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The gospel according to the Old testament
From Famine to Fullness: The Gospel According to Ruth
Whether they are thrilled by the love story of Ruth and Boaz or encouraged by a happy ending for Naomi, many people are drawn to the book of Ruth. But though the story is indeed charming, Ruth is included in Scripture for more than our entertainment. Ruth’s message is theological, rooted in God’s oversight of the movement of redemptive history that climaxes in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 1, 2019
The book of Ruth is often viewed simply as a love story between Ruth and Boaz. But it is so much more than that (if it even is that at all). This book helps us to see the richness of this short Biblical book.
Ulrich first spends an entire chapter on the period and book of Judges, to set the time frame in which Ruth takes place, which is particularly helpful. If you are looking for a verse-by-verse commentary on Ruth, this is not it. But he does cover the important events and importance of those events in redemptive history.
As he states in the prologue, "Ultimately, then, the book of Ruth is a profound account of God's providence in the lives of otherwise ordinary people who observed God's covenant in rather mundane circumstances." Finally, Ulrich also demonstrates how both Boaz and Obed point forward to Christ.
As with all the volumes in The Gospel According to the Old Testament series, the writing is very approachable, geared toward the layman, not the academic.
Ulrich first spends an entire chapter on the period and book of Judges, to set the time frame in which Ruth takes place, which is particularly helpful. If you are looking for a verse-by-verse commentary on Ruth, this is not it. But he does cover the important events and importance of those events in redemptive history.
As he states in the prologue, "Ultimately, then, the book of Ruth is a profound account of God's providence in the lives of otherwise ordinary people who observed God's covenant in rather mundane circumstances." Finally, Ulrich also demonstrates how both Boaz and Obed point forward to Christ.
As with all the volumes in The Gospel According to the Old Testament series, the writing is very approachable, geared toward the layman, not the academic.
February 2, 2020
This book looks at major redemptive themes in the book of Ruth. The layout follows the book of Ruth and in that respect is a little more like a commentary. He does address many details in the book, but doesn't get deeply entangled in them. He focuses on aspects of Gospel truth in the book and connects major themes with other biblical books. It is a helpful study.
February 26, 2020
This was really very good. I don't give five stars lightly, but I was really taken by surprise by this book. I read it too quickly (in two days, which is far too fast for me--this would normally have been at least a week for me), and would really like to go back and take more time with it.
Ruth is the one whole book in the Bible I am most familiar with (as far as having some kind of mastery of the entire book in the English Bible). I was originally helped in my appreciation by Barry Webb (Five Festal Garments), and then last year I was drawn more deeply into the text and application of the book through a careful reading of two commentaries (Daniel I. Block in ZECOT and Cyril J. Barber) which precipitated a composition of a personal set of notes on the book that runs about 40,000 words. Ulrich is not so fully exegetical as a standard commentary, but his scholarly apprehension of the book is wonderful (and substantial), his gospel applications are always on point, and his excursus into larger theological considerations (such as his treatment of the importance of land laws in Old Testament) were outstanding. At times, I forgot I wasn't reading Dale Ralph Davis (esp. The Word Became Flesh), especially in the wonderful survey of the book of Judges and the placement of Genesis 38 in the midst of the story of Joseph (which previously felt like an unwelcome intrusion there, though my previous study greatly enhanced my appreciation of that story for its connection to the book of Ruth).
The author avoids certain exegetical conundrums, such as the possible conflation of levirate and redeemer laws, though his expertise as a writer leaves me with no doubt that had he directly addressed them, his words would have been well-chosen and his thoughts clarifying.
That I didn't necessarily agree with every assessment Ulrich might have made, I fully acknowledge that he is the teacher and I the student. The comment that Obed was Naomi's biological grandson is most likely a momentary slip. Though I have particularly lauded his scholarship, I should leave the reader in no doubt of the accessibility of this book. For the serious adult student of Scripture, the style is warm and engaging. He writes with imagination and polish. His prose is excellent. His pastoral heart is evident. He will not burden you with the Hebrew when the English will do just as well (which is almost always). I think I can very nearly assure you that any reader will walk away with a fuller understanding and a deeper appreciation of the Gospel according to Ruth.
