Precept Austin

Ruth 4 Resources

Updated: Wed, 01/25/2023 - 06:29 By admin
Ruth 3 Ruth Commentaries


Irving Jensen's Survey of Bible (see his summary of Ruth online - page 392)
See Swindoll's summary chart of Ruth See Ruth Devotionals

Setting the Scene Geographically
Ruth 1:1+ "Bethlehem in Judah...sojourn in...Moab"

RUTH: GOD PROVIDES
A KINSMAN-REDEEMER
Ruth 1 Ruth 2 Ruth 3 Ruth 4
Ruth's Choice Ruth's Service Ruth's Claim Ruth's Marriage
Naomi and Ruth
Mutual Grief		 Ruth and Naomi and Boaz
Mutual Pursuit		 Boaz and Ruth
Mutual Love
Ruth's Decision:
Return with Naomi		 Ruth's Devotion:
Provide for Naomi		 Ruth's Request:
Redemption by Boaz		 Ruth's Reward:
Relative of Messiah
Ruth
and Naomi		 Ruth
and Boaz
Death of
Naomi's Family		 Ruth Cares
for Naomi		 Boaz Cares
for Ruth		 God Blesses
with New Birth
Grief Loneliness Companionship Rejoicing
Location:
Plains
of Moab		 Location:
Fields
of Bethlehem		 Location:
Threshing floor
of Bethlehem		 Location:
Little town
of Bethlehem
Time Lapsed:
About 30 Years
See Timeline
Setting:
Ru 1:1 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed
Jdg 21:25+ In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

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Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

Put your life together : studies in the book of Ruth  Warren W Wiersbe - This book was written in 1985 and is not identical to Wiersbe's 1993 volume on Ruth and Esther (see below - also available online). 

Be Committed: Doing God's Will Whatever the Cost by Wiersbe, Warren W Wiersbe (1993) This vintage Wiersbe at his best. Outstanding! Filled with "pearls" for every preacher and teacher of God's Holy Word! 

Be Committed: Doing God's Will Whatever the Cost by Wiersbe, Warren W (2008) 196 pages - another copy of the preceding book but newer copyright. 

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament by Warren W Wiersbe 113 ratings

"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.

With the Word Devotional Commentary - by Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings - Brief but pithy and practical comments on every chapter.

Judges & Ruth: Tyndale Old Testament Commentary -  Leon Morris wrote the commentary on Ruth (1968)

Arthur Cundall writes the commentary on Judges and Leon Morris writes the commentary on Ruth. These both get excellent reviews - see reviews by several users. 

James Rosscup ranks this as the #4 Best "Detailed Exegetical" commentary on Ruth. 

Here is a more generic review - "The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." (Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary)

Ruth, the romance of Redemption by McGee, J. Vernon (1982) 208 pages - James Rosscup ranks this as the #2 best devotional commentary on Ruth. 

Surely there is a future : a commentary on the book of Ruth by John Hamlin 

James Rosscup ranks this as the #3 best expositional commentary on Ruth. He writes "One finds a concise summing up of each section in an engaging way, explaining the most vital points. Hamlin describes Ruth’s lying down with Boaz in terms that convey decency, and Boaz as a worthy man who would not take advantage (43). He patiently explains customs such as the shoe ceremony (Ruth 4), and its implications, and also kinship obligations via marriage."

Logos.com - In this excellent commentary E. John Hamlin approaches the book of Ruth as literature, as history, as part of the canon, and as truth-telling story.

Cyril Barber - Well outlined and giving evidence of thorough research, this popular commentary is designed to interpret the events of the conquest of the land from the perspective of the Hebrews. Though containing helpful interpretative ideas, the application of the text is almost exclusively in terms of sociological criteria. 

The Book of Ruth New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Robert Hubbard - 344 pages (1988) See user reviews.

James Rosscup ranks this as the #4 best expositional commentary on Ruth. He writes "The Professor of Hebrew at Denver Theological Seminary holds that the book dates from Solomon’s era, to which the genealogy of Ruth 4 brings matters, and is a unity including Ru 4:18–22. In detail verse by verse Hubbard is thorough and knowledgeable, documents well, sizes up issues from several angles, is skilled as to customs, and is adept in literature relating to the book. He writes primarily for pastors and laypeople."

Themelios - "It is safe to say that this will remain, for some considerable time to come, one of the most useful and enlightening commentaries available on the lovely little book of Ruth."

Vox Reformata - "This commentary is a pleasure to work with. . . . Hubbard gives clarity to this beautiful portion of God's word, and by doing so strengthens the faith of the reader."

Anvil - "A masterly commentary that provides an immense amount of information but gives pride of place to the message of the book of Ruth. . . . Recommended wholeheartedly."

