Great Stories of the Bible – Part 18 Ruth and Boaz

GREAT STORIES OF THE BIBLE – Part 18

Ruth and Boaz

Introduction

Over a thousand years before the birth of Christ, we encounter one of Scripture’s most beautiful stories of faith, loyalty, and love. The story of Ruth unfolds at the end of the period of the judges, a turbulent season in Israel’s spiritual history, just as Samuel was rising as a leader. Into this setting steps a Moabite woman whose devotion would shape the future of God’s redemptive plan.

A Family in Crisis (Ruth 1)

A devastating famine struck Judah, forcing Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons—Mahlon and Kilion—to leave their home in Bethlehem and seek survival in the land of Moab. While living in this foreign place, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi widowed. Her sons later married Moabite women, but after ten years they too died, leaving Naomi alone with her daughters-in-law.

Hearing that the famine in Judah had ended, Naomi prepared to return home and urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab, where they could rebuild their lives. Orpah tearfully agreed, but Ruth refused. Her vow stands as one of the most powerful declarations of devotion in all of Scripture: “Where you go, I will go… your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Though spoken between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, these words beautifully express the heart of covenant love. And so Ruth accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Ruth Meets Boaz (Ruth 2)

Among Naomi’s relatives was a wealthy, honorable man named Boaz. Seeking to provide food, Ruth asked permission to glean in the fields—collecting leftover grain behind the harvesters, a provision God had commanded for the poor. By divine providence, she found herself gleaning in Boaz’s field.

When Boaz arrived, he immediately noticed Ruth and learned of her loyalty to Naomi. Moved by her character, he showed her remarkable kindness. He protected her from harm, ensured she had water, invited her to share a meal with his workers, and even instructed his harvesters to leave extra grain for her. By day’s end, Ruth gathered nearly 30 pounds of barley—a sign of God’s abundant care for these two widows. When Ruth told Naomi all that had happened, Naomi rejoiced and revealed that Boaz was a kinsman redeemer—one who could continue their family line.

A Bold Request (Ruth 3)

Recognizing God’s providence, Naomi sought to secure a future for Ruth. She instructed her to perform a symbolic gesture at the threshing floor—uncovering Boaz’s feet and lying nearby—a humble way of requesting that he act as their kinsman redeemer. Boaz responded with grace, praising Ruth for choosing to honor family obligations rather than pursuing marriage elsewhere. However, Boaz noted that another relative had a prior legal right to redeem the family property. Before Ruth left, he generously gave her sixty pounds of barley and assured her that he would settle the matter quickly.

Redemption at the Gate (Ruth 4)

Boaz went straight to the village gate, where legal transactions occurred. When the nearer relative arrived, Boaz gathered ten elders and presented the opportunity to redeem Elimelech’s land. At first, the man agreed—but when he learned that redemption included marrying Ruth and raising a child to carry on Mahlon’s family name, he declined. According to custom, he removed his sandal to finalize the transaction.

Before the elders and townspeople, Boaz declared that he would redeem the land and take Ruth as his wife. Their marriage was blessed by the community, and soon Ruth gave birth to a son named Obed. The women of the town rejoiced with Naomi, telling her that Ruth was “better than seven sons.” Obed became the father of Jesse, the father of King David—firmly planting Ruth, the Moabite widow, in the royal lineage of Jesus Christ.

Love Involves Commitment

The story illustrates that true love always demands commitment. Naomi followed her husband to a foreign land, even at great personal cost. She cared for her daughters-in-law with deep compassion. Ruth bound herself to Naomi with sacrificial devotion. Boaz demonstrated commitment in fulfilling his responsibilities as a kinsman redeemer. Love rooted in commitment is strong, resilient, and God-honoring.

Love Is More Than a Feeling

Boaz may have been drawn to Ruth at first sight, but his love was grounded in character and reason. He had heard of her loyalty to Naomi and witnessed her diligence in the field. True love requires both heart and mind—a decision as much as an emotion. Feelings can fade, but love chosen and cultivated can endure.

Love Has Purpose

Naomi believed her life had become empty and hopeless, but God was at work behind the scenes. Through Ruth, God brought forth Obed, Jesse, and ultimately David. Matthew’s genealogy reminds us that God wove Ruth into His eternal plan to bring forth Jesus, the Messiah. Her simple acts of faithfulness carried divine purpose far beyond anything she could see.

Conclusion

What is God’s loving purpose for you? Ephesians 1:9–12 teaches that God is working all things according to His will so that our lives might bring praise to His glory. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi’s future, Jesus Christ stands ready to redeem you according to His kind intention. Will you trust the Great Redeemer today?

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