suitable for Ruth (41). Upon analyzing the book, it is evident that God's presence is seen in His people's lives.Ruth's story teaches us that God's care can be experienced in the ordinary and unpredictable aspects of everyday life (Reid, 2000:25-28). The concept of hesed in the book of Ruth is significant for Nigerian Christians as it demonstrates God's faithfulness and goodness towards His promises. Despite Naomi and her family bringing calamity upon themselves, God remembered her in her time of need (Psalm 136:23).

Many Nigerians, especially Christians, are leaving their homeland to find better economic opportunities overseas. Unfortunately, some are unable to return home. However, the author believes that Nigeria still has hope for improvement if Nigerian Christians place their complete trust in God.

The Book

of Ruth also emphasizes the importance of loyalty within both family and community. Naomi prioritized the well-being of her daughters-in-law and consistently acted in their best interests. Boaz displayed noble characteristics while Ruth remained loyal. According to Kent (1980), this story illustrates God's divine care and intervention. It is clear that God actively involves Himself in the lives of those who are open to Him.

Nigerian Christians should commit themselves to one another and provide support during times of need. As an old saying goes, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Similarly, just as God showed mercy to His people through hesed, He expects them to reciprocate.In both ancient and contemporary times, God has shown unwavering faithfulness to His people, particularly the Israelites. Therefore, Nigerian Christians should also strive for fidelity, wholehearted dedication, and a devout lifestyle. It is crucial for Christian leaders to demonstrate faithfulness and dedication in their roles while prioritizing the well-being of their followers. Boaz exemplified goodness and loyalty towards his followers, just as God does towards His promises. This serves as a reminder for Nigerian Christians to also exhibit kindness and loyalty towards one another. They should acknowledge that God is a loving deity and reflect that love in their personal lives and ministries towards others. Through their words and actions, they can showcase that their lives are deeply rooted in the character of God who loves humanity and desires its redemption through Jesus Christ.

It's important to recognize that God can work through anyone regardless of their troubled past; all He seeks is willingness and readiness on their part. Similarly, Christians have a responsibility to assist those in need

by being mindful of the impoverished individuals surrounding them. The term "Hesed," often associated with emotions, primarily encompasses actions rather than feelings.It is an invaluable gift from God which He expects His children to display towards one another.In this particular context,Naomi,Ruth,and Boaz embody Hesed within themselves.Many people across the world have undergone tragic experiences comparable to Naomi's situation.They long for God's presence and intervention in unexpected waysUltimately, happiness will be the outcome if one has complete trust in Him.