Opening Up Ruth
In the days when the judges ruled, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25)—but the Lord was quietly at work. The book of Ruth tells of a family driven from Bethlehem by famine, a Moabite widow who clings to her mother-in-law’s God, and a “worthy man” named Boaz whose costly kindness pictures a greater Redeemer to come.
Preached during Advent 2013 at Oceanside United Reformed Church in Carlsbad, in North County San Diego, this four-part expository preaching series by Dr. Daniel R. Hyde traces how God’s hidden, faithful providence turns sorrow into rest, an outsider into an ancestor of King David, and a small-town love story into the family line of Jesus Christ.
From Famine to a Faithful King
How Faithful Is Your God? (Ruth 2:1–23)
Ruth gleans in a field that 'just happens' to belong to Boaz. His kindness feeds her body, and points her to refuge for her soul under God's wings.
An Indecent Proposal? (Ruth 3:1–18)
Naomi sends Ruth to the threshing floor with a risky plan. What unfolds reveals godly character, not scheming, and a rest we cannot earn ourselves.
The Ultimate Purpose of Ruth (Ruth 4:1–22)
At the city gate, Boaz redeems and marries Ruth. Their son becomes grandfather to King David, and ancestor, generations later, to Jesus Christ the King.
Where Would You Turn? (Ruth 1:1–22)
A famine drives a family to Moab, where tragedy strikes. A Moabite widow named Ruth makes a surprising choice: to cling to Naomi and to Naomi's God.