The Journey of Ruth
The book of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, a period marked by cycles of apostasy and deliverance in Israel. Yet, in contrast to the national turmoil described in Judges, Ruth offers an intimate portrait of faith, loyalty, and redemption operating in the lives of ordinary people.
The story begins with tragedy as Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons leave Bethlehem during a famine to sojourn in Moab. While there, Elimelech dies, and the sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both sons also die, leaving three widows in a precarious situation.
When Naomi hears that the famine in Judah has ended, she decides to return home. Initially, both daughters-in-law prepare to accompany her, but Naomi urges them to return to their families in Moab, where they might find new husbands and security.
Orpah reluctantly agrees, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi's side, making one of the most beautiful declarations of loyalty in Scripture.
Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV):
"But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'"
Ruth's declaration represents far more than personal loyalty to her mother-in-law. By choosing to accompany Naomi, Ruth was embracing a new faith, a new people, and an uncertain future in a foreign land.
As a Moabite woman, she would face prejudice in Bethlehem, and as a widow without children, she had little prospect for security. Yet Ruth's commitment to Naomi—and by extension, to Naomi's God—transcended these practical concerns.
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth takes the initiative to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning in the fields, collecting leftover grain after the harvesters. This was a provision in the Mosaic Law for the poor and foreigners, but it was difficult, humble work.
Ruth 2:2-3 (NIV):
"And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 'Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.' Naomi said to her, 'Go ahead, my daughter.'
So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech."
Providence leads Ruth to the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz notices Ruth and, having heard of her loyalty to Naomi, extends special protection and provision to her. He instructs his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her and invites her to eat with his harvesters.
Later, following Naomi's guidance, Ruth approaches Boaz at night on the threshing floor and essentially asks him to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer by marrying her. This was a bold move that could have resulted in humiliation, but Boaz responds with honor and integrity.
Ruth 3:10-13 (NIV):
"'The Lord bless you, my daughter,' he replied. 'This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask.
All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.
Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.'"
After consulting with the closer relative (who declines his responsibility), Boaz legally redeems Naomi's family property and marries Ruth. Their marriage produces a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David and an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Ruth 4:13-17 (NIV):
"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: 'Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer.
May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.' Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him.
The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son!' And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David."
Lesson:
The story of Ruth teaches us the power of unwavering loyalty in the face of hardship. Ruth's commitment to Naomi went beyond natural affection; it represented a deliberate choice to sacrifice her own security for the sake of another.
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, Ruth's example challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitments to family, faith, and community. This narrative also illustrates how ordinary faithfulness can have extraordinary impact.
Ruth simply did what was right day by day—caring for Naomi, working diligently in the fields, and conducting herself with integrity. She could not have known that these seemingly small acts of faithfulness would place her in the lineage of the Messiah and that her story would inspire believers for thousands of years.
Furthermore, Ruth's story demonstrates that God works through unexpected people and circumstances. As a Moabite widow, Ruth was an unlikely candidate to become an ancestress of Israel's royal line.
Yet God often chooses to work through those whom society might overlook or marginalize, revealing that His redemptive purposes transcend human boundaries and prejudices.
The concept of redemption that runs throughout the book also points to the broader theme of divine restoration. Just as Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi, restoring their place in the community and ensuring their future, God works as our ultimate Redeemer, restoring what is broken and bringing hope out of despair.
The story reminds us that even in our darkest seasons, God is working toward redemption.
Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank You for the beautiful example of Ruth, whose loyalty and faith transcended cultural boundaries and personal comfort. Help us to demonstrate similar commitment in our relationships, choosing faithfulness even when it requires sacrifice.
When we face seasons of loss and uncertainty like Naomi, sustain our hope and remind us that You are working even in the midst of our grief. Give us the courage to take initiative like Ruth did, trusting that You will guide our steps as we seek to do what is right.
Thank You for the ultimate redemption You provide through Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer, who has secured our place in Your family forever. May we, like Ruth, leave a legacy of faithfulness that extends far beyond what we can see or imagine.
In Your holy name we pray, Amen.