Ruth
The Hebrew word Ruth means "friendship." This was a fitting name for this Moabite woman who became close friends with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth married Naomi's son, Mahlon, but he died ten years later. She then left her land and returned to Bethlehem with Naomi. She chooses Naomi’s God and Naomi’s family over her own.
In Bethlehem she was allowed to glean in the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech, her dead father-in-law. At Naomi’s urgings she asked Boaz, the next of kin, for protection as reflected in the Hebrew laws of marriage. After a near relative waived his right to buy the family property and provide an heir for Elimelech, according to Hebrew custom, Boaz married Ruth. They have a son named Obed who became an ancestor of David and Jesus.
Lessons from the life of Ruth:
- God’s presence in a friendship overcomes differences that might otherwise create disharmony and division.
- Choosing the one true God has great rewards.
- Openness to change leads to growth and opportunities.
Read Ruth's story in the book of Ruth. She is also mentioned in Matthew 1:5.
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