To explain where David came from.

To prove to us that mother and daughter-in-law can get along.

To establish the fact that women have always played

a vital role in salvation history and continue to play an important part in God’s redemption of the world.

To show us how sinful acts (that do not please

God) are often redeemed by God for his glory.

To convey to Israel that mixed ethnicity

marriages are not, in and of themselves, an

anathema to God.

To punctuate God’s faithfulness when

circumstances appear dire.

To demonstrate covenant-

faithfulness.

To illustrate for us—in a personal way—God’s concern for the social

wellbeing of those who are in need; moreover, to remind us that God works through the

sacrificial actions of people to care for those in need.

To remind us that there is always more to His-story.