The biblical story of Ruth, found in the Old Testament Book of Ruth, is a tale of loyalty, love, boldness, and redemption. It centers on Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her relationship with her mother-in-law Naomi. At just four chapters, the Book of Ruth is the perfect quick, powerful read for Women’s History Month as we look back on the brave women who have shaped our world.
The story begins when a famine forces Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to leave Bethlehem and settle in Moab. Moab is hardly an escape from tragedy, though, because it’s there that Elimelech dies. Naomi's sons end up marrying two Moabite women—Ruth and Orpah. Sadly, both sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed.
With her two sons and husband deceased, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Orpah agrees, but Ruth refuses.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. —Ruth 1:16-18 (NLT)
Thus, Ruth accompanies Naomi back to Bethlehem during the barley harvest. To support them, Ruth gleans leftover grain in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz takes notice of Ruth’s dedication to Naomi and treats her with kindness.
Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”
Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”
“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” —Ruth 2:8-12 (NLT)
Ruth reports all of this back to Naomi, who informs her that Boaz is a “family redeemer,” a relative who can marry Ruth to preserve the family line. At Naomi’s suggestion, Ruth approaches Boaz at night on the threshing floor to request that he act as a family redeemer.
“Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.” —Ruth 3:11-13 (NLT)
Boaz meets with the man who’s first in line, and he declines to marry Ruth, so Boaz moves forward with his role as family redeemer. He marries Ruth and together they have a son, Obed.
Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!” —Ruth 4:14-15 (NLT)
Obed would go on to become the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
The lessons and values to be gleaned from Ruth’s story are numerous:
Loyalty and Faithfulness — Ruth's unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, exemplifies deep loyalty.
Hard Work and Humility — Ruth humbly worked in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi, demonstrating perseverance and diligence in difficult circumstances.
God’s Providence — Though Ruth faced loss and uncertainty, God guided her steps, leading her to Boaz, her family redeemer. This highlights how God provides for His people, even in challenging seasons.
Redemption and Blessing — Ruth, a Moabite woman, became part of Jesus’ lineage, showing that God’s grace extends to all, regardless of background.
Ruth’s story is one of love, faith, and divine purpose, reminding us that God rewards faithfulness and works through ordinary lives to accomplish extraordinary things.
Remember—God has a plan, and it’s greater than anything you could ever imagine!
Amber Dabney Smith
Your Hope Dealer
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