Bible Studies

---

By Lynn Wallace

Ruth wept as she dug graves for her husband, Chilion, and Mahlon, her brother-in-law. Naomi's and Orpah's tears joined hers as they stood beside these graves.

Ruth stayed close by Naomi as she told these sorrowing women, “I am going back to my homeland. Stay here, my daughters, and make a life for yourself.”

Ruth pleaded with Naomi, “Do not ask me to leave you. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.”

Her sister, Orpah, turned back home to worship Chemosh and the other gods of Moab. Heathen drums drowned out the cries of infants as worshippers threw them into the heated arms of Chemosh.

Ruth traveled to Canaan with Naomi. The Jewish people left grain on purpose for the poor to glean. This Moabite woman labored hard in the fields to glean enough corn for her and Naomi. The owner of the field, Boaz, showed special kindness to Ruth. He instructed his hired men to let some grains fall on purpose for her.
Naomi said, “God has blessed us. Boaz is one of our close relatives.” She had some land to sell. The closest relative had first rights to it. She instructed Ruth wisely how to let Boaz know she was his close relative.

Boaz had heard of Ruth's virtue. He loved her, but a closer relative had the right to purchase the land. The Jewish law required that he buy it of Ruth and marry her.

The other relative gave up his right to the land. Boaz bought this land and married Ruth.

God blessed her. She became the great grandmother of King David. Through her came Christ, the Messiah. In God's eyes Ruth was worth more than rubies, though she was a poor widow woman. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

Like Ruth I am a poor widow. Yet God looks down on me and sets a high value on my life. When I stumble and my memory fails me, I feel worthless. In myself I am nothing. I have only to cast my eyes upon God for in His sight my value is great.

God says we are of more value than many sparrows. He counts all the hairs on our heads. When we feel useless, let us look up to God and live for Him.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE