One of the best ways to understand the main theme of Ruth is to compare it to the book of Judges.
Remember, both the tale of Ruth and all the crazy stories in Judges occurred at the SAME TIME under the SAME CIRCUMSTANCES.
Yet one book is about hope, friendship and what happens when one wholeheartedly surrenders to the God of Israel.
The other book is about the evil, rebellion and darkness that results when man turns away from God.
So what God principle can we discern from all this?
It is that even in the darkest of times…
Even when there seems to be no hope whatsoever…
All is never lost.
The light (אור) of the God of Israel and His love and grace are still to be found if you search for Him.
Even during times of horrific apostasy there will always be a faithful remnant who the Lord will work through.
Finally, we mustn’t overlook that Ruth’s story demonstrates the Lord’s grace was NOT limited to the Israelites but would also include gentiles.
This in itself was a fulfillment of prophecy and the promise that God made to Abraham when he said…
…”and through your offspring
all nations on earth will be blessed,
because you have obeyed me.”
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