The book of Ruth in the Bible, presents the testimony of the life of Ruth the Moabite,great-grandmother of David. this Book is found in the Old Testament, between the book of Judges and the first book of Samuel. Let us discover together the peculiarity of this woman, a foreigner, who managed to enter the line of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Ruth means “companion”. She was one of the two daughters-in-law of Naomi. However, after the death of her husband and her two sons, Naomi asked her daughters-in-law to remarry and let her return to Bethlehem from Judah alone. Her daughter-in-law Orpah agreed and returned to her land and gods, but Ruth decided to remain faithful to Naomi. Ruth agreed to sacrifice a possible remarriage in her country out of attachment to her mother-in-law. The special thing about Ruth’s decision, is her perseverance. Indeed, despite her mother-in-law’s insistence that she leave to rebuild her life, Ruth clung to her will to do good to her late husband’s mother.
Ruth meets Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, her late father-in-law. This man was impressed by Ruth’s bravery and eagerness to serve her mother-in-law. He became Ruth’s husband, since the tradition of the time gave him the right to do so.
“... 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 my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
“Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.” (Ruth 2:11)
“Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.” (Ruth 3:3)
“And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” (Ruth 3:11)
“He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him.” (Ruth 4 15-16)