Religious Studies Review - "Readable, well produced, and richly indexed. . . . One of the choice Ruth commentaries for a good time to come." --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Judges, Ruth. Vol. 6: New American Commentary - by Daniel Block (1999) - Personally, this is not my favorite although it does get high rankings. 

Cyril Barber says this is "An exceedingly valuable exegetical and theological exposition. Based on the NIV, though Block gives evidence of working from the Hebrew text. Readers will find this a learned, discerning discussion that readily explains the meaning and message of these twin books. Recommended. More reviews.

Rosscup - An evangelical contributes 586 pp. on Judges and 151 on Ruth. Introductory sections for both books survey the state of scholarly opinion and his belief in the integrity and reliability of the biblical books. Copious footnotes, often lengthy, reflect on others’ views, verifications of points in the books and also in other scripture, etc. Verse by verse work offers detail on grammar, word meaning, background, customs, and interpretive problems. Block holds that Jephthah sacrificed his daughter in death. On passages overall, this is a standout commentary, yet at times it states convictions without a specific answer to other leading views. One instance is in not commenting on the view that Ruth acted indecently with Boaz at night. Some accounts, as episodes of Samson, seem for the most part to be explained in reasonable detail. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)

Graeme. Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. A Graeme Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1984.

Cyril Barber - Auld writes out of the conviction that these books are the Bible's prime witness to Israel's early history in Canaan. He expounds the text skillfully and incorporates important historical, linguistic, and archaeological information into his discussion.

Ruth, Esther - Shepherd's Notes by Robert Lintzenich - Interesting resource - if you are preaching or teaching Ruth, this resources is worth checking out! 

Ruth & Esther : women of faith, bravery and hope by MacArthur, John (2000) 132 pages.

Our nearest kinsman : the message of redemption and revival in the book of Ruth by Hession, Roy Reviews 15 ratings

This short book is a study of the law of Redemption as first presented in Leviticus 25:23-25 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10. It lays out the desperate state of sinners who can do nothing to redeem themselves but find complete redemption in Jesus Christ, man's only Redeemer, Deliverer, and Savior. This study is foundation to an understanding of God's own Sacrifice to reconcile sinners to Himself and at the same time presents a picture of God's deep love that brings life to the dead, and makes all things new. What a blessing this little book is!

Ruth and Esther: Stories of God's grace - Woodrow Michael Kroll - See his devotionals below which are onsite.

Judges/Ruth - Arthur H Lewis Review Everyman's Bible Commentary Series

Faithful God : an exposition of the Book of Ruth by Sinclair B Ferguson - gets some very good reviews. Read some - 63 ratings

Joshua, Judges, Ruth by Goslinga, C. J

James Rosscup ranks this as the #4 Best "Expositional Commentary" on Ruth. 

Cyril Barber - Brief, perceptive comments on each verse of these canonical books. Adheres to the standard evangelical interpretation of major critical issues. In applying the text to life, Goslinga follows a typological approach. As a commentary, this work serves as a handy guide to laypeople studying these books for the first time. Pastors and lay preachers may find the outlines helpful.

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Ruth - Charles Pfeiffer - (1962). Can be borrowed for an hour. Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. 

The theology of the book of Ruth by Ronald M Hals

James Rosscup - Here is an exhaustive work, mediating, sometimes good and sometimes weak where he imagines things in passages beyond the evidence. Overall it has many helps. A thorough, insightful discussion of theological aspects, though some will feel that Hals sees more than there is in some details. The book is not a commentary but is frequently of great help to expositors.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Ruth - by R K Harrison (9 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews.

Discovering Christ in Ruth : the kinsman-redeemer by Fortner, Donald S

Evangelical Times Magazine - This book is a challenge to all in our generation who live by their feelings and not by faith in Christ. You cannot read it and remain the same. It is provocative and demands a response. This is strong medicine, but all who taste it will be made whole!

Choosing Victory, Overcoming Defeat : Joshua, Judges, and Ruth by Arthur, Kay - Very brief study guide. Ruth on page 102

KJV Bible Commentary - Ruth - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT - no restriction on length of time one can use  it. No copy and paste. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective (pre-millennial) See user reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users.

New Bible Commentary - Ruth by Joyce Baldwin. (1994) See user reviews

The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Notes are relatively brief but always Biblically based. 

ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

KJV Bible Commentary Judges - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. This is not a study Bible per se, but a one volume commentary with over 3000 pages of comments covering the entire OT/NT. There is no restriction on length of time one can use, but there is no copy and paste function. These are excellent conservative comments that interpret Scripture from a literal perspective.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. Recommended. 

