When I first learned about the Bible when I was younger, I thought of Ruth as the Scripture’s equivalent of a sweet love story. I suppose, read simply, it is. Ruth’s story isn’t about kings and conquerors, and you won’t find a supernatural miracle or prophetic vision in these pages. It’s a simple story about ordinary people surviving through pain and finding life and love again. But Ruth’s story is a small-scale version of a greater redemptive arc we see all through Scripture. It’s a small picture of the unfolding love story between humanity and a God who says, “you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).
We see this redemption when the women of Bethlehem bless Naomi’s newfound joy. A woman who came to her hometown destitute and brokenhearted has not been forgotten. So they proclaim, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you without a family redeemer today” (Ruth 4:14). Remember, she intended to go back to Bethlehem alone, believing herself too old and broken ever to have a family again. But through Ruth’s stubborn loyalty and Boaz’s kindness, God has restored what life has stolen from her.
And it doesn’t end there. Ruth’s son Obed will grow up to become a father himself—and the grandfather of the legendary King David. And many generations later, a priest named Zechariah, no stranger to feeling destitute and forgotten, will sing over his miracle baby. He will see his son John’s role in heralding the coming Messiah, and he will bless the Lord, “because he has visited and provided redemption for his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:68–69).
Why does Ruth’s story matter? Because it’s more than a romantic fairy tale. Ruth shows us how God uses ordinary people to redeem and restore in the darkest of times. It’s a story of a foreigner finding a home among God’s people and the role of two widows in the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.
Most of all, it’s a reminder of who God is, the One who is always in the business of redemption.
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48 thoughts on "Naomi and Ruth’s Family Redeemer"
Day 5 done. Very interesting view of how transformative the love of God is, and how love is never only just serving ourselves. It is the platform for so so much.
Thank you for the additional clarity on this passage!
I agree with this! I never seen it really before until this study. Love it
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I love the theme of redemption all throughout Ruth and how in this book you see a representation of Jesus in both Ruth and Boaz, they are both self sacrificial, both of noble character and both interested in the well being of others. It reminds me they God truly does work for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28), and He is faithful and cares about the poor and needy.
Yes! Beautiful, Fabi!
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Nancy, it was by far one of my favorite podcasts. So good!
I love the contrast of both Ruth and Naomi returning empty handed at the beginning of the story but then first scene in and Ruth and Naomi have their hands full. “She picked up the grain and went into town, WHERE HER MOTHER-IN-LAW SAW what she had gleaned. She brought out what she had left over from her meal and gave it to her.” v18. I can imagine Ruth walking towards Naomi and seeing Naomi’s face change & hope starting to rise. So much provision, so much protection. Only a good God can do that. Only God can continue to take our story, our hopelessness and shine His light of Hope. God was on the move and He made sure that Naomi couldn’t miss it. God loved Naomi more than she could see or understand. Thank you God for your promises. Thank you for reminding us that you are with us in the valleys of life and that you are working and moving on our behalf. “How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7. And here’s something fun, God loves us just as much!
I love how god will use “under qualified” people. He redeems the broken. He always has more for us.
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I love that God is in the business of turning our lives around. We are never too far gone for his redemption. May I believe that for my life.
In today’s reading there was a change of heart for Naomi. It was a remarkable yet gentle transition (Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May the LORD bless him because he has not abandoned his kindness to the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our family redeemers). How I loved this detail. Naomi kept her praise to the Lord. This proves that God’s blessing is tangible for people to grasp in the midst of hopelessness. It is tangible, not abstract, vague or mysterious. It is real and personal. Because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life (Isaiah 43:4). Precious promise worthy to be memorized. And the blessing is close (The man is a close relative). God blesses us through close avenues in our lives, that’s also my experience. God is close to the broken hearted and the crushed in spirit- this promise proves true for Naomi. May we keep our praise to Him, when on the mountains of victories or in the valleys of despair. God is closer than a friend, through thick and thin. Oh what a friend we have in Jesus! Be blessed dear sisters.
