Let’s look at Nehemiah 13:1 which says, “On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever.”  Now, let’s read Ruth 1:4 which says, “And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.”  There is no argument that Ruth was from Moab.  In fact, she is referenced as “Ruth the Moabitess” five times in the book of Ruth. 

It is in Deuteronomy 23:3-4 that we learn why the Ammonite and Moabite should never enter the congregation of the Lord.  That says, “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Because THEY MET YOU NOT WITH BREAD AND WATER in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because THEY HIRED AGAINST THEE BALAAM the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.”  Since Ammon and Moab had met the Israelites with hostility, and Moab had brought Balaam to curse them, a curse had been brought upon themselves, and they also were to be forever excluded from the congregation of Israel. (Read Numbers 22:1-6 about the treachery of Moab). 

The marriage of Boaz and Ruth has been a puzzle to many.  Ruth is even in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 1:5-6 which tells us, “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias.”  Booz (Boaz) and Ruth were the parents of Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David the king.  Notice in this passage that Ruth IS NOT referred to as Ruth the Moabitess…simply Ruth.  There have been a couple of credible thoughts about the legitimacy of the marriage of Boaz and Ruth.

  • There seem to be some exceptions to this law when a Moabite sought to follow the Lord and was faithful to Israel.  Let’s read 1 Chronicles 11:10 and 46, “These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel…Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and ITHMAH THE MOABITE.” 
  • Some have suggested that the restriction against the Moabites was against only the men.  This is possibly why Ruth is constantly referred to as a Moabitess.
  • It could be that the law that stated that a Moabite “should not come into the congregation of God” refers to the fact they could never become a naturalized citizen of Israel.  As in the case of David’s loyal servant Ithmah, he was still referred to as a Moabite.
  • One possible explanation concerning Ruth marrying Boaz is that Ruth was a proselyte and was not under the curse of the Moabites.  I’m sure most of us will remember the faithful words of Ruth to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17, “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: THY PEOPLE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, and THY GOD MY GOD: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”  It seems certain that Ruth had accepted the God of the Israelites and desired to be among them. 

Let’s compare that with what we read in Isaiah 56:1-6, “Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant.”  Acceptance was allowed to the stranger who was a true believer on God.  Those who “CHOOSE THE THINGS THAT PLEASE ME, AND TAKE HOLD OF MY COVENANT” were given a place in His house, a better name…an everlasting name, and the promise they would not be cut off.  Perhaps this might be the better explanation of the Lord’s acceptance of the marriage of Boaz and Ruth.  We know He did approve because He chose to bring His Son into the world through their lineage.  (612.2)  (CC)