"There is nothing but God's grace. We walk upon it; we
breathe it; we live and die by it; it makes the nails and axles of the
universe," concluded Robert Louis Stevenson.
In 'Ruth: A Story of God's Grace,' Cyril J. Barber
trumpets God's grace. Grace leads Elimelech to Moab, brings Naomi back to
Bethlehem, guides Ruth to Boaz's field, and directs Boaz to Ruth.
"Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace" encircles the Book of Ruth.
From the gracious acts of God Ruth's time, the
author draws lessons for twentieth-century believers. He fathoms the importance
of decision-making, the purpose of suffering, and the power of love.
But the author does more than expound truths; he
helps the reader understand the Bible text by explaining customs and word
meanings. He also intersperses his own translation of Ruth throughout his
commentary.
Writing for the Bible student rather than the
Bible scholar, Barber summarizes the Book of Ruth in a concise introduction,
places all technical discussions and notes at the back, and provides two
helpful indexes.
