By F. D. Adkins
A Study of Ruth, Chapters 1-4 KJV
As one who did not allow her hardships to define her, her character is an inspiration. In the Book of Ruth, we discover a woman whose loyalty, work ethic, selflessness, and moral standards are traits we should all aspire to possess. After losing her husband, Ruth could have abandoned her mother-in-law and fled back to her homeland and her family. I believe it was a mixture of loyalty to the man she had married, along with her love for her mother-in-law. In addition, I think she cared for Naomi and did not want her to be alone, and at the same time, felt it her responsibility to make sure she was cared for. Ruth pledged to stick with Naomi no matter what. Ruth worked in the field and brought home food for Naomi. According to Ruth 2:17-18 (KJV), “…she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.”
But Naomi knew that their family name could not continue because Ruth never had children. Naomi also wanted to know that Ruth would be taken care of. So, she urged her daughter-in-law to pursue a relative named Boaz, for whom she worked in the fields. Boaz recognized and respected Ruth for her noble character. In Ruth 3:10-11 (KJV), Boaz says of Ruth, “…Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
At the end of the Book of Ruth, we see God’s hand in her story. She is rewarded with a son. But, her story and faithfulness will stretch so much further. As the generations descend, Ruth becomes the great-grandmother to King David. And we know from there, that lineage leads all the way to the birth of Jesus.
Today, let us cling to the story of Ruth. Let us learn from her example and draw from her strength. Let us be inspired and aspire to exhibit her faithful and selfless character.
