10. RUTH
Ruth was a kind and faithful woman from Moab. She was an ancestor of
King David.
RUTH AND NAOMI. Due to a severe famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband,
and her two sons moved across the Jordan River to Moab. There the two sons married local woman, one
being Ruth. After the death of her husband and two sons, Naomi decided to
return to her home as there no longer was a famine. She encouraged her two
daughters-in-law to remain in their own country. Ruth insisted on returning
with her, so the two of them returned to Bethlehem, Naomi's hometown.
BOAZ CARES FOR RUTH. In order to support Naomi, Ruth went into the
fields of Boaz to collect the grain which was left over after the harvest. Boaz
told Ruth to work only in his fields along with his servant women. If
thirsty, she could drink from vessels used by his workers. He ordered his
men to do her no harm. Ruth thanked him for his care and concern. He was aware
of the great sacrifice Ruth made for his relative Naomi.
BOAZ MARRIES RUTH. Naomi wished to sell a piece of her land. The
custom was that the relative who purchased the land had the responsibility to
marry her. The closest relative wanted the land but refused to marry Ruth. Boaz
was the next closest relative who was willing to buy the land and marry Ruth.
They were married and Ruth bore a son and named him Obed. He became the father
of Jesse who became the father of King David.
Naomi was forced to leave her homeland due to a famine. Ruth,
her daughter-in-law, loved her very much so she returned with her to her
homeland. Ruth married Boaz and their son Obed became the father of Jesse who
became he father of King David.
