Ruth

Old Testament: historical books

Ruth

About this book

The book of Ruth gives a glimpse into the life of an Israelite family during the period of the judges. This family later became very important to Israel, because one of Ruth's great-grandchildren was King David.

In addition to Ruth, the other main character in the book is Naomi, who lived in Bethlehem with her husband and two sons. But the crops failed, and the family moved to the country of Moab. Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. Ruth was one of those women.

After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem with her. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a rich relative named Boaz.

According to the law, Moabites were not allowed to become Israelites. But this book tells how Ruth became completely loyal and faithful to the Lord and was allowed to join the people of Israel. She told Naomi:

I will go where you go,

I will live where you live;

your people will be my people,

your God will be my God.

I will die where you die

and be buried beside you.

May the LORD punish me

if we are ever separated,

even by death!

(1.16b,17)

A quick look at this book

1. Ruth is loyal to Naomi (1)

2. Ruth meets Boaz (2)

3. Naomi makes plans for Ruth (3)

4. Ruth and Boaz get married (4)