Ruth222
Ruth 1–4 · KJV · exported
22 Canon Events
Elimelech's Family Migrates to Moab and Suffers Loss
Due to a famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, migrate to Moab. While there, Elimelech dies, and after his sons marry Moabite women (Orpah and Ruth), both sons also die, leaving Naomi a widow and childless.
Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth Part Ways on the Road
Hearing of bread in Judah, Naomi decides to return with her daughters-in-law. On the way, Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to return to their families in Moab. After much weeping and Naomi's explanation of her inability to provide future husbands, Orpah returns to her people, but Ruth steadfastly vows her loyalty to Naomi.
Naomi and Ruth Arrive in Bethlehem
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem, causing a stir among the townspeople who recognize Naomi. Naomi, feeling the weight of her losses, asks to be called "Mara" (bitter), declaring that the Almighty has dealt bitterly with her and brought her home empty. They arrive at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Ruth Goes to Glean
Ruth, seeking provision for herself and Naomi, asks permission to glean in the fields. By divine providence, she "happens" upon a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi's late husband.
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth gleaned in Boaz's field to support Naomi. Boaz showed kindness, let her glean among sheaves. Recognized her loyalty to mother-in-law.
Boaz Inquires About Ruth
Boaz arrives at his field and greets his reapers. Noticing Ruth, he asks his servant who she is, and the servant explains her identity as the Moabitess who returned with Naomi and her diligent gleaning.
Boaz's Kindness to Ruth
Boaz speaks kindly to Ruth, instructing her to stay in his field, offering protection, water, and an invitation to eat with his workers. He commends her loyalty to Naomi and instructs his reapers to intentionally leave extra grain for her.
Ruth Returns to Naomi
Ruth gleans a significant amount of barley and returns home to Naomi, sharing her provisions and recounting her day. Naomi, upon learning it was Boaz's field, recognizes his kindness and identifies him as a close kinsman, advising Ruth to continue gleaning in his fields.
Boaz and Ruth's Midnight Encounter
At midnight, Boaz awakens to find a woman at his feet. Ruth identifies herself and requests Boaz to act as her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz blesses her for her loyalty and virtue, promising to fulfill the duty, but reveals there is a nearer kinsman.
Naomi Instructs Ruth
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor to secure her future and find 'rest.' She instructs Ruth on how to prepare herself and what to do when Boaz lies down.
Ruth Approaches Boaz
Ruth diligently follows Naomi's instructions, going to the threshing floor, waiting for Boaz to finish his meal, and then quietly uncovering his feet and lying down beside him.
Ruth Informs Naomi
Ruth returns to Naomi, who asks about the outcome. Ruth recounts all that Boaz said and did, including the gift of barley. Naomi advises Ruth to wait patiently, confident that Boaz will swiftly resolve the matter.
Ruth's Discreet Departure
Ruth remains at Boaz's feet until morning, then departs discreetly before anyone can recognize her. Boaz gives her six measures of barley as a gift for Naomi, emphasizing that she should not return empty-handed.
Boaz Publicly Redeems and Marries Ruth
Boaz declares before the elders and all the people that he has bought Elimelech's land and purchased Ruth to be his wife, to raise up the name of the dead. The people and elders affirm as witnesses and bless Boaz and Ruth.
Naomi Embraces Obed; Neighbors Name Him
Naomi takes the child, lays him in her bosom, and becomes his nurse. The neighbor women name him Obed, recognizing him as a son born to Naomi, who will be the father of Jesse and David.
Kinsman Declines Redemption with Ruth
Boaz reveals that redeeming the land also requires marrying Ruth, the widow of Mahlon, to raise up the name of the dead. The kinsman declines, fearing it would mar his own inheritance.
Boaz and Ruth Marry
Following the public declaration, Boaz takes Ruth as his wife, and the Lord grants her conception.
Boaz Presents Land Redemption Offer
Boaz informs the kinsman that Naomi is selling Elimelech's land and offers him the first right of redemption, as there is no one closer.
Kinsman Performs Shoe-Plucking Ritual
To confirm the transfer of redemption rights, the kinsman performs the ancient Israelite custom of plucking off his shoe and giving it to Boaz, signifying his renunciation.
Boaz Convenes Meeting at the Gate
Boaz goes to the city gate, sits down, and encounters the closer kinsman. He then gathers ten elders to witness the legal proceedings.
Ruth Gives Birth to Obed
Ruth gives birth to a son, and the women bless Naomi, acknowledging that the Lord has provided a kinsman and a restorer of her life through Ruth, who is better to her than seven sons.
Genealogy from Pharez to David
The passage concludes with a genealogy tracing the lineage from Pharez, through Boaz and Obed, to Jesse and ultimately to David, establishing Ruth's place in the messianic line.