LESSON 9: Ruth and Boaz

(Ruth Chapters 2, 3, 4)

When Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, they had no food or money. Ruth decided to work in the fields to gather leftover grain so they could eat. This was called gleaning, a way for poor people to collect food after the harvest.

Ruth went to a field that belonged to Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, a kind and wealthy man. Unaware of this, Ruth came to his field to glean. It was the Lord’s plan that she came to the field owned by Boaz. He was God-fearing, good, and kind to everyone. He loved his servants and the servants too loved and respected their master. Boaz noticed Ruth working hard and asked about her. When he learned that she was taking care of Naomi, he was very impressed by her kindness. He told his workers to leave extra grain for Ruth to collect and offered her protection in his fields. The person in charge of the field gave a very good opinion about Ruth. She was hardworking and good-natured and was loved by everyone.

Boaz behaved kindly to Ruth and she respected him. Ruth inquired of Boaz the reason for showing so much sympathy to a foreigner like her. She had a pleasing behavior and her meekness and kindness made her an adorable person. Ruth told Naomi about Boaz’s kindness. Naomi was happy and told Ruth that Boaz was a close relative of their family. She believed that Boaz could be the one to help and protect them.

Naomi wanted Ruth to have a good future, so she gave her some special advice. She told Ruth to go to Boaz in the evening and ask for his protection as their family’s guardian-redeemer. When a person dies without any heir, his brother or close relative had to marry the widow according to the law of the Israelites at that time. According to Naomi’s wish, Ruth went to Boaz. Boaz was touched by Ruth’s kindness and faithfulness. He told her that he would do everything he could to help, but there was another man who was a closer relative and had the first right to be their guardian-redeemer. Boaz promised to settle the matter the next day.

The next morning, Boaz went to the town gates, where the chiefs of the people came together to make important decisions. He spoke to the chiefs and other guardian-redeemer and explained the situation. The man decided not to take responsibility, so Boaz stepped forward and chose to marry Ruth.

Just like Abraham, who had firm faith in the Lord, traveled to places God had chosen for him and was blessed by God. Ruth also left her kith and kin, followed her poor mother-in-law to Bethlehem to become the wife of the rich and God-fearing Boaz.

God brought great blessings out of Naomi’s tragedy. Through her tough times, Naomi continued to trust God, and God blessed her greatly. Be like Naomi and don’t turn your back on God when tragedy strikes. Trust him and he will be with you in hard times.

Ruth and Boaz were blessed with a son named Obed. Obed later became the grandfather of King David, and from his family line, Jesus Christ was born! God had a beautiful plan for Ruth because she was faithful and trusted Him. Thus, Ruth, a non-Jewish Moabite woman, secured a place in the genealogy of Jesus.

Ruth’s story shows us that when we choose to be kind, faithful, and hardworking, God blesses us in amazing ways. Ruth, a simple woman from Moab, became part of God’s great plan, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ! No matter what happens, we can trust that God has a wonderful plan for our lives too.

Word Meaning

• Ruth = Love
• Boaz = Strong man