14
One can only imagine Ruth’s state of
mind when she realized that she might
have to marry a total stranger rather
than Boaz! Naomi said to Ruth, “Sit still,
my daughter, until you know how the
matter will turn out; for the man will not
rest until he has concluded the matter
this day” (Ruth 3:18).
Ruth’s suspense would only have to last
for one day. And the story turned out
well, for the close relative would not
marry Ruth lest it would ruin his own inheritance. So Ruth obtained the desired end she had proposed:
She got to marry Boaz.
Ruth’s lineage
The people and elders who were at the city gate pronounced a blessing on the bride and
bridegroom that was prophetic: “The LORD make the woman who is coming to your house
like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephra-
thah and be famous in Bethlehem. May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar
bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the LORD will give you from this young wom-
an” (Ruth 4:11-12).
In time, Boaz and Ruth had a son, Obed. Naomi was able to become a nurse to Obed, and the
women of Israel blessed the Lord for her happiness: “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left
you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be
to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves
you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him” (Ruth 4:14-15).
A royal lineage came from Boaz and Ruth, as Obed was the grandfather of King David. And
from King David’s royal line came the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Lessons learned
Ruth was accepted into the commonwealth of Israel, as was Boaz’s mother, Rahab, before
her. All who accept God’s way of life are included in the blessings of God. And those who do
well will reap the result of their actions. Boaz and Ruth had great respect for one another, as
well as kind and uplifting words for each other. It is a good example of nobility and character.
Ruth left her people, her family and her culture. Ruth vowed that she would not be parted
from Naomi under an oath to the Lord. Things probably looked bleak for Ruth at times, but
the mercy of God worked out all things for her. God will work out our future for us as well.
We must also be willing to forsake all (everything we have). Ruth forsook her pagan home-
land and its pagan gods, and chose the true God as her God! All individuals of all nations can
come to take refuge under the wings of the true God and to trust in Him.
Ruth’s example of faithfulness should be encouraging to us.
We need to follow her steps and allow God to be our God
14