The name Ruth appears twelve times in the book. A number that points us to Israel. We do not encounter her name again in the rest of the Tanakh. However, we do encounter her name once more in the New Testament, in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5).
The Redeemer
A key theme in the book of Ruth is that of the redeemer (Hebrew: goel). What this entails is already described earlier in the Tanakh, where we find laws regarding the right of redemption (e.g., in Lev. 25:23-55). Israelite law stipulated that the closest blood relative had the right to repurchase lost family property. This relative is called the redeemer.
Boaz
The book of Ruth illustrates what redemption entails and puts it into practice. Boaz, who plays a key role in this book, is the most famous redeemer in the Old Testament. He is a representation of Christ the Redeemer. Later in the New Testament, it is assumed that we know what redemption entails.
Revelation
In Revelation, the right of redemption plays an important role, though the concept is not actually mentioned. In Revelation 5, there is mention of a scroll sealed with seven seals. From the Tanakh, we know that this concerns the title deed to the land (Jer. 32:7-14). The question that arises is: who is worthy to open the scroll (:2), who is authorized to do so?
Revelation 5
9 And they sing a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals; for you were slain, and by your blood you redeemed us to God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
10 And you have made them to our God a kingdom and priests, and they will reign on the earth.”
Christ
Only one is worthy, and that is the Redeemer. He is described in various ways: the Lamb, standing as if slain, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Root of David (Rev. 5:5-6), all designations for Jesus Christ. He has redeemed them to God and makes Israel a kingdom of priests (Rev. 5:6). He is the Redeemer, Israel’s closest kinsman, who has the right to redeem the land. The opening of the seven seals, therefore, leads to the redemption of Israel.
An Israelite World Empire
From that moment on, Israel will be a priestly kingdom (Ex. 19:6; 1 Pet. 2:9). The Messiah will sit on the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32). The Messianic kingdom will be an Israelite world empire, and all nations will be subjected to the rule of Him and His people (Dan. 2:44; 7:27). In the story of Boaz and Ruth, Boaz is a type of Christ and Ruth a picture of Israel, and how this comes about is illustrated.