CHAPTER ONE

Contents: Naomi departs from Moab and returns with Ruth to Bethlehem.

Characters: God, Naomi, Ruth, Orpah, Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion.

Conclusion: When we take God for our Father we must take His people for our people though they be poor and despised. Those who forsake the communion of saints and return to the people of Moab will sooner or later break all communion with God and embrace the idols of Moab.

Key Word: Fidelity, v. 17.

Strong Verses:   16, 17.

Striking Facts: Many have a value and affection for Christ yet come short of salvation by Him because they cannot find it in their hearts to forsake other things and attach themselves to Him. If we resolve that nothing shall separate us from our duty to Christ, we may be sure that nothing can ever separate us from happiness in Him.

CHAPTER TWO

Contents: Ruth serves Boaz who exercises a great kindness toward her.

Characters: God, Ruth, Naomi, Boaz.

Conclusion: God wisely orders small events and those that seem altogethercontingent serve His own glory and supply the needs of His trusting people.

Key Word: Favour, v. 13.

Strong Verses:   12,20.

Striking Facts: vv. 22, 23. If we would benefit through Christ, we must adhere closely to Him, His fields and His servants. Has the Lord dealt bountifully with us? Let us not be found in any other field seeking happiness and satisfaction in the world.

CHAPTER THREE

Contents: Ruth rests at the feet of Boaz.

Characters: God, Ruth, Boaz, Naomi.

Conclusion: The married state should be a state of rest, when wandering affections are fixed in one who is fit, both temporally and spiritually to be a good husband.

Key Word: Rest, v. 1.

Strong Verses:   10, 11.

Striking Facts: The Lord Jesus is our Kinsman Redeemer. Through His incarnation He became kin to us as human beings that we, through the Spirit, might become betrothed to Him.

CHAPTER FOUR

Contents: Ruth finds reward in her marriage to Boaz.

Characters: God, Boaz, Ruth, Naomi, kinsman, Obed.

Conclusion: Fair and square dealings in all matters of contract and business is what all those must make conscience of who would approve themselves as "Israelites indeed without guile."

Key Word: Kinsman redeemer, v. 1.

Strong Verses:   14.

Striking Facts: At vast expense, our Lord Jesus, the Bethlehemite Redeemer purchased the heavenly inheritance for us which by our sin was mortgaged and forfeited, and which of ourselves we could never have redeemed.