Category: Ruth

In this chapter Boaz converses with the kinsman-redeemer who has first claim on Ruth (and the other property of Naomi’s family). Boaz offers everything to this man who has first right, because it was the right thing to do culturally and morally (this man is a closer relative than Boaz). “…the redeemer… came by. So…

This chapter is far too rich in culture and nuance to cover everything in detail, so I’ll attempt to summarize some key points. “So [Ruth] went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to…

Ruth goes out to gather grain for her and Naomi. They are quite poor, so she gets permission to glean (pick up the grain missed / dropped by the reapers). One of the fields she goes through is owned by a relative of Naomi’s late husband – Boaz – and he takes notice of her….

Here we find the backstory of Naomi – a woman from Bethlehem (in Judah) who travels with her husband and two sons to Moab (a neighboring, non-Hebrew nation). Her sons marry two Moabite women, one being Ruth. Unfortunately, her husband and sons both die, so Naomi moves back to Bethlehem, and Ruth insists on coming…