They Faced Tragedy Together

NAOMI faced one heartbreak after another. When a famine struck Israel, her husband decided to move the family from their home in Bethlehem to the land of Moab. One day, Naomi’s husband died, leaving her alone with her two sons in a foreign country. The sons later married Moabite girls who did not worship Jehovah. Some ten years later, disaster struck: Both of her sons died! Neither had fathered children. So Naomi had now lost not only her husband but also both of her sons and any hope of seeing grandchildren.

Feeling that she had nothing left, Naomi decided to go home, back to Bethlehem, a journey that might have taken about a week. Ruth and Orpah, Naomi’s two daughters-in-law, accompanied the older woman on the road. However, Naomi could not bear the thought of taking them away from their homeland and relatives, perhaps robbing them of any prospect of remarrying and raising children of their own. Selflessly, she urged Ruth and Orpah to go home to their mothers. Courageous Naomi was willing to walk on, alone. Orpah wept, but she left. Ruth wept too, but she stayed.

Ruth said to Naomi: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, . . . for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.” This loyal and brave young woman had decided to make Naomi’s God, Jehovah, her own God.

So Ruth went with Naomi to Israel, leaving behind her family, her culture, and her Moabite gods. When at last the two arrived in Bethlehem, some women expressed shock at how Naomi had changed over the years. She responded by lamenting that Jehovah had taken everything from her, leaving her bitter and empty-handed. If Naomi’s words hurt Ruth, who had given up so much to stay with her mother-in-law, there is no sign of it. Ruth simply began to work gleaning grain in the nearby fields to support herself and Naomi.

A wealthy landowner named Boaz, the son of Rahab, noticed Ruth working hard in the fields. This righteous man inquired about her. He learned how she selflessly supported Naomi. He praised Ruth for choosing to take refuge under the protective care of Jehovah God. He even made sure that the male laborers would not harass her.

That night, when Naomi learned about the kindness Boaz had shown, she was excited. Might Boaz become a husband to Ruth? He was a relative, and God’s Law had a special provision for younger widows, such as Ruth. When a woman became a widow, she had the right to marry a close relative of her deceased husband. In that way, she might still bear a son in her husband’s name so that his family line and inheritance might remain intact. (Deut. 25:5, 6) Naomi explained to Ruth what she must do.

Ruth agreed to do as Naomi said, though the custom must have seemed strange and intimidating. She went out to the threshing floor at night, where men commonly slept by the piles of grain they had harvested. She crept to Boaz’ feet, uncovered them, and lay there. When he awoke, she humbly reminded him of God’s law and how it applied to her. That kind man may have sensed Ruth’s anxiety. Deeply impressed with her courage and loyal love for Jehovah and for her family, Boaz agreed to see if it was possible for him to do as she hoped he would.

The next day, Boaz went to the elders of Bethlehem and arranged everything properly. He married Ruth. In time, she bore a son. Naomi cherished her precious grandson, Obed. King David descended from that child, as did the Messiah centuries later! (Matt. 1:5, 6, 16) Jehovah generously rewarded the courage of Naomi and Ruth!

Read the Bible account:

• Ruth 1:1–4:22

For discussion:

In what ways did Naomi and Ruth show courage?

1. 2. Why can we conclude that Ruth did not approach Boaz with impure motives? (ia 47 ¶17-18)

   Your answer

2. 3. What is significant about Boaz addressing Ruth as “daughter”? (Ruth 2:8; w16.11 3)

   Your answer

3. 4. In contrast to the man called So-and-so, how did Boaz show unselfishness when he agreed to marry Ruth? (w23.03 14) B

   Your answer

   

Reflect on the Lessons

• How might Ruth’s example of diligence and gratitude help us when we suffer financial hardship? C

  Your answer

  

• When Naomi was brokenhearted, Ruth helped her to cope. What do we learn from Naomi about humbly accepting help from others? What do we learn from Ruth about encouraging others?

  Your answer

• In what other ways might you imitate the courage of Naomi and Ruth?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does this account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• What would I like to ask Naomi and Ruth in the resurrection?

  Your answer

Learn More

What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the book of Ruth, and how can we apply those lessons?

“Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another” (w21.11 8-13)

Use this illustrated Bible story to help your family bring this account to life.

“Ruth Is a Loyal Friend” (ijwis article 12)