Ruth is the one whole book in the Bible I am most familiar with (as far as having some kind of mastery of the entire book in the English Bible). I was originally helped in my appreciation by Barry Webb (Five Festal Garments), and then last year I was drawn more deeply into the text and application of the book through a careful reading of two commentaries (Daniel I. Block in ZECOT and Cyril J. Barber) which precipitated a composition of a personal set of notes on the book that runs about 40,000 words. Ulrich is not so fully exegetical as a standard commentary, but his scholarly apprehension of the book is wonderful (and substantial), his gospel applications are always on point, and his excursus into larger theological considerations (such as his treatment of the importance of land laws in Old Testament) were outstanding. At times, I forgot I wasn't reading Dale Ralph Davis (esp. The Word Became Flesh), especially in the wonderful survey of the book of Judges and the placement of Genesis 38 in the midst of the story of Joseph (which previously felt like an unwelcome intrusion there, though my previous study greatly enhanced my appreciation of that story for its connection to the book of Ruth).
The author avoids certain exegetical conundrums, such as the possible conflation of levirate and redeemer laws, though his expertise as a writer leaves me with no doubt that had he directly addressed them, his words would have been well-chosen and his thoughts clarifying.
That I didn't necessarily agree with every assessment Ulrich might have made, I fully acknowledge that he is the teacher and I the student. The comment that Obed was Naomi's biological grandson is most likely a momentary slip. Though I have particularly lauded his scholarship, I should leave the reader in no doubt of the accessibility of this book. For the serious adult student of Scripture, the style is warm and engaging. He writes with imagination and polish. His prose is excellent. His pastoral heart is evident. He will not burden you with the Hebrew when the English will do just as well (which is almost always). I think I can very nearly assure you that any reader will walk away with a fuller understanding and a deeper appreciation of the Gospel according to Ruth.
May 6, 2020
In his book, From Famine to Fullness, Dean Ulrich attempts to create a layman’s commentary on the Book of Ruth, as part of the Gospel According to the Old Testament commentary series. Dr. Ulrich is a former pastor and former professor at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, and writes from a Reformed perspective. His background bears itself out in this text, where the tough balance between academia and practical theology harmonize well.
Ulrich tackles the Book of Ruth in 9 chapters. The first chapter serves as an introduction, primarily serving to set the background for the Book of Ruth. He touches on Abraham, before moving to Joshua and then settling in Judges for the majority of the chapter. From there, the rest of the chapters move through each section of Ruth. Ulrich’s work should not be considered a verse-by-verse analysis (though it is exegetical), opting instead to focus on each idea presented or observed in the text. Throughout the book, he presents the relevant passage from Ruth, then breaks it down by idea, providing a brief overview of how scholars interpret particular issues as well as how each part of the story should impact the lives of believers. Because the book is geared towards laymen and not scholars, there is a section at the end of each chapter for small groups to discuss. Each set of questions helps to either recap the previous chapter or to challenge readers to hash out the implications in their own Christian walk.
Dean Ulrich offers a surprisingly deep book. It runs at about 160 pages, which doesn’t lag too far behind Hubbard’s 285-page NICOT work on Ruth, a scholarly commentary loaded with technical details and footnotes. Given Ruth’s relatively small size, Ulrich’s treatment feels exhaustive in drawing out the practical theology within it. His expertise is apparent throughout, presenting various issues or views within the text, but it is his ability to do so at a lower level without sacrifice that is especially impressive. He provides the most crucial details for a person to be introduced to the academic discussion on a given issue, without bogging down or overwhelming the layman. On top of all that, his insights are illuminating. Despite the size, Ulrich does not seem to be stretching as he writes, searching for just anything that will fill the pages. Instead, he is fairly focused and does a remarkable job in expanding what each section implies. Perhaps the best compliment I can give is that he remains consistent throughout. Each chapter feels familiar to the chapter before it, in terms of overall strength and approach.
There are not many weaknesses in From Famine to Fullness, but there are a few worth mentioning. The first issue I had with the book is in regard to his excursuses. I love his in-depth answers to difficult issues and his faithfulness to Scripture in each of them stands out. However, I think for the layman, his answers can run too long. I think there is a balance in defending your given answer sufficiently and giving it concisely. For example, in his section on xenophobia, he gives a great answer that brings in a lot of Scripture to convey how God is not, nor does He want his people to be, xenophobic. But in doing this, he spends about 3-4 pages drawing in all sorts of biblical background to answer it. Sometimes the background he provides takes so long that you forget the original question in view. The book could have been a bit cleaner and more efficient, but this is a small issue overall as it doesn’t quite reach the level where the reader is exhausted.
Additionally, another small issue is with his information provided. For each chapter, he gives a unique title but fails to list the relevant passage. This is true in both the Table of Contents and each chapter heading. Initially, I assumed this was because he is not going verse-by-verse, but idea-by-idea. However, that isn’t really the case. He does go through Ruth chronologically and doesn’t really bounce around much, certainly not enough to justify leaving out the references in a more easily-accessible way. While not a major issue, I already know this will slow me down if I ever want to quickly look up his thoughts again on a given passage.
