Timestamps:
00:26 – Ruth, a Moabite, becomes a central character in Israel’s history as the great-grandmother of King David, through whose line comes Jesus Christ. Her story shows that God is the God of the whole world.
10:56 – After becoming a widow, Ruth goes to Bethlehem and gleans in the fields of Boaz. The Law commanded that owners “not reap the corners of their fields,” thus providing for the poor.
14:12 – How Boaz symbolizes Christ and how Ruth represents all of us coming unto him to be redeemed.
23:03 – Ruth proposes marriage to Boaz. The threshing floor as a symbol for covenants and the temple. Jesus says “I will gather my people as a man gathereth his sheaves into the floor.”
29:59 – The other kinsman that has claim upon Ruth can be seen as a symbol of Jesus reconciling and paying our debts for the things that have claim on us. God will compensate us for the difficult times in our lives.
33:35 – All the characters in the story of Ruth are demonstrating hesed, or covenant love. The image of the circle and square coming together as a symbol for the union of heaven and earth.
39:01 – In the Book of Samuel, Hannah comes to the tabernacle at Shiloh to pray for God to give her a son. Like Hannah, all of us experience times of deprivation, even when it is a righteous desire we seek.
43:11 – Hannah’s prayer led to the birth of Samuel and then an even more abundant blessing of many children. God is bounteous in his loving kindness.
46:16 – The Song of Hannah as a triumphant song of praise and overcoming adversity. It gives reference to the King, but there is no monarchy yet. This song can be seen as a prophecy of the Savior and contains temple imagery.
49:50 – Eli’s sons reject the Lord, so Samuel will take their place as High Priest.
50:46 – The Lord calls young Samuel to be a prophet, but he doesn’t immediately understand. Eli helps him open his ears. Sometimes we brush off impressions as coincidence, but oftentimes they are revelation.
55:09 – After the lack of open vision in the past, Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all of Israel. Prophets advise Israel’s kings and when they listen to the prophet they are blessed.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Audible
Listen on Facebook
Listen on Stitcher
Listen On Spotify
Listen on YouTube
Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:00:00 — 41.2MB)
I don’t think you need to be apologetic about the story of Ruth. I’m surprised that anyone would be offended by her story. I find it inspiring. Her faithfulness, love, and loyalty makes me want to be a better disciple of Christ. And as you pointed out, her story demonstrates that God is a God to all of us on earth, not just to those in the covenant. I have many friends and acquaintances outside the Church who have been examples to me and inspired me to be better.
Anyone who judges the story of Ruth based on today’s standards is being harsh and uncharitable, failing to understand that most societies historically have been dominated by patriarchies. We’re all products of the societies we live in, and that includes Ruth and Naomi.