Book of Ruth

 The Book of Ruth

 The Book of Ruth is a short but powerful book in the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes part of the Israelite community and ultimately becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. The book is only four chapters long, but it packs a lot of meaning and significance into its brief narrative.

The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, a period of Israelite history characterized by political instability, spiritual waywardness, and frequent warfare. In the midst of this chaotic time, we are introduced to a man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion. Due to a famine in their land of Bethlehem, they are forced to leave their home and move to the nearby country of Moab. While there, Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi a widow with her two sons. Her sons eventually marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, but tragically, both sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law alone.

Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, and she urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Orpah agrees, but Ruth is determined to stay with Naomi, saying, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). This statement is often quoted as a beautiful expression of loyalty and devotion.

When Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem, they are destitute and have no means of support. Ruth decides to glean in the fields, following behind the harvesters and picking up the leftover grain. She happens to come to the field of Boaz, a wealthy and honorable man who takes notice of her and shows her kindness. Boaz allows her to glean in his field and tells his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect. He also protects her from any harm and shows her hospitality.

Naomi recognizes that Boaz could be a potential redeemer for Ruth, meaning that he could marry her and continue the family line of her deceased husband. She instructs Ruth to approach Boaz while he is sleeping and lie at his feet, a cultural sign of seeking his protection and provision. Boaz wakes up and is impressed by Ruth's character and loyalty to Naomi. He agrees to be her redeemer, but first he must give the opportunity to a closer relative, as was the custom in that time. When the closer relative declines, Boaz is able to marry Ruth and redeem her and Naomi's family line.

The book ends with Ruth giving birth to a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This genealogy connects Ruth, a foreigner and outsider, to the royal line of Israel and ultimately to the coming of Jesus Christ. The Book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, kindness, and redemption, and it has been treasured by believers for thousands of years as a testament to the goodness and faithfulness of God.