August Bible Study

Illustration of Ruth declaring her loyalty to follow Naomi.

Image Source:https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/bible-stories-lessons/6/ruth-naomi/

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The Book of Ruth is one of the shortest books in the Old Testament, yet it contains a powerful message of love and loyalty. Set during the time of the Judges, it tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow, and her extraordinary devotion to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. 

Throughout the four chapters of Ruth, we see how love and loyalty are evident in her actions and ways and how these values would later change the lives of both Ruth and Naomi. 

The story begins in Bethlehem during a famine. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons move to Moab to escape the famine. Elimelech dies, and his sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Ten years later, both sons are also dead, leaving Orpah and Ruth widowed. Hearing that the famine in Bethlehem has ended, Naomi decides to return home and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and remarry.

A Loyal Love
Ruth faced an impossible decision, but in Ruth 1:16-17, we see Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to Naomi: But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Ruth’s bold pledge tells us of Ruth’s deep love and loyalty to Naomi and Naomi’s God. 

However, their return to Bethlehem proves to be anything but easy. As widows, Naomi and Ruth’s situation is dire, and their options are bleak. But Ruth’s commitment leads her to glean in the fields to provide for them. She works in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz notices Ruth’s hard work and loyalty to Naomi and shows her kindness, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her.

Now, we see Boaz demonstrating a deep sense of loyalty and love that goes beyond expectations and mere duty. His care for Ruth was an expression of genuine concern and respect. 

Redeemer 
Naomi identifies Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer who could marry Ruth to take responsibility for his extended family. Although she may not fully understand the implications of what Naomi is asking her to do, she loves Naomi and trusts her and God’s law. And so, she obeys.

Ruth approaches Boaz on the threshing floor and requests his protection. His response is one of admiration for Ruth’s character and loyalty. He ensures that the nearer kinsman waives his rights, allowing Boaz to marry Ruth and securing their future.

Illustration of Naomi meeting Boaz and Ruth’s son.

Image Source:https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/bible-stories-lessons/6/ruth-naomi/

Significance of Love and Loyalty
The love and loyalty demonstrated by both Ruth and Boaz lead to significant outcomes. Just as God used Ruth’s loyalty and love to support Naomi, He also used Boaz’s love and loyalty to redeem Ruth’s and Naomi’s situations. 

Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, willingness to embrace new people, and faith would have far-reaching consequences. She became the great-grandmother of King David and, ultimately, part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. 

These acts of loyalty and love, even in the face of adversity, not only changed the course of their lives but also played a crucial role in God’s redemptive history. It tells us that God can use our consistent acts of love and loyalty to Him and His people to have powerful, unimaginable, divine implications!

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Let us search our hearts:

• Reflect on Ruth 1:16-17. How does her commitment challenge or inspire you in your relationships?
• Ruth’s story shows us that God uses ordinary acts of love and loyalty to fulfil His greater purposes. How can we remain faithful daily, trusting in God’s plan?

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