“So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!” Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.”
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Ruth‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT

As the story of Ruth comes to a close, we learn an important point. It is revealed that this is the telling of a genealogy. It is specifically recounting the love story of King David’s grandparents. When we understand the story of Ruth through this lens, we can see that every dark point in the story was meant to convey a sense of wonder at how the reader already knew that God was going to bless. It is clear that the bitterness of Naomi is of prime focus because she would not die with such sadness. In fact, she would be the great-grandmother to the prime king of Israel. The entire story is meant to unveil how God blesses those who are hurting and weaves their story into the grand narrative of his tapestry. Bitterness is a shortsighted emotion to rest in when one is faithful and clever. Even a godless foreign widow can be woven into the grand narrative when she has faith. Those who give freely and refresh others will themselves find love and happiness, as did Boaz. Gods story uses difficult things to tell amazing things. In the context of David, all the suffering that began the story is beautiful. In the context of Jesus, all of our suffering that begins our story is more beautiful. He is our redeemer as well.

Story’s Purpose: The story of Ruth is a genealogy, specifically recounting the love story of King David’s grandparents.

God’s Blessings: The story emphasizes God’s ability to bless those who are hurting and incorporate their stories into a larger, divine plan.

Overcoming Bitterness: The story highlights the futility of bitterness for those who are faithful, as even a foreign widow can find happiness and be part of God’s grand design.