Overall, Ulrich’s work is a wonderful and careful treatment of Ruth. His keen insights on how Jesus relates to the Book of Ruth are numerous and well-reasoned. This is a book that should be a supplementary part of every pastor’s sermon preparation, and probably even has some use for the scholar or seminary student.
Ulrich tackles the Book of Ruth in 9 chapters. The first chapter serves as an introduction, primarily serving to set the background for the Book of Ruth. He touches on Abraham, before moving to Joshua and then settling in Judges for the majority of the chapter. From there, the rest of the chapters move through each section of Ruth. Ulrich’s work should not be considered a verse-by-verse analysis (though it is exegetical), opting instead to focus on each idea presented or observed in the text. Throughout the book, he presents the relevant passage from Ruth, then breaks it down by idea, providing a brief overview of how scholars interpret particular issues as well as how each part of the story should impact the lives of believers. Because the book is geared towards laymen and not scholars, there is a section at the end of each chapter for small groups to discuss. Each set of questions helps to either recap the previous chapter or to challenge readers to hash out the implications in their own Christian walk.
Dean Ulrich offers a surprisingly deep book. It runs at about 160 pages, which doesn’t lag too far behind Hubbard’s 285-page NICOT work on Ruth, a scholarly commentary loaded with technical details and footnotes. Given Ruth’s relatively small size, Ulrich’s treatment feels exhaustive in drawing out the practical theology within it. His expertise is apparent throughout, presenting various issues or views within the text, but it is his ability to do so at a lower level without sacrifice that is especially impressive. He provides the most crucial details for a person to be introduced to the academic discussion on a given issue, without bogging down or overwhelming the layman. On top of all that, his insights are illuminating. Despite the size, Ulrich does not seem to be stretching as he writes, searching for just anything that will fill the pages. Instead, he is fairly focused and does a remarkable job in expanding what each section implies. Perhaps the best compliment I can give is that he remains consistent throughout. Each chapter feels familiar to the chapter before it, in terms of overall strength and approach.
There are not many weaknesses in From Famine to Fullness, but there are a few worth mentioning. The first issue I had with the book is in regard to his excursuses. I love his in-depth answers to difficult issues and his faithfulness to Scripture in each of them stands out. However, I think for the layman, his answers can run too long. I think there is a balance in defending your given answer sufficiently and giving it concisely. For example, in his section on xenophobia, he gives a great answer that brings in a lot of Scripture to convey how God is not, nor does He want his people to be, xenophobic. But in doing this, he spends about 3-4 pages drawing in all sorts of biblical background to answer it. Sometimes the background he provides takes so long that you forget the original question in view. The book could have been a bit cleaner and more efficient, but this is a small issue overall as it doesn’t quite reach the level where the reader is exhausted.
Additionally, another small issue is with his information provided. For each chapter, he gives a unique title but fails to list the relevant passage. This is true in both the Table of Contents and each chapter heading. Initially, I assumed this was because he is not going verse-by-verse, but idea-by-idea. However, that isn’t really the case. He does go through Ruth chronologically and doesn’t really bounce around much, certainly not enough to justify leaving out the references in a more easily-accessible way. While not a major issue, I already know this will slow me down if I ever want to quickly look up his thoughts again on a given passage.
Overall, Ulrich’s work is a wonderful and careful treatment of Ruth. His keen insights on how Jesus relates to the Book of Ruth are numerous and well-reasoned. This is a book that should be a supplementary part of every pastor’s sermon preparation, and probably even has some use for the scholar or seminary student.
June 2, 2023
Some insightful parts of this book, but the gospel applications and implications could have been drawn out further, especially for a book titled "the gospel according to..."
This is the 3rd book in this series I have read. They all have a strange leftward lean to them that is hard to put my finger on. This volume spent a few pages belittling capitalism, in what the author viewed as Israel's community socialist (my word) type of society. Which, he obviously compares to us modern day in America and our social safety nets for the less fortunate. The ironic part, is that social safety nets we have in place today are not capitalistic.
Regardless, some good points, some mediocre points. It's worth a skim read.
This is the 3rd book in this series I have read. They all have a strange leftward lean to them that is hard to put my finger on. This volume spent a few pages belittling capitalism, in what the author viewed as Israel's community socialist (my word) type of society. Which, he obviously compares to us modern day in America and our social safety nets for the less fortunate. The ironic part, is that social safety nets we have in place today are not capitalistic.
Regardless, some good points, some mediocre points. It's worth a skim read.
