Ruth was a Moabite widow with nothing. She had followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Israel after her husband died, leaving behind her homeland, her people, and her gods to follow the God of Israel.
A Widow's Desperate Survival
As a foreign widow with no prospects, she gleaned in the fields behind the harvesters - gathering leftover grain just to survive. But God was writing a love story.
Boaz Shows Unexpected Kindness
Boaz noticed Ruth in his fields. He saw her loyalty to Naomi and her faith in God. Instead of taking advantage of her vulnerable position, he protected her, provided extra grain, and treated her with dignity.
When Naomi learned of Boaz's kindness, she realized he was a kinsman-redeemer - a relative who could marry Ruth and restore their family line. She guided Ruth in approaching Boaz according to custom.
Ruth's Bold Act of Faith
At the threshing floor, Ruth asked Boaz to spread his covering over her - a proposal of marriage. Boaz was humbled. He called her a "woman of noble character" and promised to redeem her.
God's Redemption Story Unfolds
True to his word, Boaz navigated the complex family obligations and married Ruth. Their son Obed became the grandfather of King David. Ruth the Moabite became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.
God took a grieving widow from a foreign land and placed her in the genealogy of the Messiah. Her faithfulness in choosing God over comfort led her to a love she never expected.