This study has been amazing so far. I love being a part of this community and gleaning more as we deep dive daily into God’s Word together. Thank you all for your insight, encouragement, prayer and wisdom. You all have kindled that flame of passion in me for God’s Word through your example – I am inspired and touched!
Thank you for the continued prayers for my family’s grief over losing our dog, and for a smooth work transition into my new job next week. I trained my boss yesterday and the guides I wrote for him ahead of time helped a lot. The toxic people in the office didn’t say anything to me yesterday because they were busy problem solving, which I could have gotten offended by (thinking they’re ignoring me), but instead I felt God’s protection and didn’t think it was a bad thing! In the past I would have taken it personally but God is slowly changing my heart. He is so good!!
Donna Wolcott – praying for peace and release from anxiety
Angie Mills – thank you always for your insight and for providing more context to these passages! I have been adding your comments to my journal. It has brought my studies to a deeper level.
Jennifer Loves Jesus – you have an incredible way with words. Your insights and prayers are often recorded in my journal as well. Thank you sister.
Mari V – praise God, how touching! Amen!
Lexi B – praying for full healing and mobility for your knee
Gramsiesue – thank you for your insight! I added your words to my journal. I’m starting to understand how God wants to use me to share with others, not through my words alone, but also my actions. I used to wonder how God would ever reach my husband, when he seemed so set on not believing in any form of higher power, but slowly God has been showing me that instead of talking and convincing, it’s through everyday living and walking with God that it becomes an example for others, just like Ruth was for Naomi to strengthen her faith. My husband has come a long way and I’m certain God will reach him in His time. He can reach anyone’s heart. I’m so touched that God is willing to use us all in that way to reach those around us <3
Happy Friday, sisters. May you all have a blessed weekend!
“God uses ordinary people to redeem and restore in the darkest times “
OH MY Goodness!! So so good study! And I thought Ruth was a simple chapter of the Bible of goodness and love, but through this study, podcast, and comments- it just could be my favorite study with SRT! (of course they are all very well done and insightful!)
@Jennifer- I copied your words of wisdom to read daily! (I could have a whole book of your comments here over the last year or so!)
Have a great day! It’s Fri-Yay!! May the peace of God be with you!!
PS- Please pray that our group will have a tremendous effect on the homeless people tonight as we go and serve them!
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“And let us not grow weary of doing good” words to live by in difficult times.
@Angie Mills — I admire you. I don’t know much about you, but I always receive wisdom from what you share. What you spoke about Galatians 6:9 earlier literally was straight out of my journal! “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10 NKJV)
I literally rewrote what I have written on a sticky note on my dry erase “encouragement” board.
“Small acts of obedience lead to big change”— The Lord is definitely speaking.
May we always remember not to grow weary in doing the simple daily tasks of today. The small conversations. They kindness and patience toward strangers. Prayers when we are out in the world and God prompts us to pray over places or people. All of it matters. One person’s prayer can change the course of an entire person’s life.
I listened to Chris Tomlin share his story on Sadie Robertson Huff’s podcast yesterday. He had written no original music and someone prayed over him to be a songwriter for his generation. Holy Spirit anointed him and his life changed!!! He music reaches sooooooo many people in many languages!!!! God does much with our “yes” :)
@Jennifer Loves Jesus– amen to all you have shared. You have a beautiful heart for Jesus <3
GrammieSue, absolutelty loved this: “One person, trusting the Lord and obeying His will, can change a situation from defeat to victory. No matter how you may feel today, no matter how difficult your circumstances may be, you can rejoice in hope if you will focus your faith on Jesus. Hope is an inner sense of joyful assurance and confidence as we trust God’s promises and face the future with His help.”
I did not see it that way until now; the Lord using Ruth to restore her faith. And she was a foreigner to the land. I love how God can and will use anyone to show His faithfulness.
Donna- Praying for your anxiety for your upcoming appointment; that you have peace that surpasses understanding.
If you don’t mind, please pray for me. I injured myself in the silliest way, getting up from the table to answer the doorbell, LOL. I banged my knee pretty hard. I rested yesterday and will rest today and tomorrow, but I have three back to back days of hiking tours starting Sunday. I can walk on it but is definitely hurts when I bend it.
