In the book of Ruth, the theme of redemption is vividly illustrated through the journey of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who embodies the process of being drawn out of a foreign world into the family of God's people. Ruth, often referred to as Ruth the Moabitess, stands out as a stranger and a poor woman in Israelite society, yet her story unfolds as one of transformation and integration through the kindness and actions of Naomi and Boaz. Ruth's initial situation reflects a life of hardship and foreignness, as she is both poor and a stranger from Moab, gleaning in Boaz's field under the provision of Israel's gleaning law, which was designed to support the needy and help them improve their lot. This law, as seen in Ruth's experience in chapter 2, offers a hand up, enabling her to sustain herself and begin changing her status from outsider to one who belongs. Boaz, upon noticing Ruth, takes immediate steps to integrate her into his world, instructing her to stay in his field, remain with his women, and drink from the water his servants have drawn. He personally feeds her and heaps blessings upon her with an abundance of grain, recognizing her character and potential. Through these actions, Boaz carefully helps Ruth become accustomed to the ways and blessings of God's people, paving the way for her to no longer be a stranger but to be counted among his own. In chapter 3, Ruth's bold approach to Boaz, following Naomi's instructions, signifies her willingness to be redeemed by him, despite their age difference and societal barriers. Boaz, moved by her kindness and virtue, eagerly commits to redeeming her, emphasizing his desire for her over the land tied to the redemption deal. His determination to secure Ruth, even at great personal cost, mirrors a profound dedication to her integration and well-being. Ultimately, Boaz redeems Ruth, prioritizing her over the property, and through his actions, he demonstrates a deep care and love that transforms her status. Naomi and Boaz both illustrate a commitment to supporting the stranger among them, helping Ruth join the redeemed and prosper within God's family. Their constant recognition of God's blessings in their lives and their efforts to make Ruth feel welcome highlight the redemptive process of drawing someone out of the world into a life among God's people.

The book of Ruth holds a significant place among the festival scrolls, read by the Jews during the Pentecost season due to its time setting from the Wavesheaf Offering to the day of Pentecost. This period encompasses the barley and wheat harvests, during which Ruth and Naomi returned to Israel from Moab, just as the barley harvest began. Their return marked the start of a journey where Ruth, a Moabite, was soon found by Boaz, who eventually redeemed and married her, bringing her into the lineage of Israel's great king, David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Ruth's story begins early in the harvest time, illustrating her transition from a Gentile nation into the Land of Promise. Her encounter with Boaz, a prominent and kind figure, showcases a mutual responsibility under covenant loyalty, or chesed, which means kindness and the full flow of natural affection. Ruth demonstrated this loyalty by adhering to the customs and laws, asking Boaz to be her redeemer despite other options, showing abundant kindness and character that impressed him greatly. Boaz, in turn, blessed and praised her for going above and beyond in her covenant obligations. God's sovereign care is evident in Ruth's life, orchestrating events like the famine that led her family to Moab and the subsequent prosperity that brought them back as widows, setting the stage for Boaz to redeem her. Even the smallest details, such as Ruth chancing upon Boaz's field on her first day of gleaning, reveal divine providence at work, ensuring she was in the right place to be blessed and protected. Boaz's unilateral kindness towards Ruth further mirrors God's grace. He granted her permission to glean in his field, admonished her to stay among his workers for safety and fellowship, and ensured she had more than enough by instructing his reapers to drop extra grain. His provision included food and water, refreshing and strengthening her for her work, symbolizing a deeper spiritual sustenance. Ruth's status as a Moabitess, a foreigner excluded from the congregation of Israel, underscores her initial alienation from the covenant. Yet, through her solemn oath to follow Naomi, embracing her people and God, Ruth was accepted and integrated into Israel. Boaz recognized her covenant loyalty, seeing her as more Israelite in character than many others, and had no hesitation in marrying her, effectively wiping away her past and grafting her into the family of God. Through these events, Ruth's journey from an outsider to an ancestor of David and Jesus Christ illustrates a profound transformation, highlighting the hope of redemption and the promise of a future union with a Redeemer, much like the ultimate hope for all who come under God's covenant.

In the context of preparing to be the virtuous wife of Christ, the story of Ruth exemplifies the importance of making choices aligned with God's will, even amidst a world of division and poor decisions. Ruth, as a type of those called out of this world to be part of the virtuous wife of Christ, demonstrates submission to God's word through her actions. In the opening of the Book of Ruth, we see Elimelech, whose name means God is king, make a choice based on his own judgment to save his family during a famine, contrary to God's instruction to trust Him and remain in the land. This decision led to the deaths of Elimelech and his sons within ten years. Yet, under God's sovereign authority, He brought Ruth, someone from outside the people blessed with His truth, into a position where she submitted to His every word with outgoing concern for others she did not even know. Boaz, a type of Christ, proclaimed Ruth as eshet chayil, the wife of virtue, highlighting her as an example of faithful obedience. The most significant lesson from Ruth's story is that God's church, and those handpicked to be within it, must follow what is right in God's eyes, making daily choices that affirm God as king, steering clear of the troubled world of division that began with disobedience in the garden.