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Ruth 1:1–4:22

Ruth

The Book of Ruth as a chiasm

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

  1. a
    introduction: devastation of Naomi's family1:1–5Naomi's family is lost; Elimelech's line is ended; Ruth's tragic marriage to Naomi's son: he is sickly and dies; no children; both of Naomi's sons die; past events set the stage for the story; economy of words
  2. b
    two of Naomi's relatives deliberate whether to support her1:6–19aboth initially agree; one turns back when marriage is mentioned; one chooses to stay with Naomi, in an admirable speech; a blessing is uttered for Ruth; decision to support Naomi means that Ruth will probably not remarry
  3. c
    return to Bethlehem in emptiness and hopelessness1:19b–22setting: "at the beginning of the barley harvest"; surprised question of identity: "is this Naomi?"; "I left full, but Yahweh has brought me back empty (rêqām)"; Naomi and Ruth come into (bwʾ) Bethlehem in despair
  4. d
    TURNING POINT: meeting of Ruth and Boaz2:1–23
  5. c′
    Ruth's appeal at the threshing floor and her return to Bethlehem in fullness and hope3:1–18setting: when the people were "winnowing barley"; surprised question of identity: "who are you?"; Ruth left empty; she returns with six measures of barley: "you must not go back empty-handed (rêqām)" (3:17); Ruth comes into (bwʾ) Bethlehem with good news and hope
  6. b′
    two of Naomi's relatives deliberate whether to support Naomi4:1–12both initially agree; one turns back when marriage is mentioned; one chooses to help Naomi, in an admirable speech; a blessing is uttered for Ruth; decision to support Naomi means that Ruth will be remarried
  7. a′
    conclusion: restoration of Naomi's family4:13–21Naomi's family is restored; Elimelech's line is raised up again; Ruth's happy marriage to Naomi's relative: he is wealthy and robust (note etiologies of names); they are blessed with a son; "your daughter-in-law . . . is more to you than seven sons!"; future events provide broader significance of story; economy of words

Marriage of Boaz and Ruth and restoration of Naomi's family (Ruth 4:13–22)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

  1. a
    Boaz and his son4:13Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son
  2. b
    women bless child4:14"may his name be called (qrʾ) (great) in Israel!"
  3. c
    Naomi4:15awomen bless Naomi and child; "may he bring you renewed life, and may he care for you in your old age"
  4. d
    CENTER: praise of Ruth4:15b
  5. c′
    Naomi4:16Naomi takes child and suckles him (renewing his life); she becomes his foster-mother, taking care of him in her old age
  6. b′
    women name child4:17"and they called his name (qrʾ) Obed"
  7. a′
    Boaz and his son4:18–22the place of Boaz and his son, Obed, in the line of David