Ruth summary

 Ruth is a short yet profound story about loyalty, love, and redemption. The book follows the lives of Naomi, an Israelite widow, and her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. After the death of Naomi’s husband and sons, including Ruth's husband, Naomi decides to return to Israel from Moab. Ruth, despite being a foreigner and having no obligation to stay, chooses to remain with Naomi, famously saying, "Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay."

When they arrive in Bethlehem, Ruth works in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi, gathering leftover grain. She ends up working in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz notices Ruth’s dedication to Naomi and shows her kindness, ensuring she is protected and has plenty to eat.

Naomi, seeing an opportunity for security, encourages Ruth to seek marriage with Boaz according to the custom of levirate marriage, where a close relative can marry a widow to continue the family line. Boaz agrees to marry Ruth, after ensuring he has the legal right to do so. Their marriage is blessed, and they have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.

The story of Ruth highlights themes of faithfulness, God's providence, and the breaking of social and cultural barriers, as Ruth, a foreigner, becomes part of the lineage of Israel’s most famous king, and ultimately, of Jesus Christ.