The One who is always in the business of redemption!! Love, love love this morning’s devo! Last night, before heading to my class, my son read me a paragraph that he had to submit to his classes. He wrote about me. I was so moved about what he had to say. He mentions even though our family was broken that he was glad that I was given an opportunity to become empowered through my continued reliance on Christ! To God be the glory! It’s not me. It’s all Jesus!
@Alison Bentley. That statement of the worth of Ordinary People in God’s plans struck me too. I was reminded of all the moments I was asked to lead, teach, speak, join, work, or serve in ways outside my gifting and questioned “why me?”. God was always faithful to provide the means and support to accomplish each task. Glory to His goodness! Delight in the Lord this weekend fellow SHE’s!
God watches over me and I know it. I want to fulfill Your desires.
@ JOANNA FOLEY
That Deuteronomy passage was written for the people of Israel for that time and place. They were a very agricultural society and much different from our culture. Laws, obviously, were different then than they are now or even during the New Testament period.
First Timothy 5 addresses how the New Testament church was to treat widows within the church and gives us great principles by which to live.
1. FAMILY FIRST. A widow who has surviving family members (children or grandchildren) should receive help in support from her family own family members.
2. SETTING HER HOPE ON GOD. A widow who is left alone (with no family members left) should set her hope on God and continue in prayers & supplication night & day. She should fully trust in God for her provision.
3. THE CHURCH. A widow’s local church should help her meet some of her needs.
4. MARRIAGE. A widow is able to remarry & can seek support in that way.
Also, in American culture at this time, women are able to find jobs at many different ages. Thankfully, we can find ways to help us support ourselves.
@ JENNIFER LOVES JESUS
Truth beautifully and fitly spoken … like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Thank you for sharing!
Good morning sisters, this is a request for prayers this morning, I am having an echocardiogram and seeing a pulmonologist, my anxiety is very high! Thank you.
The SRT podcast on Ruth is fascinating! @Joanna Foley-the Deuteronomy reading provides the historical context of the “kinsman redeemer” as written into Jewish law.
Stubborn loyalty. I love this description of Ruth. Stubbornness is not commonly seen as good, but paired with loyalty, and in light of God, it is beautiful. An unyielding rebellion of faith. Against all odds, standing for God, and letting His will be done through us. In spite of our feelings. In all things. I can do this because of Jesus. My Savior did not sit high on a throne pointing directives and commands in coldness. He walks with me. He teaches me. He shows me how He made it through suffering. He calls me into the fields to find the hidden treasures. Unlike Ruth who gleaned and gathered leftovers, Jesus hands me His own possession. The work was done, all I have to do is open my hands to receive. This completes and comforts my heart and soul. So that I will not give up. “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap a harvest at the proper time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9). This is a promise. And we reap what we sow. What am I sowing today? I can’t go back and change what I planted in the past, and I see the good and bad seeds that grew from my choices. I see what grows from the choices of others too. And as long as I have breath in my lungs, and a new day given from God, I will persevere and sow good and better things with Jesus. I will begin with the small soil of my heart, planting God’s truth there. And as He gives me access to other fields, may I sow with faith and stubborn loyalty to Him. By the sweat of our brow we are called to work in this land. We are called to rest, too. And we are called above all to love God, and love others. When it seems too much to carry, or sort out what comes first, I am learning to slow down and listen. I pray. And God always provides. He redeems. He leads. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
@Angie Mills
What great insight into Naomi and her asking God to bless Boaz and acts of kindness. Thanks for sharing and blessing my day.❤️
God used Ruth to turn Naomi’s bitterness into gratitude, her unbelief into faith, and her despair into hope. One person, trusting the Lord and obeying His will, can change a situation from defeat to victory. No matter how you may feel today, no matter how difficult your circumstances may be, you can rejoice in hope if you will focus your faith on Jesus. Hope is an inner sense of joyful assurance and confidence as we trust God’s promises and face the future with His help. Praying for all who need hope today. Hugs to all ❤️
“God uses ordinary people to redeem and restore in the darkest of times”. If your feeling especially ordinary today be glad-rejoice!! Lord use our lives (good,bad,and ugly) for your glory so that others may know you too!!! Happy Friday sisters!
