Ruth had provided for her mother-in-law by working in the fields, gleaning the barley and wheat which the reapers left behind. In response to this kindness, Naomi wanted to provide security for Ruth. She was a stranger in a foreign land, having no husband or family to care for her.
Ruth 3 – Faith, Virtue and a Midnight Encounter
Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest. Needing food, Ruth requested Naomi’s permission to find a field where she could glean behind the reapers. The head servant in the field of Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, granted her permission to glean.
Ruth 2 – The Blessing of Diligent Labour in the Fields
With famine ravaging the land of Judah, Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehem for the greener pastures of Moab. The famine did not affect them, but other trials did. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow. Still seeking good in this foreign land, Naomi’s son took wives for themselves from the Moabites, Orpah and Ruth. After ten years, both sons were childless. Bad turned to worse, as both sons died. A search for a better life seemingly brought nothing but trouble and heartache.
Ruth 1: Exploring the Faith and Devotion of Ruth