The book of Ruth tells a short but beautiful story about a mother-in-law, Naomi, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. It weaves together themes of loyalty, providence, and the extraordinary ways God works through ordinary people.
In four chapters, Ruth invites us to reflect on one critically important question: Is God actively involved in the details of our lives. . .even the painful ones?
Through a set of difficult circumstances—including famine, loss, widowhood, relocation, and uncertainty—the book of Ruth reminds us that God is continuously unfolding His perfect redemptive plan, sometimes in the unlikeliest of ways.
In a tangible expression of this reality, the book of Ruth concludes with a genealogy, revealing Ruth to be the great-grandmother of King David, whom we’ll meet soon.
Through her relation to King David, Ruth is a direct ancestor of Christ, making her a notable character in the broader story of God’s redemptive plan as it unfolds through the generations leading to the birth of the Messiah.
Even as Ruth was searching for hope for her family, God was working in Ruth’s life to create hope for the world.
RUTH 1
During the time of the judges, Elimelech and his wife (Naomi) and their sons move to Moab to escape a famine. After settling, the sons do what Moses warned against—marry women who worship other gods. Over time, Elimelech and his sons die, bereaving Naomi. But she returns to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth.
How does Ruth’s unusual choice to stay with her mother-in-law show God’s grace in their lives?
RUTH 2
Ruth goes to work in the field of a wealthy man, relying on God’s law that Israelites must not reap the perimeters of their field so the poor can gather along the edges. It happens that the landowner is a relative of Naomi. Seeing Ruth’s unselfish care for her mother-in-law, Boaz leaves extra grain for her. Ruth returns home with plenty.
What does God’s law in Leviticus 19:9–10 reveal to us about His heart for people in need?
RUTH 3
Naomi instructs Ruth to seek Boaz’s favor. And Boaz, acknowledging Ruth’s virtue, promises to redeem her. But there’s a problem: according to the law of Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy25:5–10), another man has the first right to marry Ruth. Boaz promises to find an answer.
Each detail of Ruth’s story is for her good. How do you see God’s faithful design in your life?
RUTH 4
Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, takes Ruth as his wife, redeeming Elimelech’s land and upholding Naomi’s inheritance. Through their marriage, Ruth bears a son named Obed, who will become the grandfather of King David. . .and thus an ancestor of Jesus.
Boaz was the son of Rahab (Matthew 1:5), the Canaanite prostitute who sheltered the spies. What does this tell you about God’s heart for outsiders?
Reading the Bible isn’t a race. Let the pages unfold at a pace that allows your spirit to breathe.
About Taking Your Time through the Bible
It’s great to read through the Bible in a year—but it’s even better to slow down and savor your time in God’s Word. When your life feels rushed, this unique Bible reference will offer the tools and the encouragement you need to simply relax with God and His Word. The beautifully designed pages that follow provide just enough information to guide you into Scripture, which you are then encouraged to read and contemplate at your own pace.
Click here to learn more.
About the Author
Trisha White Priebe is a wife, mom, writer, and shameless water polo enthusiast who lives in northern Michigan.
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