The King James Study Bible Second Edition (2013) (Thomas Nelson) contributing editors (only first is listed) include Wayne A. Brindle. There is no restriction on length of time one can use, but there is no copy and paste function.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. 

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. 

NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H. Wayne (1997, 2007); 917 ratings Very helpful notes. Conservative. There is no restriction on length of time one can use, but there is no copy and paste function.

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." 

Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings 

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

The Jewish Study Bible - Only OT - Interesting Jewish perspective.


Ruth At Boaz's Feet

VERSE BY VERSE COMMENTS ON SITE - Bruce Hurt,MD

RUTH 2

RUTH 3

RUTH 4

PAUL APPLE

ART - RUTH 4

KAY ARTHUR

ALBERT BARNES

BRENT AVANTS

HERMAN BAAR

EVAN BALTZ

ALBERT BARNES

ALISTAIR BEGG

BRIAN BELL

J. G. BELLET

JOSEPH BENSON

BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES Resources that Reference Ruth

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

BIBLOS

BRIAN BILL - excellent resources if you are going to preach or teach through Ruth

EDWARD BOONE

JIM BOMKAMP

WILLIAM BRADEN

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

IAIN CAMPBELL - sermons

DONALD CANTRELL

ALAN CARR

PAULUS CASSEL

RICH CATHERS

CENTURY BIBLE

GORDON CHURCHYARD

ADAM CLARKE

THOMAS CONSTABLE

SAMUEL COX EXPOSITION

Cyril Barber -  The devotional Nature of this commentary does not detract from its expository value. While popular in style, it exhibits remarkable understanding of human nature, and provides its readers with a work of real merit. 

I.  THE SOJOURN IN MOAB - Ruth 1:1-5
II. THE RETURN TO BETHLEHEM - Ruth 1:6-22
III. IN THE HARVEST FIELD - Ruth 2:1-23
IV. IN THE THRESHING-FLOOR - Ruth 3:1-18
V.     IN THE GATE - Ruth 4:1-22

APPENDICES

A.—ON CHRIST AS THE MENUCHAH OF THE WORLD
B.—ON CHRIST AS THE TRUE GOEL OF MEN

W A CRISWELL

RON DANIEL

J N DARBY

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

DICTIONARY ARTICLES

DISCOVERY PUBLISHERS

WARREN DOUD

JOHN DUMMELOW

CHARLES ELLICOTT

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

EXPLORE THE BIBLE

DON FORTNER

JAMES FREEMAN - HANDBOOK OF BIBLE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS

A C GAEBELEIN

JOHN GILL

L M GRANT

JAMES GRAY

GOSPEL COALITION

GOTQUESTIONS

L M GRANT

KEITH GREEN

DAVID GUZIK

ROBERT HAWKER

HCSB STUDY BIBLE - notes well done - sign in to borrow

MATTHEW HENRY

WILLIAM HESLOP

SELWYN HUGHES - devotional

JOHN ANGELL JAMES

JAMIESON, FAUSSET AND BROWN

UNABRIDGED VERSION

S LEWIS JOHNSON

JOURNAL ARTICLES

KEIL AND DELITZSCH

JOHN KITTO

PAUL KRETZMANN

WOODROW KROLL

LANGE'S COMMENTARY

ALFRED LEEDES HUNT

DAVID LEGGE

DONALD LEGGETT

JOHN MACARTHUR

ALEXANDER MACLAREN

J VERNON MCGEE

F B MEYER

MIDDLETOWN BIBLE

G CAMPBELL MORGAN

HENRY MORRIS

  • Ruth 4:1 to the gate
  • Ruth 4:5 buyest the field. The right of a kinsman-redeemer to redeem the property of a dead relative, thereby preventing it from passing outside the family, is set forth in Leviticus 25:25-34. These events described in the book of Ruth indicate that this right of property redemption was also directly linked to the responsibility of raising up children to preserve "the name of the dead upon his inheritance" (Ruth 4:10).
  • Ruth 4:6 cannot redeem it. The redeemer must not only be a kinsman (Leviticus 25:25), but must also be willing, free and have the necessary price. As our great Kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ indeed fulfills all the conditions (see notes on Revelation 5:1-10).
  • Ruth 4:8 drew off his shoe
  • Ruth 4:18 Pharez. Pharez was the son of Judah, so this genealogical summary clearly shows that David is descended from Judah, and thus able to fulfill Jacob's prophecy (Genesis 49:10) of the sceptre.
  • Ruth 4:20 Salmon. According to Matthew 1:5, Salmon married Rahab the converted harlot, sometime after the fall of Jericho, and therefore Boaz was their son. (See introductory notes concerning gaps that may have occurred between Salmon and Boaz.)
  • Ruth 4:22 David was evidently born near the end of the judges period and Salmon near the beginning. The four generations between Salmon and David thus seem to have spanned the entire period "when the judges ruled" (Ruth 1:1), although it is possible that there are gaps in this genealogy. Note also that ten names are listed in the genealogy from Pharez to David. Deuteronomy 23:2 says that an illegitimate son could "not enter into the congregation of the Lord" until "the tenth generation." Pharez, of course, was the illegitimate son of Judah and Tamar, but this genealogy indicates that David was free from this exclusion, even if there are no gaps in the genealogy.

