Ruth

This is the sixth in a series of biblical summaries from David Dorsey's book The Literary Structure of the Old Testament.  This is the second in the sub-series of historical books, covering the book of Ruth:

a     introduction: devastation of Naomi's family (1:1-5)
       b     two of Naomi's relatives deliberate whether to support her (1:6-19a)
              c     return to Bethlehem in emptiness and hopelessness (1:19b-22)
                     d     TURNING POINT: meeting of Ruth and Boaz (2:1-23)
              c'    Ruth's appeal at the threshing floor and her return to
                    Bethlehem in fullness and hope (3:1-18)
       b'    two of Naomi's relatives deliberate whether to support Naomi (4:1-12)
a'    conclusion: restoration of Naomi's family (4:13-21) (Dorsey 126)

The 'a' pattern shows the reversal of Naomi's fortune.  Earlier, her family is lost.  Later, it is restored.  Ruth's marriage to Naomi's son ends tragically.  Later, Ruth has a happy marriage to Naomi's relative.  Naomi's two sons die earlier.  Later, Ruth is proclaimed to be more to Naomi "than seven sons."  All this suggests that what Naomi has lost has been restored.

The 'b' pattern shows the admirable quality of those determined to help - Ruth in the first case, Boaz in the second.  In both events, two relatives initially agree to help.  Then, in both, one relative turns back when marriage is mentioned.  One then chooses to stay with an admirable speech.  In both, a blessing is uttered for Ruth.  Then, in the first story, Ruth's decision to support Naomi means that Ruth will probably not remarry, while in the second, a decision to support Naomi means that Ruth will be married.  All this underscores Ruth's loyalty, and the blessings that are given to her.

The 'c' pattern contrasts two returns to Bethlehem.  In the first, Naomi returns in despair.  In the second, Ruth returns in hope.  The first takes place at the barley harvest.  The second, when the people were "winnowing barley."  The first features a question of Naomi's identity.  The second, a question of Ruth's identity.  In the first, Naomi says she left full but came back empty.  In the second, Ruth leaves empty, but returns with six measures of barley.  In the first, Ruth and Naomi come into Bethlehem in despair.  In the second, Ruth comes into Bethlehem with good news and hope.  All this underscores the scale of the changes of fortune that take place.

Finally, the story turns on the meeting between Boaz and Ruth in which he offers her his full and enthusiastic support.  The story turns on Ruth's need and Boaz's generosity.