Beyond the love story between Ruth and Boaz, the hesed of God is demonstrated. This Hebrew word is used repeatedly in this pamphlet to represent God’s loving kindness to his people. Naomi knows the law of her God requires fellow Israelites to protect and care for widows, orphans, and foreigners. Ruth, a Moabite, is taking quite a risk to travel with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem. Ruth gleans in Boaz's field, a man of standing and worthy character. He provides not only wheat for Ruth and Naomi to eat, but protection as well. As a widow and a foreigner Ruth is below the social status of Boaz’s servants, yet he shows her favor by giving her 10 times the amount of wheat as others and invites her to eat at his table. At the urging of Naomi, Ruth approaches Boaz as he sleeps and asks for a corner of his garment. A risky move but one evidently sanctioned by God as it leads to marriage for Ruth and Boaz. Inserts of contrasting text highlight information on Jewish traditions, vocabulary, and social customs concerning the Levirate Marriage and Guardian Redeemer. Cross referencing scripture shows God’s providential care in the lineage of the Messiah. The PDF was given to me by Rose Publishing for my unbiased review.
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