Jim Phillips

The Book of Ruth Jim Phillips

Almost without fail, most commentaries on the book of Ruth say that the book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of the Gentile Bride of Christ, but is she? Are they just parroting what they were taught without considering for a moment that what is believed by the masses may actually be wrong? Students of the word of God should be allowed to hear both sides of an argument before deciding what they believe about this amazing book, but that is not what has happened. Pick up any commentary on the book of Ruth and you will find basically the same teachings originating from the same premise in all of them, and the only differences being the name of the author and the design on the book's cover. If you are searching for truth from the word of God, you need to confirm everything you have been taught by the "religious experts" on this subject as well. I hope you will consider what is presented in this book and search the scriptures daily to see if these things are so, just like the Bereans did in Act 17:10-12. Types in the book of Ruth The book of Ruth is a historical album of one of Israel's many bright spots in their past as well as a prophetic photo album of their future. The key to understanding the book is to remember that each of the main players in this story represents a greater spiritual meaning than is seen at first glance. Ladies First We will first take a look at the two prominent women in the book and what their lives portray in this story. Naomi represents the nation of Israel who leaves God's place of blessing (Bethlehem) during a time of famine to find bread for her family in a Gentile land. Ruth represents the Gentiles that are blessed for blessing Israel and who come to trust in the God of Israel. Ruth, a Gentile herself, blessed Israel through Naomi and she was blessed because of that reason. See Genesis 12:1-3. Ruth's name is mentioned in only two books of the bible, the one that bears her name, and in the opening verses of the book of Matthew: