JESUS CHRIST and HOLY SPIRIT in Ruth
Hebrew Names of GOD in Ruth
EL-SHADDAI
GAOL
JESUS CHRIST in Ruth
Boaz presents one of the most dramatic figures found anywhere in the Old Testament to foreshadow the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. The role of the “kinsman-redeemer,” so beautifully fulfilled in Boaz’s actions bringing about Ruth’s personal restoration, speaks eloquently in this regard. His actions accomplish her enfranchisement in the blessings of Israel and bring her into the family line of the Messiah (Eph. 2:19). Here is a magnificent silhouette of the Master, foreshadowing His redemptive grace centuries in advance. As our “Kinsman,” He becomes flesh—comes as a man (John 1:14; Phil. 2:5–8). By His willingness to identify with the human family (as Boaz assumed the duties of his human family), Christ has worked a thorough-going redemption of our plight. Further, Ruth’s inability to do anything to alter her estate typifies absolute human helplessness (Rom. 5:6); and Boaz’s willingness to pay the complete price (4:9) foreshadows Christ’s full payment for our salvation (1 Cor. 6:20; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19).
HOLY SPIRIT in Ruth
There is no direct reference to the Holy Spirit in this book. Notably, at the juncture of Ruth’s first encounter with Boaz, Naomi’s guidance may be seen as a rep resentative way in which the Holy Spirit prompts and directs 1) to bring people to Christ (John 16:8; Rom. 2:4) and 2) to lead them to the accomplished purpose of God for human blessing (John 16:13–15; Gal. 5:5, 16–18, 22–25).