The Book of Ruth is like a short story filled with kindness and love, even when times are tough. It’s about a family who leaves their home because of a famine (which means there wasn’t enough food). Naomi, the mum, loses her husband and two sons, leaving her with only her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.
While Orpah goes back home, Ruth decides to stick with Naomi, saying the famous line: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” This shows how loyal and loving Ruth is.
They travel to Bethlehem, where Ruth works hard to gather food for them. This is where she meets Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz is kind to Ruth and protects her, eventually marrying her. They have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, one of the most important figures in the Bible.
Here’s what we can learn from the story:
- Loyalty and kindness: Ruth shows us the importance of being loyal to family and friends, even when things are difficult. Boaz shows us the importance of being kind to those in need.
- God’s provision: Even when Naomi and Ruth lose everything, God provides for them in unexpected ways. He uses Boaz to take care of them and give them a new family.
- Hope in tough times: The story reminds us that even when we face hardship and loss, there is always hope for a new beginning.
The Book of Ruth is a heartwarming story that reminds us of the power of love, loyalty, and faith in God. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light and hope.
The book of Ruth has been called one of the best examples of short narrative ever written. It presents an account of the remnant of true faith and piety in the period of the judges through the fall and restoration of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth (an ancestor of King David and Jesus).
We find in this book excellencies examples of faith, piety, patience, humility, industry, and loving-kindness, in the common events of life. Also we see the special care which God’s providence takes of our smallest concerns, encouraging us to full trust therein. We may view this book as a beautiful, because natural representation of human life; as a curious detail of important facts; and as a part of the plan of redemption.
Matthew Henry
