Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth, a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, is celebrated for her loyalty, love, and faithfulness. Her story is told in the Book of Ruth, which is part of the Old Testament. Born as a Moabite woman, Ruth’s life took an unexpected turn when she chose to follow Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law, back to Israel. This act of devotion not only transformed her own life but also had far-reaching consequences, ultimately leading to the lineage of King David and, by extension, the lineage of Jesus Christ. The narrative of Ruth is a powerful tale of love, loyalty, and God’s intervention in human lives.
Background and Setting of Ruth
The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges in the ancient Israelite kingdom. The story unfolds in the rural region of Bethlehem, which was part of the territory of the tribe of Judah. The Moabites, Ruth’s original people, were traditionally considered enemies of the Israelites due to historical conflicts. Despite this, Ruth’s story demonstrates the possibility of redemption and the importance of faith and loyalty.
Ruth’s Relationship with Naomi
The central characters of the story are Ruth and Naomi. Naomi, an Israelite woman, had moved to Moab with her husband Elimelech, who died there. Naomi’s two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After her sons’ deaths, Naomi decided to return to Israel, leaving her daughters-in-law behind. Initially, Orpah decided to stay with her own people, but Ruth, driven by love and loyalty, insisted on accompanying Naomi back to Israel. This decision marked the beginning of Ruth’s transformation from a Moabite woman to an honored member of Israelite society.
Ruth’s Loyalty and Marriage to Boaz
Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately went to work in the fields, gleaning leftover grain. It was there that she met Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s husband. Boaz, recognizing Ruth’s kindness and loyalty, showed her great kindness and protection. Ruth expressed her love and loyalty to Boaz, and he in turn proposed a marriage proposal. However, he mentioned that he must first check if there were any closer relatives to Boaz who had the right of redemption before proceeding with the marriage. This process allowed Boaz to fulfill his duty as a relative and redeem Naomi’s land, securing Ruth’s inheritance and social status.
Legacy of Ruth
The story of Ruth has had a lasting impact on Jewish and Christian traditions. She is celebrated as a symbol of loyalty, love, and faithfulness. Ruth’s lineage is traced back to King David, making her a part of the royal bloodline. This connection is significant in Christian theology, as it is believed that Jesus Christ descended from King David through Ruth. The Book of Ruth also highlights the importance of social justice and the protection of the vulnerable, as Boaz demonstrates his commitment to Ruth and Naomi’s well-being.
In conclusion, Ruth, a Moabite woman who chose loyalty over her own people, became an integral part of the Israelite lineage and the story of Jesus Christ. Her life serves as an inspiring example of love, faithfulness, and the transformative power of God’s intervention in human lives.
