Read: Ruth 1-4
Today we read the entire Book of Ruth, which is actually a very short book in the Bible. It’s also one of only two books of the Bible named after a woman; the other being Esther.
Ruth has always been special to me because I included a few verses from this book in my wedding vows: the beautiful passage about devotion and commitment.
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” -Ruth 1:16
Ruth had great loyalty and love towards her mother-in-law Naomi, who had become family to her. When I used those verses in my wedding vows, they reflected my commitment to my husband, someone who was becoming my family. When you love someone, commitment matters. And that same idea applies to our relationship with the Lord as well.
“When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.” -Ruth 1:18
One important concept in Ruth is the idea of a “kinsman redeemer.” In those days, there was a custom based on the law given in Deuteronomy.
“If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family… her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her.” -Deuteronomy 25:5–6
A kinsman redeemer was a relative who could step in to help redeem or restore the family line and provide for the widow. In Ruth’s story, Boaz fulfills that role. Some helpful context about Ruth and the role of the kinsman redeemer came from Bible Study Tools (5 Essential Lessons from the Book of Ruth You Need to Know | Bible Study Tools).
What’s amazing is that Ruth was not considered to be “important.” She was from Moab, a nation that originated from incest between Lot and one of his daughters (Genesis 19:30–36). Ruth was a poor widow living in a foreign land, far from her birth family. Yet God still loved her and had a plan for her life.
Ruth’s story is a reminder that God often works through people who seem unlikely, overlooked, or unimportant. Her faithfulness, loyalty, and commitment not only changed her life, but she ultimately became part of the lineage of Jesus. How amazing!
Discussion Question
- What does Ruth’s devotion teach us about commitment, especially in our relationship with God?
- Ruth eventually becomes part of the lineage of Jesus. “Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth.” -Matthew 1:5
What does this reveal about how God can use ordinary lives and choices to accomplish His greater plan?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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