Devoted Ruth
“Whither thou goest I will go” (Ruth 1:16).
The book of Ruth tells a love story between Boaz, an older man, and Ruth, a poor widow. Ruth’s deep devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, reveals a tender and loyal heart. Through Boaz, it also links to David’s ancestry and the lineage of Jesus, as the legal heir in the kingly line of Judah. There are many personal lessons in this touching story. It points forward to the devoted relationship between Jesus and his bride. The redemption of Ruth also foreshadows the world’s recovery from sin by Christ, our Kinsman and Redeemer.
Leaving Moab
Around the time of Gideon (Reprint 3110:3), a severe famine had engulfed the land of Israel. To escape the famine, Elimelech took Naomi, his wife, and their two sons, Chilion and Mahlon, to the land of Moab. The sons married Ruth and Orpah, both Moabite women. After 10 years, Elimelech and his sons all died. Upon hearing that the famine in Israel had ended, Naomi decided to return. She thoughtfully encouraged Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab, reasoning that, as Moabite women, they would be more likely to remarry among their own people. After a tearful exchange, Orpah remained in Moab, but Ruth insisted on returning to Israel with Naomi. Her tender words are an inspiration. “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16, 17). Naomi was convinced. Ruth’s tender expression of love was truly godlike.
Elimelech Pictures the Nation of Israel
The name Elimelech means, “God is King.” It may describe Israel’s initial recognition of God and their commitment to Him. Being of the royal house of Judah and living in the Promised Land, Elimelech enjoyed God’s favor and blessings. But when famine caused hardship, he left for Moab, a land of idolatry, where he later died. This departure from the Promised Land in a time of distress illustrates ancient Israel’s failure to trust God in their difficult times and a willingness to seek prosperity among Gentile nations.
Elimelech’s two sons were Mahlon, meaning “sickly,” and Chilion, meaning “pining.” They reflect the spiritual condition of Jews living apart from the Law of Moses.
Spread Thy Skirt Over Thine Handmaid
After returning to Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth’s struggle to survive continued. Because of this, Ruth decided to glean in the fields for grain left behind by the harvesters. This arrangement was part of the Law, provided as a way of caring for the poor (see Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth providentially chose to glean in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Elimelech. Boaz praised Ruth for leaving Moab to be with Naomi and follow God. He instructed his servants to drop extra grain for her to gather (Ruth 2:15-16). Upon learning this, Naomi encouraged Ruth to continue gleaning in his fields. Naomi, thinking this could be an opportunity for Ruth to find a husband, advised her to find where Boaz slept in the field at day’s end and lie innocently at his feet. As Ruth prepared to approach Boaz, she washed and anointed herself (Ruth 3:3). She put on a fresh garment and sought Boaz as he rested.
At midnight, Boaz woke up startled and asked who she was. She answered, “I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman” (Ruth 3:9). The Hebrew expression of spreading the skirt means to “spread his wing” over her. It conveys the imagery of a mother bird protecting her young. Ruth was asking for his care and protection as her kinsman.
Under the Law, a kinsman, or relative, had the right to redeem the possessions of Elimelech and his sons. Boaz assured her he would help because he saw she was a virtuous woman. However, there was a nearer kinsman than Boaz who had the first right to redeem. The next day, Boaz spoke to this closer kinsman and explained his right to redeem what had belonged to Elimelech. He also told him that the redemption required his marriage to Ruth and having children with her. Upon hearing this, the man declined, saying the arrangement would mar his own inheritance. He then encouraged Boaz to take his place.
Cleansing and Redemption
Ruth’s washing herself before approaching Boaz may suggest the Church’s acknowledgement of her sin and need for cleansing. The change of garments indicated her desire for a closer relationship with Boaz, a picture of the Church’s similar desire to unite with Christ and be clothed in his righteousness. When Ruth said that Boaz was her kinsman, she was asking him to redeem her as Elimelech’s former wife (Ruth 3:9). A kinsman was responsible for protecting the family, property, and posterity of the deceased. This points to a similar relationship as Jesus was human and is mankind’s “kinsman.” He provides redemption from the curse of the now deceased Adam (Isaiah 61:10, Revelation 19:8, 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
The name Ruth means “friend, refreshment, or satisfied.” Although her future with Naomi was uncertain, she remained committed to her. Loyalty is also an instinctive and refreshing quality of the Church.
Take Off Thy Sandal
“Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel” (Ruth 4:7 ESV).
The custom of removing one’s sandal and giving it to another signified that he relinquished his right to redeem the items in question. By accepting the first kinsman’s sandal, Boaz acknowledged his intent to redeem what had belonged to Elimelech and his sons and marry Ruth.
In this brief, customary exchange, we see a picture of mankind’s redemption. All the possessions of Elimelech and his sons, including Ruth, were purchased, and she became the wife of a good and generous man (Ruth 4:7-9). The name Boaz means “swiftness, strength in him.” It is a fitting description of our Lord. The purchase of Ruth, a Gentile woman, points to the welcoming of Gentiles as members of the bride of Christ (Galatians 3:28-29).
