The book of Ruth employs hesed on both the divine and human levels. The word occurs three times in the book. In Ruth 1:8, there is a clear reference to Yahweh’s hesed (the passage also contains a reference to human hesed). The LORD’s hesed is the factor that eventually leads to the successful remarriage of Naomi’s daughter-in-law, so that it cannot help but be recognized in the provision of a “kinsman-redeemer” (go’el) for Ruth (cf. 4:14). Moreover, while not stated, Yahweh’s act of giving a child in Ruth 4 should certainly be understood as an act of hesed.
