Ruth was written for several reasons, and careful reading will produce several sub-themes, but the author has a central aim, though it is the most subtle, to affirm God’s absolute control over the affairs of this world and his providential involvement in the lives of people. God is not absent, even when He seems far from us. His plans will go forth, even when we cannot interpret the nature of their unfolding. In the midst of it, He is kind to take His own from emptiness to fullness, often in surprising and unpredictable ways.

Closely related to this central theme is the idea of Hesed. Ḥesed is one of those Hebrew words whose meaning cannot be captured in one English word. It is a strong relational term that wraps up in itself an entire cluster of concepts, all the positive attributes of God—love, mercy, grace, kindness, goodness, benevolence, loyalty, covenant faithfulness. So, when you see terms like 'loyalty,' 'faithfulness,' or 'kindness,' it's probably this term.

Ruth, in the end, is an edifying short story, taking shape as a brilliant Play would. It is a human story that reveals its characters in every layer of their humanness. The author presents Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as models of covenant devotion for his readers to emulate, amid varying trials, pain, grief, and wavering faith and faithfulness. It is a testimony to the blessing that comes to those who live in faithful covenant relationship with God and one another.

Ruth | Unanticipated Crises | Ruth 1:1-5