The Inspiring Story of Ruth and Naomi

Long, long ago, in a land filled with rolling hills and vast fields, there lived two remarkable women whose story of loyalty, love, and faithfulness has been told across the ages. This is the story of Ruth and Naomi, an unforgettable tale that unfolds under the bright sky of Bethlehem. It's a story which shows the power of loyalty and the strength that comes from choosing to stand by someone you love, no matter what. Let's journey back in time and discover their story together!

A Family's Misfortune

Once upon a time, there was a famine in the land of Israel. A man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, had to leave their home in Bethlehem and move to Moab, a country far away. They hoped to find food and a new life there.

"In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab." (Ruth 1:1)

In Moab, the family tried to start over. Elimelech passed away, leaving Naomi alone with her two sons. The sons married women from Moab, Orpah and Ruth. But tragedy struck again, as both of Naomi's sons also died, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth as three widows with no one to take care of them.

"Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband." (Ruth 1:3-5)

Naomi's Decision

Hearing that the Lord had provided food again for the people of Bethlehem, Naomi decided to return to her homeland. She told her daughters-in-law to go back to their families, where they might find new husbands and happiness again.

Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth wouldn't leave. Instead, she clung to Naomi and made a promise that has become one of the most famous declarations of loyalty of all time.

Ruth's Promise

Ruth loved Naomi very much and refused to leave her side. She told Naomi,

"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." (Ruth 1:16)

With those words, Ruth showed a faithful heart and a loving spirit that would help her to change her life and become part of a much bigger plan God had in store for her.

Returning to Bethlehem

So Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem together. The people of the town were very surprised to see Naomi after so long. Naomi felt so sad about losing her husband and sons that she told the people to call her Mara, which means "bitter." But Ruth stayed by her side, ready to start a new chapter of their lives.

Ruth Meets Boaz

Now, Naomi had a relative named Boaz, who was a very kind and wealthy man. Ruth decided to gather leftover grain in his fields so that she and Naomi could have food to eat. This was a common practice for poor people who were allowed to follow the harvesters and pick up what was left behind.

"So Ruth went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech." (Ruth 2:3)

Boaz noticed Ruth, admired how she cared for Naomi, and told his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect. He also invited her to have a meal with his workers and made sure she had enough to drink.

Naomi's Plan

When Naomi learned that Ruth had met Boaz, she came up with a plan. Boaz was a close relative, which made him a "kinsman-redeemer." This meant that he had the right to marry Ruth after her husband's death to carry on the family name. Naomi encouraged Ruth to show that she was willing to marry Boaz.

A Midnight Proposal

Following Naomi's advice, Ruth went to Boaz at night and lay down at his feet. This act showed Boaz that Ruth respected him and was asking him to be her protector and husband.

"Who are you?" asked Boaz. "I am your servant Ruth" she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family." (Ruth 3:9)

Boaz was impressed by Ruth's kindness and agreed to marry her if another closer relative did not want to marry her first.

Boaz Marries Ruth

Boaz met with the other relative and asked if he wanted to redeem Naomi's land and marry Ruth. The relative declined, which cleared the way for Boaz to marry Ruth.

"So Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife." (Ruth 4:9-10)

Boaz and Ruth got married, and they had a son named Obed. Naomi's life was filled with joy as she cared for her grandson, and the women of Bethlehem celebrated with her.

"The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!" (Ruth 4:14)

A Grand Plan Unfolds

Obed grew up to become the grandfather of King David, and through this family line, many years later, a baby named Jesus was born in the very same town of Bethlehem. The commitment Ruth showed to Naomi, and her faith in God played a crucial part in the story of salvation for the world.

"And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David." (Ruth 4:17)

Key Takeaways

• Loyalty: Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi teaches us the importance of being loyal to our loved ones.
• Kindness: Boaz's compassion highlights the beauty of being kind to others, even to strangers.
• Providence: No matter how difficult our situation, God has a plan for us, just like He did for Ruth and Naomi.

To make this story more fun, imagine you were there in Bethlehem! What kind of adventures might you have if you could help Ruth gather grain in the fields or come up with a plan with Naomi? What would you say to Boaz?

FAQs on Story of Ruth and Naomi

1. Who was Ruth in the Bible?
   Ruth was a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. She is known for her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi.
2. What is the main lesson of the Book of Ruth?
   The Book of Ruth teaches virtues such as loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God.
3. Why did Ruth stay with Naomi?
   Ruth stayed with Naomi primarily out of love and loyalty. She chose to adopt Naomi's people and God as her own.
4. What did Boaz do for Ruth?
   Boaz provided Ruth with protection, food, and ultimately, when married her, providing her with a secure future.
5. How does the story of Ruth relate to Jesus?
   Ruth was an ancestor of Jesus Christ, demonstrating how God’s plan includes people from all nations and backgrounds.
6. Was Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi a common practice?
   No, it was not common for widows to leave their homeland to stay with their mothers-in-law. Ruth's decision shows her extraordinary character.
7. How does the story of Ruth and Naomi show God's love?
   The story illustrates God's love and care through the provision and redemption He ensures for Naomi and Ruth, despite their difficult circumstances.

For additional wonderful tales and deep dives into biblical stories, please explore more at Faithful Fable. You might like to read about David and Goliath or the Story of Caleb, wonderful narratives that continue to inspire faith and courage in hearts young and old.