Ruth: Moabite Woman, Great-grandmother of King David

Ruth, a Moabite woman, is celebrated for her loyalty, faith, and role in the lineage of King David. Her story, recorded in the Book of Ruth, highlights themes of devotion, redemption, and God’s providence.

Quick Facts

1. Moabite Woman: Ruth was originally from Moab, a neighboring country of Israel.
2. Widow: She was widowed after marrying an Israelite man who had moved to Moab during a famine.
3. Loyalty to Naomi: Ruth is known for her steadfast loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, choosing to stay with her and return to Bethlehem.
4. Famous Vow: Ruth’s vow to Naomi includes the famous words, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
5. Gleaning in Boaz’s Field: Ruth supported herself and Naomi by gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband.
6. Marriage to Boaz: Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s character and loyalty, married her, redeeming Naomi’s family line.
7. Ancestor of David: Ruth and Boaz’s son, Obed, became the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
8. Book of Ruth: Her story is recorded in the Book of Ruth, a short but significant book in the Old Testament.

Background and Context

Ruth was a Moabite woman who married Mahlon, one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, Israelites who had moved to Moab to escape a famine in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-4). After the deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, and his brother Kilion, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab.

Loyalty to Naomi

Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to Naomi is one of the most poignant moments in the Bible. Despite Naomi’s insistence that she remain in Moab, Ruth chose to accompany her mother-in-law back to Bethlehem. Her vow, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16), underscores her commitment to Naomi and her embrace of Naomi’s faith and people.

Gleaning in Boaz’s Field

To provide for herself and Naomi, Ruth gleaned in the fields during the barley harvest. Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law that allowed the poor to gather leftover grains from the fields. Ruth found herself working in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech (Ruth 2:2-3).

Marriage to Boaz

Boaz noticed Ruth’s dedication and kindness and extended protection and generosity to her (Ruth 2:8-12). Naomi, recognizing Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, advised Ruth to approach him and seek his protection (Ruth 3:1-4). Boaz responded positively, praising Ruth’s virtue and taking the necessary steps to redeem her and Naomi’s family line. He married Ruth, ensuring the continuation of Elimelech’s lineage (Ruth 4:9-10).

Ancestry of King David

Ruth and Boaz’s union produced a son named Obed, who became the father of Jesse, the father of King David (Ruth 4:17). This lineage placed Ruth, a Moabite, in the direct genealogy of Jesus Christ, highlighting the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive plan (Matthew 1:5).

Themes and Theological Significance

1. Loyalty and Devotion: Ruth’s steadfast loyalty to Naomi exemplifies the virtues of commitment and familial love.
2. Redemption: Boaz’s role as the kinsman-redeemer is a powerful symbol of redemption, prefiguring Christ’s redemptive work.
3. Divine Providence: The story of Ruth illustrates God’s providential care and how He works through ordinary events and people to fulfill His purposes.
4. Inclusivity: Ruth’s inclusion in the genealogy of David and Jesus underscores the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds.

Legacy and Impact

Ruth’s story has had a profound impact on Jewish and Christian thought. Her life exemplifies virtues that are celebrated in both faith traditions, and her story of loyalty, love, and redemption continues to inspire believers. The Book of Ruth is often read during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, highlighting its enduring significance.

Conclusion

Ruth, a Moabite woman renowned for her loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, became the great-grandmother of King David through her marriage to Boaz. Her story, recorded in the Book of Ruth, highlights themes of devotion, redemption, and God’s providential care, making her a key figure in the lineage of Jesus.