Ruth is redeemed by an Israelite savior, Boaz. But she meets an Israelite widow before she knows that there is an Israelite savior, and she comes to know the savior through her association with the widow. Typologically: The Gentiles pledge themselves to Israel, and through Israel come to know Israel’s savior (and of course Israel is saved through Gentile incorporation).
Tropologically (perhaps): A child is pledged to the new Israel, the new bride who is no longer a widow, in baptism; Israel’s people becomes her people, and Israel’s God her God. She comes to know Israel’s savior through the witness of the bride.
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