The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth introduces us to the character of Ruth and her husband, Boaz. Ruth is an important figure in this story in the Old Testament, for the example of her life choices and those of her husband, Boaz, are designed to illustrate that those who follow the ways of God will reap His benefits. When Ruth's husband dies, she leaves her family and people to go with her mother-in-law, Elimelech Naomi (Ruth 1:3). Her mother-in-law encourages Ruth to return home, but Ruth insists her place is with her: "�Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go" (Ruth 1:16). Unlike her sister-in-law, Ruth makes choices that are akin to the ways of God. As such, she will come to reap His benefits in her life in Bethlehem with Boaz.

When she arrives in Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth begins to glean in the cornfields of Boaz. When he discovers her gleaning in the fields, Boaz informs Ruth that she no longer must toil in the fields though she is welcome to stay. He ensures that those who monitor his fields make life easy for Ruth, providing her with guaranteed benefits of her gleaning. Ruth is puzzled as to why a complete stranger should bestow such kindnesses upon her. Boaz, distantly related to Naomi's husband, informs her that her sacrifices for her husband and mother-in-law have earned her the benefits of the Lord: "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lor

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Category: Philosophy - T