Ruth

Ruth Chapter 1

During a famine, a man named Elimelech from Bethlehem went to live in Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons. The sons married Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. Sadly, Elimelech and his sons died. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. She told her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab, but Ruth insisted on going with Naomi, saying “Where you go I will go, and your God will be my God.” So Naomi and Ruth traveled to Bethlehem together.

Ruth Chapter 2

In Bethlehem, Ruth went to gather leftover grain in the field of a man named Boaz, who was related to Elimelech. Boaz noticed Ruth and told his workers to leave extra grain for her. He had heard about her loyalty to Naomi. Ruth was surprised by his kindness. She continued gathering grain in Boaz’s field through the barley and wheat harvests.

Ruth Chapter 3

Naomi told Ruth to go to the threshing floor at night where Boaz was sleeping and lie down at his feet. Ruth did so. In the middle of the night, Boaz awoke and asked who she was. Ruth said, “I am your servant Ruth. Spread your garment over me, as you are a family redeemer.” Boaz was touched and promised to do all he could for Ruth, as she was a virtuous woman. He gave her barley to take home to Naomi.

Ruth Chapter 4

Boaz met with the other close relative at the town gate. The relative gave up his right to marry Ruth and buy Elimelech’s land. So Boaz married Ruth. They had a son named Obed, who became the grandfather of King David. The women said Obed would take care of Naomi in her old age. Naomi helped care for the child, and there was great joy.

In essence, Ruth was a kind and loyal daughter-in-law who stayed with Naomi and helped provide for her. Because of her virtuous character, Ruth was blessed with a new husband Boaz, a son, and became an ancestor of Israel’s great king David.