The Book of Ruth is a short but powerful story in the Old Testament. Though it only has four chapters, it tells of God’s providence, faithfulness, and redemption. It follows the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, tying together themes that still speak to us today. Here’s a look at the book, chapter by chapter.
Chapter 1. Trials and Loyalty
The story begins with Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons leaving Bethlehem because of a famine. They settle in Moab, but tragedy strikes. Naomi’s husband and sons die, leaving her and her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows. While Orpah returns to her family, Ruth refuses to leave Naomi. Naomi, bitter and discouraged, even says, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20).
Yet, it’s often in those rock-bottom moments that we are faced with a choice: to turn from God or run toward Him. While Naomi felt defeated, Ruth saw hope in returning to Naomi’s land and her God. Her decision to follow Naomi wasn’t just loyalty to her mother-in-law—it was a step of faith toward the God of Israel. Ruth declares, “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16), showing us that even in the darkest times, choosing God brings hope and direction.
Chapter 2. Providence and Provision
When Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem, they have nothing. Ruth goes out to glean in the fields to provide food for them. In God’s providence, she “just happens” to glean in the field of Boaz, a kind and wealthy man who is also a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz notices Ruth and shows her favor. He says to her, “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:12). God’s providence is clear as He guides Ruth to the right place at the right time, providing not only food but also a future. This chapter reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes to meet our needs and fulfill His purposes.
Chapter 3. Faith and Proposal
Naomi sees an opportunity for Ruth’s future and gives her specific instructions. Ruth follows her advice and approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, asking him to fulfill the role of a kinsman-redeemer. This was a custom where a close relative could marry a widow to preserve the family name and inheritance. Ruth boldly says to Boaz, “Spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman” (Ruth 3:9). This act shows Ruth’s faith in God’s provision and her trust in Boaz’s integrity. Boaz responds with kindness and promises to resolve the matter, showing his own godly character.
Chapter 4. Redemption and Legacy
In the final chapter, Boaz takes the necessary steps to redeem Ruth. He meets with the elders and the closer relative at the city gate to make everything official. Boaz says, “Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance” (Ruth 4:10). Ruth becomes Boaz’s wife, and they have a son named Obed. This child is the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth, a Moabite woman, in the lineage of Jesus Christ, our Savior! What began with tragedy ends with redemption, showing how God’s providence works in all things for His glory.
The Book of Ruth is a reminder that God is always at work, even in the hardest times. He provides, He redeems, and He writes a story far greater than we could plan for ourselves. Just as Ruth found her place in God’s plan, so can we when we trust Him and walk by faith.
