Full Summary of Ruth & Boaz
Background: Naomi’s Family in Moab
The story begins during the time of the Judges in Israel, when famine struck the land.
A man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons left their home in Bethlehem and migrated to Moab, a neighboring country.
- In Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow.
- Her sons married Moabite women—Orpah and Ruth.
- After about ten years, both sons also died, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth widowed and vulnerable.
Naomi, hearing that food had returned to Bethlehem, decided to go back. She urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry. Orpah eventually stayed, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi, speaking her famous words:
“Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”
This vow of loyalty set the stage for the rest of the story.
Ruth in Bethlehem
Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. They were poor and had no male protector.
By law, widows and foreigners could glean—pick up leftover grain in fields after the harvesters had finished.
Ruth went to work in the fields and “happened” to glean in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and respected man in Bethlehem who was also a relative of Elimelech (Naomi’s late husband).
Boaz Shows Kindness
When Boaz saw Ruth, he asked who she was. His workers explained she was the Moabite woman who had returned with Naomi.
Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, showed her extraordinary kindness:
- He told her to stay in his fields for safety.
- He instructed his men not to bother her.
- He gave her extra grain and invited her to eat with his workers.
Ruth returned to Naomi with an abundance of food, and Naomi recognized God’s hand at work. She realized that Boaz was a “kinsman-redeemer”—a relative who could legally redeem (marry) Ruth and continue Elimelech’s family line.
Naomi’s Plan
Naomi encouraged Ruth to seek Boaz’s protection more directly. According to Israelite custom, a widow could request that a relative marry her to preserve the family name.
Naomi instructed Ruth to approach Boaz at night after the harvest feast, while he was sleeping at the threshing floor. Ruth went, uncovered his feet, and lay down—a symbolic gesture of humility and request for protection.
When Boaz woke, Ruth asked him to “spread his cloak” over her, symbolizing marriage and redemption.
Boaz Accepts—but with a Condition
Boaz was moved by Ruth’s loyalty and virtue. He agreed but explained there was another man who was a closer relative and had the first right to redeem her.
Boaz promised to resolve the matter quickly. He praised Ruth for not pursuing younger men and for acting honorably.
The Legal Redemption
The next day, Boaz went to the town gate, where legal matters were settled. He met the closer relative and presented the situation: Naomi was selling Elimelech’s land, and whoever bought it also had to marry Ruth the Moabite.
The man declined, fearing it would endanger his own estate. This freed Boaz to act. Before the elders and witnesses, Boaz publicly declared that he would redeem Ruth, marry her, and preserve Elimelech’s family name.
The elders blessed their union, comparing Ruth to the great matriarchs of Israel.
Ruth & Boaz’s Marriage and Legacy
Boaz married Ruth, and together they had a son named Obed.
Obed became the grandfather of King David, making Ruth (a Moabite foreigner) part of the royal lineage of Israel—and ultimately an ancestor of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Themes and Significance
Legacy of Faith – From tragedy came restoration, leading to the lineage of David and the Messiah.
Loyalty and Love – Ruth’s devotion to Naomi shows the power of selfless love.
Providence of God – The “chance” events (Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s field) reveal divine guidance.
Kindness Across Boundaries – Boaz’s compassion toward a foreign woman reflects God’s inclusive grace.
Redemption – Boaz acts as a “kinsman-redeemer,” a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work.