NET NOTES

WILLIAM NEWELL

JAMES NISBET CHURCH PULPIT COMMENTARY

OUR DAILY BREAD

JOSEPH PARKER The People's Bible

PASTOR'S LIFE

The Big Finish of Boaz

Ruth 4:1-13

Redeemer, Kinsman; Salvation, Price of

Donald Cantrell

The Bright Future of Bethlehem

Ruth 4:14-22

Heritage; Family, Christian

Donald Cantrell

True Love Awaits

Ruth 4:9

Love; Redeemer, Kinsman; Salvation

Steve Wagers

PATH LIGHT STUDY OF RUTH

ARTHUR PEAKE Commentary on Ruth

PETER PETT Commentary on Ruth

JOHN PIPER

PLYMOUTH BRETHREN

MATTHEW POOLE

WIL POUNDS

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL

Scroll Down the preceding link for homilies below

  • Ruth 4:1-5 Friends in Council
  • Ruth 4:6 A Shortsighted Policy and its Merited Oblivion
  • Ruth 4:9 The Kinsman Redeemer
  • Ruth 4:10 The Bridegroom Redeemer
  • Ruth 4:11-13 Prayers for Posterity and Prosperity
  • Ruth 4:11 Manliness, its Fit and Proper Sphere
  • Ruth 4:14-15 Congratulations and Good Wishes
  • Ruth 4:15-16 Youth and Age
  • Ruth 4:19-22 Links in the Chain Christward

PRECEPTAUSTIN

PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

AUBREY C PRICE

PULPIT COMMENTARY

ROBERT RAYBURN

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE

GRANT RICHISON Commentary on Ruth

DON ROBINSON

CHARLES J. ROLLS

HENRI ROSSIER

RUTH DEVOTIONALS - VARIOUS SOURCES - 100's of devotionals - Our Daily Bread, Today in the Word, etc

ROB SALVATO - sermon

RAYMOND SAXE - RUTH SERMONS

SERMON CENTRAL - Sermons (most have transcripts)

SERMONS BY VERSE

CHUCK SMITH

HAMILTON SMITH

SONGS RELATED TO RUTH and RUTH'S REDEEMER

SPEAKERS COMMENTARY

R C SPROUL DEVOTIONALS RUTH

RAY STEDMAN

I STEELE

JOHN STEVENSON

J B STONEY

RICHARD STRAUSS

JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE

CHUCK SWINDOLL

WILLIAM TAYLOR (1891)

JOE TEMPLE

THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDY NOTES BOOK OF RUTH

DEREK THOMAS

GEOFF THOMAS

JOHN TRAPP

STEVE WAGERS

R A WATSON

TODAY IN THE WORD

DANIEL WHEDON

WILLARD WINTER - about 50 pages

W. T. P. WOLSTON

STEVE ZEISLER

PRECEPT MINISTRY

SERMONS BY VERSE

A Primitive Council J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:1, 2
Fair Dealing and Good Principle in Boaz A. Thomson, D. D. Ruth 4:1-5
Friends in Council W. Baxendale. Ruth 4:1-5
Judicious Methods of Attaining Our Ends C. Ness. Ruth 4:1-5
Redemption Proposed S. H. Tyng, D. D. Ruth 4:1-5
The Goel J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:3-8
Our Own Inheritance W.M. Statham Ruth 4:4, 6
The Endangered Inheritance R. S. MacArthur, D. D. Ruth 4:6
Redemption Accomplished S. H. Tyng, D. D. Ruth 4:9
Honorable Conduct Honorably Witnessed J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:9-11
A Happy Marriage Bp. Oxenden. Ruth 4:10-11
The Marriage of Boaz and Ruth A. Thomson, D. D. Ruth 4:10-11
What a True Wife Ought to Be C. H. Parkhurst, D. D. Ruth 4:10-11
Good Wishes J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:11, 12
The Birth of a Son J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:13
The Birth-Hour W.M. Statham Ruth 4:13
The Benevolent Happiness of Old Age J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:14-17
Lessons from the Book of Ruth Abp. William Alexander. Ruth 4:17-22
Little Obed A. Thomson, D. D. Ruth 4:17-22
The Lineage of David J.R. Thomson Ruth 4:18-22

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