Ruth, Naomi, & Boaz

We are still in the period of the Judges in the book of Ruth. In this zooming in on a particular family we get to see the impact of the cycle in the book of Judges. Naomi and her family (Ephrathites) leave Bethlehem and head to the land of Moab because of a famine. This is probably a judgment on Israel following other gods again.

Elimelech, the father of the family, dies in the land of Moab. The two sons marry Moabite women, live there about ten years and then the sons die. The only ones left are Naomi (the mom), and Ruth and Orpah (the daughters-in-law). No children are mentioned.

Remember where the Moabite people originate from. They are a product of the incestuous relationship of Lot and one of his daughters after the Sodom and Gomorrah incident. Genesis 19:30-38 This is Ruth’s heritage.

When the cycle turns back in favor of the Israelites and there is food again in Bethlehem, Naomi wants to head back. Orpah decides to stay in Moab but Ruth chooses to go to Bethlehem with Naomi. The famous “where you go I will go” verse is here. This story happens in the Spring during the barley harvest time. This is the time from Passover (March/April) until Shavuot (May/June). Each year the book of Ruth is read during the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) at the time when Boaz and Ruth were married.

Ruth works the poor areas of the field of Boaz and he notices her. See Leviticus 19:9-10 for the harvest laws to help the poor. Boaz is the son of Rahab (the one from Jericho) and Salmon. This gives us a clue on the timing of this story.

Naomi reveals that Boaz is a “Kinsman Redeemer” and gives a plan of action to Ruth. Ruth follows every word Naomi says. Boaz is open to being the redeemer for Ruth but there is another one in line ahead of him. Thankfully for Ruth and Boaz, that person is not willing to fulfill those duties.