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1A

INTRODUCTION: NAOMI EMPTIED

1:1-5

This introductory section describes the hopeless state of Naomi. Although she at one time had the present

security of a husband and the future hope of descendants through her two sons, she was now left hopeless.

She found herself without the security of a husband or sons, alone in a foreign land with only two childless

widows from Moab as her family. All hope for protection, support, and continuation of the family line was

gone.

2A

NAOMI RETURNS FROM MOAB

1:6-22

In a state of despair, Naomi returns to Israel with the hope, but no promise, of being filled. This section

provides a test of the loyalty of Ruth toward Naomi and YHWH.

1B

Ruth Shows Her Loyalty to Naomi

1:6-18

Orpah's understandable decision to remain in Moab serves as a foil highlighting Ruth's faithfulness.

As an example of worldly enticement Orpah remained in Moab and became a successful TV talk-

show host whose weight loss programs became nationally known.

2B

Ruth and Naomi Return to Israel

1:19-22

Ruth's insistence on making Naomi's people and God her own, and the oath by YHWH which she

takes indicate her trust in God. As the pair arrives back in Israel Naomi expresses her condition

twice. She tells her friends to call her “Mara” (bitter) instead of "Naomi” (pleasant) (1:20), and then

states "I went away full but the Lord has brought me back empty” (1:21).

3A

RUTH AND BOAZ MEET IN THE HARVEST FIELDS

2:1-23

In a touching story of compassion Boaz meets and voluntarily cares for Ruth. His actions toward her bespeak

concern in any culture. As before, the author announces the theme of the chapter in the first verse.

1B

Ruth Begins Work

2:1-7

According to Jewish law Ruth goes into the fields to glean the left-overs from Boaz's field hands.

Apparently Boaz's character is appreciated even by his workers (2:4).

2B

Boaz Shows Kindness to Ruth

2:8-16

The message of this section is Boaz's voluntary and extra-ordinary care of Ruth. His invitation for

her to glean in his fields, (2:8); provision of a lunch meal, (2:14); and directions to his workers to

leave extra grain for her and not to rebuke her (2:16), demonstrate concern for her total welfare.

3B

Ruth Returns to Naomi

2:17-23

The news of Boaz's favor to Ruth gives new hope to Naomi. Indeed, this, the center of the book, is

the turning point in Naomi's fortunes. Boaz's kindness offers tangible hope for Ruth's emptiness.

4A

RUTH GOES TO BOAZ AT THE THRESHING FLOOR

3:1-18

According to Naomi's instructions Ruth follows up on Boaz's kindness and, by her actions, asks him to act as

a redeemer.

1B

Naomi Instructs Ruth

3:1-6

It was customary for the land owner to remain by the grain at the threshing floor to protect his

investment during the harvest. Naomi's instructions to lie down by Boaz were not an attempt at

seduction (for Ruth's character continues to be blameless, [3:6]), but an appropriate proposal of

marriage.

2B

Boaz Promises to Redeem

3:7-14

Boaz's response is positive yet guarded. He agrees to redeem her providing that the one kinsman who

is nearer refuses his responsibility.

3B

Ruth Returns to Naomi

3:15-18

In the midst of a secretive and significant encounter at the threshing floor Boaz curiously insists that

Ruth not return to her mother-in-law empty handed, filling her shawl with barley. The author weaves

this incident into the empty-full motif of the book, showing that at every encounter with the kinsman,

the empty are made full.

5A

BOAZ REDEEMS AND MARRIES RUTH

4:1-12

Boaz exercises his right of kinsman redeemer after the nearer kinsman refuses.

1B

Refusal of the Next of Kin

4:1-8

According to custom Boaz goes through the proper channels to obtain the right to redeem Ruth. The

nearer kinsman refuses, thus providing a foil for Boaz. His grace and favor are emphasized by the

unnamed kinsman's refusal to help.

2B

Redemption of Ruth by Boaz

4:9-12

Boaz announces his redemption of the line of Elimelech and married Ruth. The prophetic response

of the elders is that Ruth's offspring might build Israel and that Boaz might become famous in Israel.

The elders' final statement compares this union to the ancestral kinsman-redeemer of Judah.

6A

CONCLUSION: NAOMI FILLED

4:13-17

This section balances that of the introduction (1:1-5). At this point Naomi receives back all and more than

she lost. She rejoices with her friends with whom she had previously lamented. The bitter one has become

pleasant once again and the empty one has been filled. This section also serves to climax the immediate story

of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz.

7A

GENEALOGY OF DAVID

4:18-22

The final section, a genealogy, lifts the story from an individual level to a higher national level with the