The Story of Ruth: A Tale of Loyalty, Love, and Redemption

Introduction: A Time of Famine and Loss

During the time of the Judges, famine swept through Bethlehem, forcing Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, to seek refuge in Moab. With them were their two sons, who eventually married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. However, tragedy struck: Elimelech died, followed by the untimely deaths of both sons.

Naomi, now a grieving widow in a foreign land, decided to return to Bethlehem. Her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, loved her deeply and offered to accompany her. At the border of Israel, Naomi urged them to stay behind, saying, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead and to me” (Ruth 1:8).

Orpah tearfully returned to Moab, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi’s side. “Where you go, I will go,” Ruth vowed. “Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). With steadfast loyalty, Ruth journeyed with Naomi back to Bethlehem.

1. Ruth’s Humble Gleaning

Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth faced hardship. Naomi lamented her bitter circumstances, saying, “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter” (Ruth 1:20). Without a husband or sons, Naomi had no means of support.

Ruth, however, was determined to provide for them. During the barley harvest, she went to glean in the fields—a practice allowed by God’s law for the poor and widowed (Leviticus 19:9-10).

Ruth happened to glean in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and kind landowner who was also a relative of Naomi. Boaz noticed Ruth and inquired about her. Hearing of her devotion to Naomi, he approached Ruth, saying, “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (Ruth 2:12).

Boaz ensured Ruth’s safety, instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her, and invited her to share in their meals. Ruth returned home with an abundance of barley, and Naomi rejoiced. “The Lord bless him!” she exclaimed. “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers” (Ruth 2:20).

2. A Bold Request

As the harvest season ended, Naomi devised a plan for Ruth’s future. According to Israelite custom, a guardian-redeemer—a close relative—could marry a widow to preserve the family’s name and property (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Naomi instructed Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, where he was sleeping after the harvest celebration.

Following Naomi’s guidance, Ruth waited until Boaz was alone, then lay at his feet, a symbolic gesture of humility and a request for protection. Surprised, Boaz asked who she was. Ruth replied, “I am your servant Ruth. Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family” (Ruth 3:9).

Boaz was moved by Ruth’s courage and character. “You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask” (Ruth 3:10-11). However, Boaz informed Ruth that there was a closer relative who had the first right to act as guardian-redeemer.

3. Boaz Redeems Ruth

The next morning, Boaz met the other relative at the town gate, where legal matters were settled. Boaz explained that Naomi was selling a piece of land that had belonged to Elimelech. The man expressed interest in buying the land, but Boaz added, “On the day you buy the land, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite… in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property” (Ruth 4:5).

The relative declined, fearing it would endanger his own estate. Boaz, therefore, redeemed the land and claimed the right to marry Ruth.

Boaz and Ruth were married, and their union was blessed with a son, Obed. Naomi’s sorrow turned to joy as she cradled her grandson. The women of Bethlehem rejoiced with her, saying, “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!” (Ruth 4:14).

Obed would later become the grandfather of King David, making Ruth, the Moabite widow, an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6).

Moral of the Story: Faithfulness and Redemption

1. God’s Provision in Hardship:
   Even in times of famine, loss, and uncertainty, God’s hand is at work. Naomi and Ruth faced immense challenges, but God provided for them through Boaz. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
2. The Power of Loyalty and Love:
   Ruth’s unwavering devotion to Naomi demonstrates the strength of love and loyalty. Her words, “Where you go, I will go,” epitomize selfless commitment (Ruth 1:16).
3. God Welcomes All Who Seek Him:
   Ruth, a Moabite, was not born into Israel but chose to follow Naomi’s God. Her story shows that God’s blessings are not limited by nationality or background. As Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
4. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Plans:
   Ruth’s faithfulness and Boaz’s kindness played a role in God’s greater plan of redemption, leading to the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Even in the smallest actions, God’s purposes are fulfilled.
5. Faith and Obedience Bring Blessings:
   Ruth’s trust in God and obedience to Naomi’s guidance led to her redemption and a new life. Similarly, Boaz’s integrity and willingness to fulfill his role as a guardian-redeemer brought blessings to all involved.

Conclusion

The story of Ruth is a testament to the transformative power of faith, loyalty, and God’s providence. From the ashes of loss and despair, Ruth and Naomi experienced restoration and joy. Their story reminds us that no matter our circumstances, God is always working for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

As Ruth found refuge under the wings of God, so can we trust in His care, knowing that He is our ultimate Redeemer.