The book of Ruth is the third history books in the Old Testament. It is a beautiful account of a young Moabite woman who came to faith in God. We do not know who wrote the book, but it appears to have been written during or after the time of David (4:17-22). It is set in the period of the Judges, which was a dark time in Israel’s history. This book shines as a light in the darkness.
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 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.
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.
