The Book of Ruth

Bethlehem. An Israelite family of Elimelech and Naomi and their sons Mahlon and Kilyon were struggling to survive through a famine. In search of food they move into the land of Moab, Israel's ancient enemy. 

In Moab, the father Elimelech dies. The sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Soon the sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, in the wild.  With no hope Naomi tells them that she is moving back home. She was aware of hard life of unmarried foreign widows in Israel, and compels the daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Orpah agreed, but Ruth said, "Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." 

Naomi changes her name to Mara and they leave for Israel.

In Israel Naomi and Ruth search for food. It was the beginning of the harvest of barley. Ruth goes out and ends up picking up grains in the fields of Naomi's relative Boaz. He was a man of noble character. He notices Ruth picking up grains from his field. He was generous to allow Ruth to pick up grains in his field. He heard her story and impressed by her loyalty to Naomi. When Naomi came to know that Boaz allowed Ruth to collect grains of his field, she said, "He is your redeemer, and it was his responsibility to marry you and protect you."

As advised by Naomi, Ruth abandoned her mourning weed to attract Bouz to her. Ruth goes to Boaz in the night, and offered herself to him. He tells her to wait until the next day.

Next day Boaz exposes his willingness and marry Ruth. He acquires the family property of Naomi and becomes the redeemer of the family.

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