Judges

Ruth

Loyal Daughter-in-Law

Moabite woman who showed loyalty to her mother-in-law and became part of the Messianic line.

Ruth was a Moabite woman whose extraordinary loyalty and faith brought her into the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi rather than return to her pagan homeland, famously declaring, "Your people will be my people and your God my God." Her story illustrates God's care for foreigners and widows, as well as His sovereign direction in bringing Ruth to Bethlehem where she married Boaz through the kinsman-redeemer custom. This short narrative showcases themes of loyalty, integrity, and divine providence, demonstrating how God works through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Books Featured In

Ruth

Timeline

1140 BC

Marriage to Mahlon in Moab

1130 BC

Death of husband

1130 BC

Journey to Bethlehem with Naomi

1129 BC

Meeting Boaz

1128 BC

Marriage to Boaz

1127 BC

Birth of Obed (David's grandfather)

Key Events

Decision to Follow Naomi

Ruth chose to leave her homeland and follow Naomi back to Bethlehem.

Ruth 1:16-18

Gleaning in Boaz's Field

Ruth supported Naomi by gathering leftover grain, where she met Boaz.

Ruth 2

Request for Redemption

Ruth approached Boaz on the threshing floor.

Ruth 3

Marriage to Boaz

Boaz redeemed Ruth according to customary law, and they married.

Ruth 4:1-12

Birth of Obed

Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed, who became King David's grandfather.

Ruth 4:13-17

Lessons We Can Learn

Loyal commitment in relationships

Faith that crosses cultural boundaries

Hard work and initiative

God's care for foreigners and widows

Divine providence working through ordinary events