Between Text & Sermon: Ruth 4

[...] a four-part sermon series could move from All Saints (1:1-5) to Reign of Christ, tying in the Messianic conclusion and anticipating Thanksgiving (ch. 2) and Advent. [...] ch. 4 alone leaves the false impression that men are the chief protagonists, for Ruth never appears or speaks, and Naomi's role is reduced to that of silent grandma. [...] the book may intend to subvert such exclusivist views of marriage and community membership as in Ezra 9-10 and Neh 13:23-27, stretching the meaning of "neighbor" to include sojourner and foreigner (Lev 19:17-18; Deut 15:3; 24:17-18).