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during a famine in Canaan. During this time her husband, her father-in-law and her
brother-in-law died. Now Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and her sister-in-law Orpah, were on their own. What were they to do?
Ruth, being a woman of compassion, love and faith decided to stay with her
mother-in-law regardless of where she went. Naomi, having lost everything dear
to her decided to go back to her roots in Canaan. They found her relatives in
Bethlehem just as the barley harvest began. Ruth was not too proud to work for
their food, and soon found favour in the eyes of Boaz, who owned the fields
where she picked up the grain that was left after the regular harvesters had
picked up what they wanted.
Boaz, being a kind man told his servants to leave behind more than usual for
her sake. He also told her to feel free to drink from their water jugs. He
warned his men servants not to touch her. Thus God protected her.
Ruth was a faithful servant to her mother-in-law because she loved her. God
rewarded her faithful labour by helping her find more food than they needed.
Ruth was also an obedient woman. When her mother-in-law asked her to do
something she always followed her instructions. Naomi believed that because
Boaz was a kinsman redeemer he would marry Ruth. A kinsman redeemer is someone
who is related, and who is willing to buy the land of a relative who has died
and has no descendants who can inherit the land. If there is a widow then the
kinsman must also marry her so that the deceased's name will not disappear
from his family. In Ruth's case the first kinsman redeemer in line was not able
to do this and Boaz being the second in line was willing. Hence Ruth married
Boaz, who had by this time fallen in love with her.
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