As is often true in literature, the structure of the piece sometimes reveals the purpose of the writer. This is certainly the case in the Book of Ruth. The writer constructed the whole book with a chiastic (crossing) structure.13
The pivotal point at the center of the writer's emphasis is the plan laid by Naomi and Ruth to obtain rest (3:1-8).
ANaomi too old to conceive (ch. 1)
BThe possible redeemer introduced (2:1)
CRuth and Naomi's plan begins (2:2)
DRuth and Boaz's field (2:3)
EBoaz comes from Bethlehem (2:4)
FBoaz asks "Who's is that young woman?"(2:5-7)
GBoaz provides food for Ruth and Ruth brings one ephah of barley to Naomi (2:8-18)
HNaomi blesses Boaz (2:19)
IBoaz is the one in position to redeem (2:20)
JRuth joins Boaz's workers (2:21-23)
KNaomi and Ruth's plan to obtain rest (3:1-8)
J'Ruth requests Boaz's protection (3:9)
I'Ruth asks Boaz to act as redeemer (3:9)
H'Boaz blesses Ruth (3:10)
G'Boaz promises to marry Ruth and Ruth brings six measures of barley to Naomi (3:11-16)
F'Naomi asks, "Who are you?"(3:16-18)
E'Boaz goes to Bethlehem (4:1)
D'Ruth and a field (4:2-12)
C'Ruth and Naomi's plan ends (4:3)
B'The redeemer not denied (4:14-16)
A'Naomi receives a son (4:17)
"What benefit does the definition of plot structure afford the interpreter of the text? Once the reader discovers the type of structure(s) of the narrative, and the locus of the defining element(s) in those structures, then he can more accurately reflect on the dynamic movement (or development) of the narrative from one level to the next and then to its climax and denouement. This kind of literary analysis offers several practical benefits to the interpreter: (1) It reinforces and adds dimension to correct exegesis. (2) It highlights the artistry of the writer, and thereby the audience's appreciation for the aesthetic beauty of God's inspired text. (3) It prevents the interpreter's placing an improper emphasis on what may be only incidental to the development of the author's message. (4) It exalts the Lord by showing that He is the Master of history. (5) Once the structure is discovered and is shown to be theologically consonant with the rest of Scripture, that structure becomes a source of truth in and of itself. That is to say, the reader can discover truth not only through structure, but also in structure."14
The opening verse of the book reminds us of the leadership vacuum in Israel during the judges period (cf. Judg. 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). The closing verse reveals God's provision of the greatest leader that Israel had since that time. Therefore the book seems concerned with showing how God provided for His people, especially for their leadership need.
Chapter 1 itself contains a chiastic structure that reveals the main point of this part of the story.
AFamine (v. 1)
BEmigration from Bethlehem (v. 1)
CNaomi = pleasant (v. 2-5)
DLeaving Moab for Bethlehem (vv. 6-7)
ENaomi's speech (v. 8)
FNaomi kisses Orpah and Ruth good-bye (v. 9)
GAll weep loudly (v. 9)
HNaomi's inability to conceive (vv. 11-13)
G'All weep loudly (v. 14)
F'Orpah kisses Naomi good-bye (vv. 14-15)
E'Ruth's speech (vv. 16-18)
D'Entering Bethlehem from Moab (v. 19)
C'Naomi = pleasant (v. 2-5)
B'Immigration to Bethlehem (v. 22)
A' Barley harvest (v. 22)
The whole chapter centers on the fact that Naomi was too old to conceive.15
Chapter 1 in a sense prepares for chapters 2-4 that constitute the heart of the book. Chapter 1 presents a problem, but chapters 2-4 provide the solution. The key to the solution on the human level was the planning of Naomi and Ruth.
There are really two plans, one to obtain food, the immediate physical need of the two women (ch. 2), and one to obtain a male heir, the long range covenant-related need of the women's extended family (3:1-4:17).