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Prayers for all and have a fabulous Friday.
Thankful that we serve a God who can make beauty out of ashes! Carrying Galatians 6:9 with me today as I have work in the morning then a college game this afternoon. I hope everyone has a blessed weekend <3
Love the reminder in Galatians that we must not get tired of doing good. We can’t give up, because God will reward in His time. However, I am stuck on the passage in Deuteronomy this morning. How does that translate to today? Widow marrying her brother in law?? Just a curious thought.
I also love seeing that Naomi, who is now calling herself Mara (bitter) because of her circumstances, is quick to ask God to bless the one who is blessing her beloved daughter-in-law with favor. Even though she finds herself in bitter circumstances, her first thought is to invoke the Lord’s blessings on another.
A small act of kindness on someone’s part may seem like a huge act of kindness for someone who is going through a difficult time. Be watchful and listen to the promptings of the Lord. Do not grow tired in doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).
God uses our acts of kindness to show His loving kindness to people. When I feel prompted to do good, I make it a point to do it. I never know how that small act of kindness can be used by the Lord to make a huge impact for His kingdom purposes in someone else’s life.
I love easily Boaz has shown Ruth kindness. The podcast talks about Boazs mother – Rahab – and how she was a foreigner and an outcast but clearly raised a well meaning man in the faith of the Lord. She believed and now her son is passing on this virtues to the other women he is encountering – accepting the importance of family and loyalty.
@PAMELA AILEEN
I am so glad you want to dig deeper in God’s word so that you can understand His word more. Naomi’s family were considered Ephrathites, not Ephraimites. The Ephrathites were people from Bethlehem, which used to be called Ephrath. This was the name of the location when Jacob passed through on his way back home and his wife Rachel died while giving birth to her son Benjamin. When Israel returned, the people of Judah (Judahites) settled in Ephrath, now called Bethlehem. The Ephraimites were Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. It is very easy to get these people group names confused. Don’t grow weary or discouraged while gleaning more from God’s word. He will continue to bless you as you search and seek Him.
I’m struck how in 2 short chapters we’ve seen Naomi go from bitter, willing to accept her destitution, and cross with God and now seeing her visibly softening towards God. Ruth has no idea the Lord is using her to bring Naomi back to Him. She is just modeling what she has learned of God from her husband and in-laws. It’s hard not to draw the correlation here to Jesus. Ruth is doing for Naomi what God sent Jesus to do for us. And then I become even more awestruck that Jesus is from Ruth’s direct line. THIS IS NOT HAPPENSTANCE! What an amazing, purposeful God we serve. What a good good God!
Amen
I am trying to learn to study our devotions more instead of just “reading” thru. I looked up the Ephrathites to see who they were. From the house of Ephram, son of Joseph, grandson of Jacob, who was blessed by Jacob and received a greater portion even though he was a grandson AND the 2nd son. Then I looked up Moab. Descends from Lots relationship with one of his daughters! Yikes I thought until I remember how God loves to shine through brokenness. I am sure there is so much more there but 5 days into Ruth and I am still in awe with the simple knowledge of who were Ruth and Naomi’s families. Blessing and brokenness coming together to give the world Jesus. How amazing is that!!
I believe Boaz had a special perspective on welcoming a stranger into Israel, since his mother had also left her people and her gods to come under the protection of the Lord and enter His covenant. May I be watchful for those around me in need who have a heart ready to surrender to God and enter the new covenant Jesus offers.
LYNNE FROM AL – praying for your husband and you!
I love your prayer to have a heart like Boaz. A watchful heart for those ready to surrender to God. Amen!
In some other translations Ruth 2:20 says “Blessed be he of the LORD, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!” We see Naomi praising the Lord! Despite her still hard circumstances, she is thankful to the Lord for what He has given her. It’s just some food but she sees the kindness of the Lord in it. She does not yet know the big consequences this bit of barley will have, but that doesn’t stop her from praising.