Ruth is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible and the main character in the Book of Ruth. The name “Ruth” is thought to mean “friend” or “companion” in Hebrew. Ruth’s exact date of birth is not provided in the biblical text, but she is believed to have lived during the period of the Judges, around 1100 BC. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and later became the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Early Life of Ruth
Ruth was born in Moab, an ancient kingdom located in modern-day Jordan. Not much is known about her early life, except that she married a man named Mahlon, who was the son of Elimelech and Naomi, an Israelite couple that had migrated to Moab due to a famine in their homeland of Judah (Ruth 1:1-4).
Biblical Timeline
Marriage to Mahlon
Ruth’s first marriage was to Mahlon, one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi. Unfortunately, Mahlon and his brother and father died, leaving Ruth, her sister-in-law Orpah, and her mother-in-law Naomi widowed (Ruth 1:4-5).
Return to Bethlehem with Naomi
Following the deaths of their husbands, Naomi decided to return to her homeland in Bethlehem. Ruth chose to accompany Naomi, declaring her loyalty to her mother-in-law and to the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16-17). Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, they were destitute and in need of sustenance (Ruth 1:19-22).
Meeting Boaz
To provide for herself and Naomi, Ruth began gleaning in the fields during the barley harvest. She happened to glean in the field of Boaz, a wealthy landowner who was also a close relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech. Boaz noticed Ruth’s hard work and loyalty to Naomi, and he ensured her safety and well-being while gleaning in his fields (Ruth 2:1-23).
Proposal to Boaz
At Naomi’s instruction, Ruth approached Boaz one night on the threshing floor, asking him to be her kinsman-redeemer, a person responsible for redeeming family property and marrying a deceased relative’s widow to preserve the family line (Ruth 3:1-18). Boaz agreed to fulfill this role but first had to address another relative who had a closer claim to redeem the family property and marry Ruth (Ruth 4:1-6).
Marriage to Boaz and Birth of Obed
The closer relative decided not to redeem the family property and marry Ruth, allowing Boaz to proceed with the redemption and marriage. Ruth and Boaz were married, and they had a son named Obed, who became the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13-22; Matthew 1:5).
Additional Notes
Ruth’s story is an excellent example of loyalty, faith, and God’s providence. Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as a non-Israelite, demonstrates the universal scope of God’s love and salvation plan.