Book of Ruth - Theme Tracking
Book of Ruth - Theme Tracker
How to Use the Ruth Themes Tracker
As you read Ruth, look for the themes listed at the top of the chart. When you read a passage containing that theme, phrase, event, or person fill in the square for that chapter. If you want to create a stronger reference for yourself, you can write the number of the verse in which the theme appears.
There are two blank spaces for you to write in your own themes you want to track.
What to Look For
The book of Ruth is very short. It is written in narrative form, which means that it reads like a short story from beginning to end. It takes place during the times of Judges, and is a bright spot in an otherwise dark time. This period of Israel’s history is very dark. The nation is caught in a cycle of turning away from God, repenting for a short time, and then worshiping other gods again. The book of Judges repeatedly says “everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.”
The Book of Ruth follows the actions of Ruth (a foreigner), Naomi (an Israelite woman), and Boaz (an Israelite man). As you read, take notice of their loyalty to each other and God in a time when the culture was not relying on God.
Acts of Love
There are lots of examples of acts of love in Ruth. Romantic love, familial love, and community love. Mark this theme each time you see love in action by Ruth, and towards Ruth.
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of family history and documentation of family trees. The genealogy in Ruth is important. We get only a small glimpse into the life of Ruth. But, she has a very important role to play in God’s big story. Track anytime you see the description of a family tree.
Blessings
In the Bible it is common to see blessings given by God and people. Blessings from people are often a reflection of God’s design of the world and carrying significant spiritual weight. They offer a deepening connection between the two individuals and God.
Loyalty to God’s Law
This is a time when God’s law was frequently ignored. Many of the events of Ruth are connected to the laws laid out through Moses. So, it is significant to see the law being followed and celebrated.
Printing Tip
If you print this page at 75 or 80% size, you can cut down the page to fit in a 7x9 journal. Use double sided tape, a glue roller, glue stick, or washi tape to paste the page into your journal or Bible.
Example of a book of the Bible theme tracker.
Journal Prompt
Next to the tracker, there are journal questions to complete after you have read the whole book of Ruth.
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