Ruth: A Model of Loyalty and Love
The book of Ruth, though brief, stands as a profound narrative within the tapestry of Holy Scripture, offering timeless lessons on faith, fidelity, and divine providence. It introduces us to a young woman, Ruth, a Moabitess by birth, who, through her unwavering devotion and selfless love, transcends her pagan heritage to become an integral part of God's redemptive plan. Her story is a beacon for all believers, illuminating the path of true loyalty and the transformative power of agape love.
Loyalty to Naomi: A Covenant of the Heart
The narrative opens with tragedy. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, die in Moab, leaving Naomi with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Faced with utter desolation, Naomi resolves to return to Bethlehem, her homeland. She encourages her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab, offering them a chance at new marriages and lives among their own people. Orpah, though initially hesitant, kisses Naomi and returns to her people and her gods. But Ruth's response is one of astonishing commitment, a testament to a loyalty that transcends familial obligation and cultural ties.
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
This declaration is not merely an expression of affection; it is a profound covenant, an oath sworn before the Lord. Ruth chooses to embrace Naomi’s impoverished future, her foreign land, and, most significantly, Naomi's God. This decision highlights a loyalty rooted in spiritual conviction, demonstrating that true allegiance is not bound by blood or convenience, but by a willing surrender to a higher purpose and a deeper relationship. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is a reflection of her nascent loyalty to the God of Israel.
Diligence and Humility: Character in Action
Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately seeks to provide for herself and Naomi. She goes to glean in the fields, a practice permitted by Mosaic Law for the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9-10). Her choice of field, providentially, belongs to Boaz, a wealthy and upright kinsman of Elimelech. Ruth’s diligence is evident in her tireless work, and her humility is displayed in her respectful interactions with Boaz and his servants.
Boaz, observing her industry and hearing of her devotion to Naomi, commends her. He acknowledges her extraordinary kindness and her faith:
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Ruth’s actions in the field—her hard work, her deference, and her seeking of favor—reveal a woman of exceptional character. She does not wallow in self-pity or expect charity without effort. Instead, she actively seeks to contribute, embodying the biblical principle that "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Her humility in accepting Boaz’s generosity, without presumption, further endears her to him and demonstrates her virtuous spirit.
Love in Action: The Kinsman-Redeemer and Ruth's Initiative
Naomi, recognizing Boaz’s kindness and his position as a kinsman-redeemer (go'el), devises a plan to secure Ruth’s future and perpetuate her deceased husband’s lineage. The law of the kinsman-redeemer in Israel required the closest male relative to redeem family land that had been sold and, if necessary, to marry the widow of a deceased kinsman to raise up an heir for the departed (Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Leviticus 25:25). Ruth, demonstrating her continued loyalty and love for Naomi, obediently follows her instructions, however unconventional they might seem.
Ruth’s approach to Boaz at the threshingfloor is a bold act of faith and trust, both in Naomi’s wisdom and in Boaz’s integrity. She lays herself at his feet, asking him to "spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman" (Ruth 3:9). This was a symbolic request for protection and marriage. Boaz, far from being offended, recognizes the purity of her intentions and her noble character:
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
This episode showcases Ruth's proactive love—a love that is willing to take risks and follow wise counsel for the well-being of others and for the fulfillment of God's law. Her actions are driven by a desire to secure Naomi’s future and honor the family name, demonstrating a selfless love that seeks the good of others above her own.
Boaz: A Portrait of Righteousness and God's Providence
Boaz’s response to Ruth’s request exemplifies righteous character. He does not take advantage of the situation but acts with utmost integrity, ensuring that the legal process of redemption is followed precisely. He convenes the elders at the city gate, the public forum for legal matters, to establish his right as kinsman-redeemer. When a closer kinsman declines the responsibility, Boaz publicly assumes the role, purchasing the land and taking Ruth as his wife:
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.
The birth of Obed, who would become the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David, marks the culmination of God’s providential hand throughout the story. The women of Bethlehem bless Naomi, declaring that Ruth is "better to thee than seven sons" (Ruth 4:15), a testament to her extraordinary value. Boaz’s righteousness, coupled with Ruth’s loyalty and love, creates a lineage that ultimately leads to the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This demonstrates that God works through the faithful obedience and loving actions of His people, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, to achieve His grand redemptive purposes.
Enduring Lessons on Loyalty and Love
The story of Ruth offers profound lessons for believers today. Ruth's life is a vivid illustration of how loyalty and love, when rooted in faith in God, can transform circumstances and bring about divine blessings:
- Unwavering Loyalty: Ruth's commitment to Naomi, and by extension to the God of Israel, teaches us the importance of steadfastness in our relationships and our faith. It challenges us to consider our allegiances and whether our devotion to God and His people is truly unconditional.
- Selfless Love: Ruth's love was not passive; it was active, sacrificial, and sought the good of others. She labored, she risked, and she humbled herself for the sake of Naomi and the preservation of the family line. This mirrors the agape love described in 1 Corinthians 13, which "seeketh not her own."
- Diligence and Humility: Ruth’s character in the field and at the threshingfloor highlights the beauty of humility and hard work. God blesses those who are diligent and faithful in their daily tasks, no matter how mundane they may seem.
- Divine Providence: The book of Ruth is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign, orchestrating events behind the scenes. Ruth’s "chance" encounter with Boaz, Naomi’s wise counsel, and Boaz’s integrity all demonstrate God’s hand guiding faithful individuals towards His perfect will.
Ruth, the Moabitess, stands as a timeless model of loyalty and love, not merely as a romantic figure, but as a woman of profound faith and virtuous character. Her story calls us to embody these virtues in our own lives, trusting that as we walk in faithfulness and love, God will use us for His glory and for the advancement of His eternal plan.