This is a beautiful book, and is evidently a typical one, sketching Israel's past, present, and future history. Domestic life and primitive customs are simply and charmingly told—customs which exist to this day in all their ancient simplicity. The meaning of the names of the persons will greatly assist in the intelligent understanding of this broadly-marked type of the reception to grace and blessing of Israel in her coming future:-
ELIMELECH, [to whom] God [is]
BOAZ, in whom is strength.
Elimelech figures Jehovah as the husband and King of Israel (Jer. 31:32; Psa. 89:18); Naomi representing the nation in marriage relationship with the Lord (Isa. 5:7; Jer. 31:20). But, on leaving the land of Israel, Elimelech dies; that is, Israel outside the land of Immanuel and amongst the Gentiles loses God as her husband and king, while the two sons—Mahlon and Chilion—sicken (Mic. 6:13) and pine away (Ezek. 24:23). Thus Israel outside Canaan is neither owned of God as wife or people, but sickens and dies, and is lost amongst the nations. Ruth, the future Jewish remnant, is a Gentile destitute of right or title, but she identifies herself with the desolate condition of the afflicted people (Mara), and Boaz, figure of Christ, in whom is strength, undertakes the cause of Ruth, the latter-day remnant, marries her, redeems the inheritance (the land of Palestine), and raises up the lost memorial of Israel.
The principles of grace and redemption are here most clearly prefigured; and as Ruth is one of the four women mentioned in the Lord's genealogy according to the flesh (Matt. 1), it must be a deeply interesting study to a spiritual mind to trace the providential chain of circumstances which could introduce a Moabitess amongst the Lord's ancestry, whose origin was most disgraceful (Gen. 19), and who, by the Levitical Law, was forever debarred from entering the congregation of the Lord (Deut. 23:3). This book affords a wonderful illustration of what grace—divine and sovereign grace—can accomplish. While it is true that the events and incidents recorded took place during the times of the Judges, it is equally important to recognize the distinctness of the book from that of the Judges. If that book gives the dark side of Israel's history, this unfolds in lovely detail the bright side of that same period.
The book of Ruth should be regarded as the link between the subjects presented in the preceding one (Judges) and those contained in the book which follows (1 Samuel). The predictions respecting Christ as of the royal tribe of Judah (Mic. 5:2; Gen. 49:10), and of the lineage of David (Jer. 23:5; Psa. 132:11), are marvelously linked in this interesting history (compare Ruth 5:18-22 with Matt. 1:3-6). Is not this a striking illustration of that divine oracle, "The Scripture cannot be broken?" Boaz and Ruth are the leading characters in the book and history. Boaz, in whom is strength, points to Christ, in whom is treasured up the sure mercies of David, and who will take up the cause of Israel in the closing days. Ruth (beauty) figures the future Jewish remnant, who, because of the nation's utter apostacy, will have no more claim upon the promises and glory than would a poor despised daughter of Moab. Hence Israel, having sinned away her every right to blessing, will be taken up on the simple ground of pure and sovereign grace. The regathering and blessing of all Israel will be on the ground of the unconditional promises made to the fathers.
GENERAL DIVISIONS.
1.-The historical circumstances and situation. A famine in the land of Israel—sad fruit of their sin, undoubtedly, but "thou dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed" (Psa. 37:3); instead of which Elimelech, his wife, and two sons leave the chosen land and sojourn in the country of Moab, and contrary to the law (Deut. 7:3), marriages are contracted with the daughters thereof. Death in the land of Moab. Ruth's touching devotedness to Naomi; she cleaves to the God and people of Israel. Ruth 1
2.-Ruth, figure of latter-day Israel destitute of right or title; and Boaz, figure of Christ. Israel will yet be taught to confide in her Messiah and Bridegroom. Ruth 2. and 3.
3.-Relationship fully established, and the Redemption of Israel's forfeited inheritance made good. Ruth 4