March 25, 2024
An absolute must-read! Ruth is so much more than a human love-at-first-sight story. God is up to something bigger than match-making. He’s all about advancing His plan of Redemption! Ruth takes us from the chaos of the time of the judges when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” (sounds like the day in which we are living) to the kings through the line of David and, ultimately, to the King of kings! The Book of Ruth draws a straight line from Genesis 3:15; 38:27-29; and 49:8-10 to Matthew 1:1-17. Don’t miss the Bethlehem connection…! Ruth shines within the biblical canon; Ulrich’s writing exposes great biblical and theological concepts and truths.
April 18, 2019
Great study on the book of Ruth! Recommended to anyone who wishes to connect the dots between Ruth and other related passages. This is coupled with easy-to-understand but insightful commentary. Every chapter ends with questions, and though I didn’t read over them, it seems that this book would be great for small group discussion. I particularly like chapter 1 on the context of Ruth and chapter 7 on the significance of promised land and details on the kinsman-redeemer.
May 28, 2018
Very good resource when considering the book of Ruth. Highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone considering preparing messages (sermons, bible study leader, etc...) about the O.T.
October 16, 2022
so so book on Ruth
So so book on Ruth. Barry Webb’s chapter in 5 festal scrolls is 1/10 shorter and 10 times more helpful
So so book on Ruth. Barry Webb’s chapter in 5 festal scrolls is 1/10 shorter and 10 times more helpful
June 28, 2023
Book #20 in 2023
5 Stars
An excellent resource for understanding, meditating upon, and teaching the Book of Ruth.
5 Stars
An excellent resource for understanding, meditating upon, and teaching the Book of Ruth.
March 31, 2025
This series is SO hit-and-miss
July 16, 2011
As most people that are familiar with the bible know the story of Ruth. However, there is so much more that you once again know the joy of your salavation and the application of redemption is made more clear. There is a great quote in the beginning of the book by Augustine.."The New Testamnt is the Old concealed;, the Old Testament is in the New revealed. Study of the scriptures is important for many reasons but the main reason is it reveals the heart of God that it draws you to Him. This book is part of a series of Old Testaments people/stories that reveal the Gospel and ties it to the New Testament. As you read, redemption becomes more clear and has it becomes more clear, you begin to understand more of God's Will for your life. You understand the Why, What, Who and How come. You begin to see how you can Love the Lord with your whole heart, soul and mind. Basically with your life. In the story of Ruth, as during the time when Judges was written. What began as complaceny and tolerance became apostasy. We can even at this day and age, learn from this. In Ruth's time(in some ways not much different than our own) as God's people, we will be tested in the sincerity and motives of our faith. What is amazing is Ruth a Moabite, had come to know the Lord of Israel and displayed much faith, that she was a tool from the Lord to bring Naomi back to faith. Naomi had made the mistake to measure God's goodness by her level of happiness and her immediate circumstances, I am realizing in my own life that trap. Christ centerness is what keeps me out. How easy it is without realizing it is how we link security with idolatry. That is why theology is important. Naomi had denied the Abrahamic covenant which views the Israelites as the channel of redemptive blessing to everyone else. As christians, we can do the same. With true faith, we have redemption which we extend to others, which grows the kingdom of God. Boaz was a great example of that. He redeemed Noami and Ruth with a sacrifice and a great loss but at that great loss extended the kingdom. As christians, we can do the same thing in our relationships, in our families, our work, anyone that we come into contact wih. The story of Ruth & Boaz is God's grace revealed by their lifestyle that models benefits in being in a relationship with the Almighty God.
This book was a great read in many levels. It went deeper into God's purpose for Israel and also for his church. It shows God's plan is working and is still at work by faith in him and his Son.
This book was a great read in many levels. It went deeper into God's purpose for Israel and also for his church. It shows God's plan is working and is still at work by faith in him and his Son.
October 20, 2011
I especially loved the final chapter, in which he laid out how important it was not only that God had brought Naomi and Ruth from emptiness to fullness, but also that Obed, as part of the eventual line of Christ, had spiritual significance beyond his own lifetime. I like that Ulrich made the book personal, suggesting that we are also part of God's story and we never know what significance the Lord may be placing on the ordinary events He has ordained for our lives.
December 30, 2013
Many view the book of Ruth as a story of love and fidelity but at the heart of the book is a much greater picture, argues Ulrich. He points to the underlying themes of Ruth, as well as its interconnectedness with the rest of Scripture. Particularly, Ulrich emphasizes how it is God’s faithfulness on display. God’s covenant-keeping love would bless the characters in this story and all of Israel, and indeed, the entire world through Christ.
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