Esther & Ruth by Iain Duguid
In his commentary on Esther and Ruth, Duguid explores the question, Does God help those who help themselves? That may seem to be the message of the Books of Esther and Ruth. Some think that Ruth's attractiveness won over Naomi and Boaz. But a closer reading shows an embittered Naomi to have abandoned the Promised Land and God's people. God's grace comes to Naomi unexpectedly, and with it, a depiction of redemption for her people. In Ruth, a gracious and sovereign God works through flawed individuals—unable even to help themselves—to rescue his people and prepare for the coming of Christ.
Part of the Reformed Expository Commentary Series.
Iain M. Duguid is professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the author of Ezekiel and the Leaders of Israel, Esther & Ruth, Daniel, Song of Songs in the Reformed Expository Commentary, as well as many other titles. You can read more of his content at faculty.wts.edu and hear his sermons at Christarp.com