Ruth 1

I. NAOMI’S PREDICAMENT CH. 1

As is often true in literature, the structure of the piece sometimes reveals the purpose of the writer. This is certainly the case in the Book of Ruth. The writer constructed the whole book with a chiastic (crossing) structure. [Note: Lief Hongisto, "Literary Structure and Theology in the Book of Ruth," Andrews University Seminary Studies 23:1 (Spring 1985):23. See also A. Boyd Luter and Richard O. Rigsby, "An Adjusted Symmetrical Structuring of Ruth," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 39:1 (March 1996):15-28.]

The pivotal point at the center of the writer’s emphasis is the plan laid by Naomi and Ruth to obtain rest (Ruth 3:1-8).

A Naomi too old to conceive (ch. 1)

B The possible redeemer introduced (Ruth 2:1)

C Ruth and Naomi’s plan begins (Ruth 2:2)

D Ruth and Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3)

E Boaz comes from Bethlehem (Ruth 2:4)

F Boaz asks "Who’s is that young woman?" (Ruth 2:5-7)

G Boaz provides food for Ruth and Ruth brings one ephah of barley to Naomi (Ruth 2:8-18)

H Naomi blesses Boaz (Ruth 2:19)

I Boaz is the one in position to redeem (Ruth 2:20)

J Ruth joins Boaz’s workers (Ruth 2:21-23)

K Naomi and Ruth’s plan to obtain rest (Ruth 3:1-8)

J’ Ruth requests Boaz’s protection (Ruth 3:9)

I’ Ruth asks Boaz to act as redeemer (Ruth 3:9)

H’ Boaz blesses Ruth (Ruth 3:10)

G’ Boaz promises to marry Ruth and Ruth brings six measures of barley to Naomi (Ruth 3:11-15)

F’ Naomi asks, "How did it go?" (Ruth 3:16-18)

E’ Boaz goes to Bethlehem (Ruth 4:1)

D’ Ruth and a field (Ruth 4:2-12)

C’ Ruth and Naomi’s plan ends (Ruth 4:3)

B’ The redeemer not denied (Ruth 4:14-16)

A’ Naomi receives a son (Ruth 4:17)

"What benefit does the definition of plot structure afford the interpreter of the text? Once the reader discovers the type of structure(s) of the narrative, and the locus of the defining element(s) in those structures, then he can more accurately reflect on the dynamic movement (or development) of the narrative from one level to the next and then to its climax and denouement. This kind of literary analysis offers several practical benefits to the interpreter: (1) It reinforces and adds dimension to correct exegesis. (2) It highlights the artistry of the writer, and thereby the audience’s appreciation for the aesthetic beauty of God’s inspired text. (3) It prevents the interpreter’s placing an improper emphasis on what may be only incidental to the development of the author’s message. (4) It exalts the Lord by showing that He is the Master of history. (5) Once the structure is discovered and is shown to be theologically consonant with the rest of Scripture, that structure becomes a source of truth in and of itself. That is to say, the reader can discover truth not only through structure, but also in structure." [Note: Reg Grant, "Literary Structure in the Book of Ruth," Bibliotheca Sacra 148:592 (October-December 1991):440.]

The opening verse of the book reminds us of the leadership vacuum in Israel during the Judges Period that the Book of Judges reveals (cf. Judges 17:6; Judges 18:1; Judges 19:1; Judges 21:25). The closing verse reveals God’s provision of the greatest leader that Israel had since that time. Therefore the book seems concerned with showing how God provided for His people, especially for their leadership need.

"In contrast to the Book of Judges, where the nation of Israel as a whole and most of the characters are portrayed as thoroughly Canaanized in heart and mind and deed, this story describes an oasis in an ethical wasteland." [Note: Block, p. 614.]

"The Book of Ruth is a pearl in the swine pen of the judges." [Note: J. Vernon McGee, Ruth: The Romance of Redemption, p. 20.]

Chapter 1 itself contains a chiastic structure that reveals the main point of this part of the story.

A Famine (Ruth 1:1)

B Emigration from Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1)

C Naomi = pleasant (Ruth 1:2-5)

D Leaving Moab for Bethlehem (Ruth 1:6-7)

E Naomi’s speech (Ruth 1:8)

F Naomi kisses Orpah and Ruth good-bye (Ruth 1:9)

G All weep loudly (Ruth 1:9)

H Naomi’s inability to conceive (Ruth 1:11-13)

G’ All weep loudly (Ruth 1:14)

F’ Orpah kisses Naomi good-bye (Ruth 1:14-15)

E’ Ruth’s speech (Ruth 1:16-18)

D’ Entering Bethlehem from Moab (Ruth 1:19)

C’ Naomi = pleasant (Ruth 1:20-21)

B’ Immigration to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:22)

A’ Barley harvest (Ruth 1:22)

The whole chapter centers around the fact that Naomi was too old to conceive. [Note: Hongisto, p. 22.]