Book in a Day: Ruth

Boaz and Ruth - Illustration by William Hole (1846 - 1917)

Anchor Texts:

Ruth 1:15-18 NIV - The Outsider Comes Home

Ruth 1:19-21 NIV - Lost in Bitterness

Ruth 4:13-17 NIV - Naomi Gains a Son

Questions to Ponder:

1. How does Ruth’s story reflect themes of the Converting to Christianity?

2. Read Ruth 1:15-18. Ruth’s story tells us God does not reject the outsider. In what ways is Ruth an outsider- why might these things have made it heart for her to fit into Israel’s culture?

3. Read Ruth 1:19-21. Naomi says her name should be Mara which means “bitter.” What do we learn about God’s faithfulness to Naomi in this Book? How is he faithful to Naomi, even when she doesn’t “feel” it?

4. Read Ruth 4:13-17. Notice how verse 17 highlights that “Naomi has a son” rather than “Ruth has a son.” Why would the author of this book focus on Naomi here even though Naomi is not the one who gave birth? What does it mean for her to “gain a son”?

5. How might this book bring a message of hope to mothers in various situations? What does it tell us about God’s faithfulness to these women and to all women and families?

The Theme in Song:

The words of Ruth 1:16 have inspired lines in many worship songs, and several people have written songs about the story of Ruth. Here is one such song, with a unique setting and arragement performed by an orchestra, outdoors in Jerusalem. Enjoy!