THE BOOK OF RUTH

Written by Abby Caymol | Jan 18, 2025

 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”  But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.  Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. –Ruth 1:15-18 NIV

Have you ever met someone whose loyalty is truly evident in their life? Loyalty is a quality that can be hard to find. The character of Ruth in the Bible exemplifies faithfulness and persistence. When Naomi’s sons passed away, one of her daughters-in-law chose to stay with her rather than return to her family and their gods. Ruth loved her husband and his family, and even after her husband died, she transferred that love and sense of belonging to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth embraced Naomi’s love for her family, including Naomi’s God, the Lord Yahweh. When God has a plan, nothing can stop it. The strong bond between Naomi and Ruth ultimately leads to a significant moment in Ruth’s life.

 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” –Ruth 2:11-12 NIV

This chapter illustrates Naomi’s appreciation for Ruth’s loyalty and the kindness of a close relative named Boaz. Boaz was aware of Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and recognized her as a woman of noble character (Ruth 3:11). He treated both Ruth and Naomi respectfully. Naomi, who had just returned to Bethlehem, was supported by Boaz, who made things easier for Ruth by instructing his men to treat her kindly.

One of the most touching moments in the chapter is when Boaz speaks words of encouragement to Ruth about God. Through Boaz, Ruth received God’s favor and blessing. Although Naomi felt that God was punishing her due to the deaths and misfortunes in their family, this time of hardship was God’s preparation for a new beginning and upcoming blessings. 

It is important to understand that despair does not exist without the possibility of hope, particularly when viewed through God’s provision. Despair can be seen as grace in disguise given by God. When we face despair, we should seek a greater understanding of hope and comfort.

 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. –Ruth 3:11b NIV

Ruth is recognized as a “woman of noble character.” One reason is God used her to bring hope to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth prioritized her relationship with Naomi, choosing to accompany her on a journey to an unfamiliar place. Her reputation in Bethlehem grew as people admired her loyalty and commitment to Naomi. 

In Ruth 2:10, Ruth inquires of Boaz why she has found favor in his eyes, especially as a foreigner. This highlights a significant truth: God makes us visible to others as part of His plan to inspire and uplift those around us. Boaz took special notice of Ruth, offering her kindness, protection, and various blessings. 

His actions demonstrated his integrity as a man of his word. Even though Boaz was wealthy and powerful, he was also kind, considerate, and generous. Most importantly, he was a protector, provider, redeemer, and someone who feared God.

 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.” –Ruth 4:11-12 NIV

The sweetness of God’s blessings has now replaced the bitterness that Naomi once experienced. Although Naomi and Ruth might have thought that God was punishing them for the deaths of the men in Naomi’s family—including her son, Ruth’s former husband—it is important to recognize that their patience, acceptance, and endurance during trials are all part of the hope that God orchestrated to rebuild Naomi’s family through Boaz. In this chapter, the people of Bethlehem are rejoicing for Ruth and Boaz. Because of Ruth’s obedience, God rewarded her and Naomi as they slowly began restoring their lives, this time with Boaz. The hope that Naomi and Ruth held in their hearts was never in vain. God blessed them with their heart’s desires and made them part of biblical history. They became ancestors of King David, the composer of the book of Psalms, and part of the lineage of the Messiah—Jesus.

In every season, hope is essential. It’s important to maintain the right perspective during our current season. Romans 12:12 says, “Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.” This verse encourages us to remain happy even while we wait. The way we approach our waiting season is entirely up to us; we can choose to make it fruitful.

Consider Ruth—Boaz had already planned and prepared the harvest for her; all she needed to do was pick it up and gather it. Similarly, God prepares all the pieces we need to fulfill His plans for us. Our role is to receive what He has provided. We don’t have to figure everything out on our own; God desires us to be hopeful, stay prayerful, and keep our faith strong.

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” We believe because we hold deep hopes in our hearts. Our confidence in faith assures us that we will receive what we hope for, knowing that God has a plan for it, even before we can see it.

When hope is crushed, the heart is crushed, but a wish come true fills you with joy. –Proverbs 13:12 GNT