187. Mitchell Chase on the Book of Ruth

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Mitchell Chase to discuss his paper “A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth”. What is the Book of Ruth, and where does it fit within the larger Old Testament story? How does the Book of Ruth both continue and develop threads of theology – including God’s purpose in suffering, survival, law-obedience, gratitude and generosity, as well as an expectation of blessing being extended beyond the ethnic borders of Israel. Do we accurately see in Boaz a type of the future Christ Jesus, who himself will take “a bride from the nations”? In this episode, Dr. Chase takes us through these questions, and more, as we explore typology in the Book of Ruth; a typology of Jesus Christ as coming Davidic Messiah, an ultimate expression and fulfillment of an oft-neglected ideal kinship-redeemer from Bethlehem and Judah. The God of Israel uses the suffering, sorrow, death and destitution of the small and oft-forgotten to set the stage for the redemption of a people, and further his own eschatological purposes in Christ Jesus. As Mitch writes: “Just as the Book of Ruth is a story of redemption and marriage, so is the gospel”.

Article: “A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth”

Other resources by Dr. Mitchell:

40 Questions about Typology and Allegory

Walking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom

There Shone a Holy Light

Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall

“Does the Old Testament Teach Resurrection Hope?” (TGC)

Other resources:

"Ruth: A Commentary” by John Currid

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale

“What Designates a Valid Type? A Christotelic, Covenantal Proposal” by David Schrock

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

- Book of Ruth: King James Bible