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March 10 - The Book of Ruth
The Old Testament book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals God’s providence, redemption, and faithfulness in the lives of ordinary people. Consisting of only four chapters, Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, a period often marked by spiritual decline and moral instability in Israel (Judges 21:25). Yet within this dark era, the story of Ruth shines as a beautiful example of loyalty, covenant faithfulness, and divine intervention.
The book begins with a famine in Bethlehem that forces a man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to leave Judah and settle in the land of Moab (Ruth 1:1–2). Moab was traditionally an enemy of Israel, which makes this move significant. While living there, Naomi’s sons marry Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. However, tragedy soon strikes the family. Elimelech dies, and later both of Naomi’s sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed and vulnerable. In the ancient Near Eastern world, widows often faced extreme hardship because they depended heavily on male relatives for provision and protection.
After hearing that the famine in Judah had ended, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She encourages her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab where they might remarry and find security. Orpah eventually returns to her people, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi. Ruth’s response is one of the most famous declarations of loyalty in Scripture: “Entreat me not to leave you… for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth’s commitment is remarkable because she chooses not only Naomi but also the God of Israel. In this moment, Ruth demonstrates genuine faith and devotion.
When Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem, they face the challenge of survival. Ruth takes the initiative to glean in the fields, following the Israelite law that allowed the poor to gather leftover grain after harvest (Leviticus 19:9–10). By divine providence Ruth ends up gleaning in the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz notices Ruth’s diligence and kindness toward Naomi and shows her unusual generosity and protection. His actions reflect the biblical principle of hesed, or covenant love.
As the story progresses, Naomi recognizes that Boaz is a “kinsman-redeemer” - a relative who had the legal responsibility to redeem family property and preserve the family line (Ruth 2:20). According to Israelite law, such a redeemer could marry a widow of the deceased relative in order to raise up offspring in the family name. Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz in humility and request that he fulfill this role. Ruth follows Naomi’s guidance, and Boaz responds honorably, expressing admiration for Ruth’s character and willingness to marry within Naomi’s family.
However, there is a closer relative who has the first right of redemption. Boaz publicly addresses the matter before the city elders at the gate of Bethlehem. When the other relative declines the responsibility, Boaz steps forward and agrees to redeem the property and marry Ruth (Ruth 4:9–10). This moment is central to the book’s message because it illustrates redemption not only legally but also spiritually. Boaz becomes the redeemer who restores Naomi’s family and secures Ruth’s future.
The story concludes with Ruth and Boaz marrying and having a son named Obed. This child becomes the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:17). Thus, Ruth who was a foreign Moabite woman is included in the lineage of Israel’s greatest king and ultimately in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This reveals an important theological theme: God’s redemptive plan extends beyond ethnic Israel and includes people from all nations who place their faith in Him.
The book of Ruth highlights several key themes. First, it demonstrates God’s providence. Even though God rarely speaks directly in the narrative, His guidance is evident in the timing of events and relationships. Second, it emphasizes faithfulness and loyalty. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and Boaz’s integrity toward Ruth exemplify godly character. Third, the book points toward the greater theme of redemption. Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Jesus Christ, who redeems humanity from sin and restores believers to God.