Ruth is an eighth day book. After conquering the land in Joshua, Israel should have occupied it faithfully and enjoy this sabbath place during the time of the judges. Instead they pursued idols and suffered under compromised leadership, lacking a king and everyone doing what was right in his own eyes. Ruth tells the story of the coming king who will deliver and lead Israel faithfully. When the Lord’s people cry out to Him, He really does deliver us in history. The desire to honor Him and enjoy in our time the peace and prosperity that flows from it shouldn’t distract us from the ultimate deliverance to come, when Jesus will come and put all things right. That ultimate hope motivates us to call on God and act faithfully in our current famine.