Ruth’s new devotion to Boaz can be compared to consecration. Bro. Russell advises that we “prepare for the rough pathway by putting on the sandals of full consecration to the Lord, even unto death” (Reprint 2453:4). The Apostle Paul also encouraged brethren when he counseled them to “shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). The Psalmist shares the idealism of such a precious relationship. “Listen, daughter, look and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house; Then the King will crave your beauty. Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him” (Psalm 45:10-11). The Church forgets her natural father’s house, knowing the Lord desires her presence as she seeks a deeper relationship with Him.
“We who by nature were Gentiles (as Ruth was a Moabitess) have by God’s grace become spiritual Israelites; and should determine that henceforth former conditions, interests, pleasures, and relationships are gone forever. To us ‘old things have passed away and behold all things have become new’” (Reprint 4089).
In time, Ruth gave birth to a son named Obed. Ruth’s loving statement to Naomi revived the older woman’s spirit and renewed her purpose in life. “And the woman [Ruth] said unto Naomi, ‘Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.’ And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it” (Ruth 4:14-16). Obed was to become the father of Jesse, who bore David. Ruth then became a rare Gentile ancestor of Jesus.
Naomi and the Sarah Feature of the Abrahamic Covenant
In Naomi’s earlier story, she was portrayed as a childless widow who asked to be called “Mara,” meaning bitter. Similarly, Abraham’s wife, Sarah, had been barren and bitter for many years, even after receiving God’s promise of a son. The promise that their seed would “bless all the families of the earth” remained unfruitful for hundreds of years. The parallel between the sadness of Naomi and Sarah is striking. Like Sarah, Naomi was not forgotten. The local women offered a sweet blessing on Naomi. They said, “Praise the LORD who gave you this child. He will become famous in Israel. He will make you alive again and will care for you in your old age. Your daughter-in-law made it happen. She bore this child for you. She loves you, and she is better for you than seven sons. Naomi took the boy, held him in her arms, and cared for him” (Ruth 4:14-16 ERV). He would be a great blessing and bring new meaning in Naomi’s life as she cared for him. The name Obed means “worshiper.” Like Naomi, the Sarah feature of the Abrahamic Covenant will one day bear children who will worship God from the heart. Naomi and Sarah, both once bitter and childless, will rejoice. The prophetic words of Isaiah are filled with hope as the Sarah feature comes to fruition.
“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more” (Isaiah 54:1-4).
The Abrahamic Promise, when fulfilled, will restore the world to health and help it reach its full potential.
Lessons from Naomi
Naomi’s experience has some meaningful lessons. Her faith left an impression on those in Moab especially her two daughters-in-law. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi showed a shared faith she must have learned from Naomi. When Ruth made her commitment to return to Israel with Naomi, she said, “Your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16). She insisted on leaving her homeland and the Moabite gods to follow Naomi and worship the one true God. Naomi’s life of faith developed a strong conviction in Ruth.
Naomi’s faith is impressive because she did not have an easy life. She had been widowed and lost both sons. Her tender conscience led her to believe she was to blame for her difficulties. Yet she still loved and honored the Lord. What a wonderful legacy to have her daughter-in-law say, “I want your God to be my God.” She lived the example described by Jesus when he said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Another lesson from Naomi’s experience is not to feel defeated by life’s difficult experiences or our natural failings. These should not be allowed to sour us but should be opportunities to draw closer to the Lord and His people. Finding companionship in those of like precious faith is important since it aids in keeping our minds focused on the Lord and the many benefits we share.
Naomi showed deep care and concern for her daughters-in-law. As she contemplated their return to Bethlehem, she reflected on what Ruth and Orpah would be sacrificing and surmised that, as widows and foreigners, they would face difficult experiences. She was willing to return to Israel alone rather than cause them more suffering. This selfless act was a powerful example of putting the interests of others above one’s own. Finding ways to help and bless others is godlike.
Naomi’s decision to go back to her homeland after experiencing such great loss reveals a humble heart. This example assures us that God will always accept those who return to Him after straying away.
Summary
This short yet meaningful story beautifully illustrates God’s plan, from Israel’s rejection to the world’s redemption and blessing through the Abrahamic Promise.
There are also meaningful character lessons. Elimelech left his land and people rather than trusting the Lord, and the nation of Israel has essentially done the same. Naomi’s example, however, teaches that struggling with life’s experiences is a time to seek the Lord’s guidance through its many challenges.
In a beautiful act of love and devotion, Ruth chose to follow Naomi and her God. Ruth’s noble heart brought her great blessings. Seeking a relationship with Boaz then brought her even greater benefits, culminating in her marriage to a good man.
When we seek the Lord, we also find great benefits. He is a wonderful spiritual provider who has our best interests at heart. Just as it was promised to Ruth, the Lord rewards the work and faith of the consecrated (Ruth 2:12). When the Abrahamic Promise is finally complete, “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee” (Psalm 22:27).