Ruth and Naomi: A Story of Loyalty, Faith, and Redemption
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The story of Ruth and Naomi, though brief in the Bible, is one of the most powerful examples of loyalty, love, and God’s providence. In a world that often values self-interest and independence, the story of Ruth, a young widow, and Naomi, her mother-in-law, offers a compelling picture of sacrificial love and unshakable faith. Their story demonstrates the strength of relationships, the power of faith in God, and the redemptive work that can unfold when we trust in His plans.
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1. The Story of Naomi
The Book of Ruth begins with Naomi, an Israelite woman, who lived during the time of the Judges—a period marked by spiritual decline, moral chaos, and political instability. Naomi’s family, along with many others, was struck by a devastating famine that forced them to leave their home in Bethlehem and move to Moab, a neighboring nation. It was there that Naomi’s life took a tragic turn.
Naomi’s Tragic Loss
Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, passed away, leaving her a widow in a foreign land. But her suffering didn’t end there. Her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also died, leaving Naomi completely alone in a land that wasn’t her own. This left Naomi without the security that her family had once provided, and in that culture, without male relatives, a widow’s future was bleak. (Ruth 1:3-5).
The death of her husband and sons was so profound that Naomi changed her name to “Mara,” meaning “bitter,” reflecting her pain and sorrow. In Ruth 1:20, she says, “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.”
2. Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi
After Naomi’s tragic losses, she decided to return to Bethlehem, the land of her people, when she heard that the famine had ended. Before leaving, she urged her daughters-in-law—Orpah and Ruth—to return to their own families and remarry, as there was no future for them with her. Orpah, though grieving, decided to take Naomi’s advice and returned to her people. However, Ruth made a different choice that would change the course of her life and history.
Ruth’s Decision to Stay
Ruth, a Moabite, could have returned to her own family and people. But instead, she made the decision to remain with Naomi, her mother-in-law, who had no family left. Ruth’s words to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17 are some of the most beautiful and poignant in the Bible:
“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. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Ruth’s choice was an extraordinary act of loyalty and faith. Not only was she choosing to stay with Naomi, but she was also choosing to adopt Naomi’s God, the God of Israel, as her own. This act of faith would prove to be a pivotal moment in the history of Israel.
Ruth’s Faith in God
Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel was a courageous step. As a Moabite, she came from a pagan background, but she chose to put her faith in Naomi’s God. In doing so, she left behind the security of her people and her previous life. Ruth’s story teaches us that true faith requires surrender and trust in God’s plan, even when the road ahead is uncertain.
3. Naomi’s Support and God’s Provision
As Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem, they faced a difficult future. Naomi had no means of support, and Ruth, as a foreign widow, had few options. However, God’s provision was evident as He led Ruth to the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s husband.
Ruth’s Harvesting in Boaz’s Field
Ruth, in order to provide for Naomi and herself, went to glean in the fields—picking up the leftover grain after the harvesters had finished. By God’s providence, she ended up in the field of Boaz. Boaz noticed Ruth’s hard work and kindness toward Naomi, and he ensured that she would have plenty to gather by instructing his workers to leave extra grain behind for her.
The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer
In Israel, the concept of a “kinsman-redeemer” was crucial. The kinsman-redeemer was a close relative who had the responsibility to redeem a family member who was in need, such as purchasing land that had been sold, marrying a widow, or ensuring the family line continued. Boaz, as Naomi’s relative, had the right to act as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. Naomi, knowing Boaz’s position, instructed Ruth to approach Boaz and ask him to fulfill this role.
4. The Redemption of Ruth and Naomi
Boaz’s Proposal and Ruth’s Humility
Ruth followed Naomi’s advice and went to Boaz during the night at the threshing floor, where she humbly asked him to be her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s character and willingness to honor her mother-in-law, agreed to take on the role, but there was another closer relative who had the first right to redeem.
Boaz didn’t hesitate to act righteously, and the next day, he took the necessary steps to redeem Ruth by buying back the land and marrying her, thus securing the future of Naomi and Ruth.
Boaz’s Marriage to Ruth
Boaz married Ruth, and God blessed their union with a child, Obed. This child would become the grandfather of King David, making Ruth the great-grandmother of Israel’s greatest king. This family line ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all. The story of Ruth and Naomi is a powerful reminder of how God works through individuals and families to fulfill His greater plan.
5. Key Themes and Lessons from the Story of Ruth and Naomi
1. Loyalty and Faithfulness
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is one of the most striking aspects of her character. Her decision to stay with Naomi, even when it meant giving up her own future, is an example of true selflessness. Similarly, Naomi’s love for Ruth and her guidance shows the importance of family bonds.
2. God’s Providence
The story of Ruth is a testament to God’s providence. From Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi to meeting Boaz, God was at work behind the scenes. No matter how hopeless a situation may seem, God is always working on our behalf.
3. The Power of Family
The relationship between Naomi and Ruth highlights the importance of family support, even when biological connections are absent. Their story emphasizes that love, loyalty, and faith can create deep and lasting bonds.
4. Faith and Hope in the Midst of Loss
Ruth and Naomi both faced tremendous loss, but they chose to trust in God’s provision. This story teaches us that even in the darkest moments, God’s hope and faithfulness shine through.
6. How the Story of Ruth and Naomi Applies to Our Lives Today
For Women
The bond between Naomi and Ruth serves as an example of how women can support and uplift one another, especially in times of hardship. Their relationship highlights the power of friendship, loyalty, and mutual care.
For Families
Ruth and Naomi’s story encourages us to rely on one another through life’s challenges. Family members are called to show love and support, as Naomi and Ruth did, no matter the circumstances.
For Those in Difficult Seasons
Ruth’s story is particularly encouraging for those who are facing loss, loneliness, or difficult transitions. It reminds us that God is faithful, and He works in ways we may not always see but can always trust.
Conclusion
The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of profound faith, redemption, and God’s unyielding love. Their story teaches us the importance of loyalty, the power of God’s provision, and the beauty of family relationships. It is a reminder that no matter what we face, God is always working behind the scenes, guiding us toward His greater plan. Ruth’s faith and Naomi’s wisdom offer valuable lessons for all of us.
Reflect on the lessons of loyalty, faith, and God’s providence in your own life. How can you be more loyal and faithful in your relationships, and how can you trust God’s plan even when it’s hard to see?
Don’t forget to download our free workbook to take a deeper dive into the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Want More? Read Our Series Of Women In The Old Testament
May God Bless You,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
