Ruth and Israeli Custom

Dei Break

Ruth 1:1 - 2:23

The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, perhaps Gideon, but was probably written down during the reign of King David. Some scholars think that David's prophet, Nathan, may have been the author, or a scribe in Solomon's reign; a few suggest that it may have been written by a woman, but no one knows for sure.

In times of famine national lines and cultural differences, however important, seemed to have been set aside—at least in the case of Elimelech. He took his family to the land of Moab, (descendants of Lot excluded from the tribes of Israel). Contrary to the law, the sons of Elimelech married Naomi and Orpah, Moabite women. When all of the men of the family died, Naomi was in trouble. Women could not go out and get a job, nor was there much of a welfare system. She was destitute, so she urged her daughters-in-law to return to their families. Naomi prayed for God's blessing on the two women, perhaps understanding God's recurring statement that all people should be brought into His family. Ruth insisted on staying. (interestingly, many are familiar with her statement of loyalty to her mother-in-law, but believe it relates to a bride's statement of devotion to her groom. [1:16])

According to Levitical law, farmers were to leave the field corners unharvested. This was to be left for the poor to collect (2:2). Boaz (an owner of the fields) was impressed by Ruth and made special arrangements with his servants to assist her in her task. His assistance was gracious and also protected her from going to other fields where she might have been abused by the ruffians so prevalent in the time of the judges in Israel.

Boaz was not only related to Naomi and Ruth (2:20), he was a "kinsman-redeemer." In Jewish law if a close family member had to sell his land or his person to pay a debt, the kinsman-redeemer stepped in to buy back the land or person. That law will complicate Boaz' new interest in Ruth.

Next Time: The Kinsman Redeemer