Ruth Bible Quiz

Book Overview

Summary

Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, redemption, and God's providence set during the time of the judges. Ruth, a Moabite widow, shows remarkable devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and finds redemption through Boaz. Ruth becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.

In-Depth Overview

Ruth is a gem of hope set during the dark period of the judges. While Israel repeatedly rebelled, this story showcases extraordinary faithfulness, kindness, and God's providential care. Ruth, a Moabite (descendant of Lot's incestuous relationship), becomes an unlikely ancestor of Israel's greatest king and ultimately Jesus Christ. The story begins with tragedy: famine drives Elimelech's family from Bethlehem to Moab, where he and his two sons die, leaving Naomi with two Moabite daughters-in-law. When Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, Ruth makes one of Scripture's most beautiful pledges: "Where you go I will go... your people shall be my people, and your God my God." In Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in Boaz's field to provide for Naomi. Boaz notices her sacrificial devotion and shows extraordinary kindness (hesed), ensuring she gleans safely and abundantly. This kindness reflects God's covenant love. Naomi recognizes Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer—a relative who can marry Ruth and preserve the family line and property. Ruth courageously approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, essentially proposing marriage by asking him to fulfill the kinsman-redeemer role. Though a closer relative exists, that man declines, allowing Boaz to marry Ruth. Their son Obed becomes King David's grandfather, placing Ruth in the Messianic line. The book demonstrates God's providence—seemingly chance encounters (Ruth "happens" to glean in Boaz's field) are divinely orchestrated. Ruth models covenant love and loyalty (hesed), choosing hardship with Naomi over security in Moab. The story reveals God's grace extending to Gentiles and His ability to bring beauty from brokenness. Ruth's inclusion in Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:5) shows that God's redemptive plan encompasses all nations, not just Israel.

Book Outline & Structure

Historical Period

Time of the Judges

Approximate Timeframe

During judges period, approximately 1100 BC

What Was Happening in the World

Why is Ruth significant?

Ruth, a Gentile, shows that God's covenant extends beyond Israel. She's an ancestor of David and Jesus, appearing in Matthew's genealogy.

What is a kinsman-redeemer?

A kinsman-redeemer was a relative who could buy back property or marry a widow to preserve the family line, as Boaz did for Ruth.

5 basic questions

10 intermediate questions

20 advanced questions