The Book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman who, through her faithfulness to God and loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, leaves her homeland to settle in Bethlehem, where she is redeemed by Boaz and becomes part of the lineage of King David and Jesus. This short yet powerful book highlights God’s faithfulness, redemption, and sovereign plan even in times of hardship and obedience.
The Book of Ruth starts in Moab, a heathen country northeast of the Dead Sea, but it quickly transitions to the city of Bethlehem in Judah. This story takes place during the period of Judges, a time when Israel was in days of perpetual failure and rebellion against God. Due to a severe famine in Israel, Elimelech and his wife Naomi were forced to move to Moab with their two sons. In Moab, Elimelech dies and the two sons marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Then, the sons both die, and Naomi is left as a widow in a foreign country with her two foreign daughters-in-law. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and tells Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab. Orpah returns to her parents, but Ruth decides to stay with Naomi and go to Bethlehem. This book goes on to share the story of Ruth's marriage to Boaz, a wealthy man. Their son, Obed, is the grandfather of David, and therefore, an ancestor of Jesus. Ruth is a story of love, obedience, and the faithfulness of God. Ruth not only found a new life and love with Boaz; she became a part of the lineage of Christ.
In Ruth's story, we see Ruth's faithfulness and obedience to Naomi and to God. In contrast to the way that the Israelites were living during this time (see the book of Judges), Ruth and her family reveal the faithfulness of God in their faithful obedience to Him. Rather than staying home in Moab and leaving Naomi to fend for herself all alone, Ruth was a faithful daughter who left her home to help take care of Naomi, and she left the gods of Moab to follow the God of Israel. She was obedient to follow Naomi's instructions for how to approach Boaz. In this story, we also see the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. He provided for Ruth and Naomi each step of the way. It was in His divine plan for Ruth to become an ancestor of Jesus, His Son (Matthew 1:5). When we read the book of Ruth, we can be encouraged that God has not forgotten us and that He has plans for our good. When we feel alone or feel like no one else is faithfully following the Lord, we can be encouraged as we see that God brought Ruth into Naomi's life for a purpose of companionship, family, and provision. He brought Boaz into Ruth’s life for a purpose. He brought her out of her land into the land of the Israelites. Even when times are difficult, we can have confidence that God is faithful and in control.
Key Verses:
Ruth 1:16: "But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'"
Ruth 3:9: "He said, 'Who are you?' And she answered, 'I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.'"
Ruth 4:17: "And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, 'A son has been born to Naomi.' They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David."