Love Story

In my opinion, the Book of Ruth is one of the most important books of the bible. In Ruth, we see how a relationship works between a man and a woman, a redeemer and the redeemed, and between those who have become family by choice, and not by birth. It shows us that following the rules set forth by God will bring about the results we desire. It it a book of full of honor, love, and respect.

In the beginning we see that Ruth, who has lost her husband, decides to devote her life to caring for her mother in law instead of returning to her own people. We can assume that Ruth sees something in Naomi that draws her to the older woman. Being a Moabitess, Ruth doesn't know much about Naomi's God, but she is willing to serve Him, and Naomi.  Naomi was surely a good and loving woman, accepting Ruth as if she were her own daughter, otherwise Ruth would have felt no obligation toward her. How different from the stereotypical relationship that is the subject of many sitcoms and monologues in today's society.

We see that Naomi, in return, wants a better life for Ruth, and also an opportunity to continue her son's lineage. (In that era, a near kinsman could marry a widow, and their first son continued the name of the dead brother/kinsman so "their name would not be blotted out") She was a smart woman, but not manipulative. She guided Ruth in such a way that her honor and attributes shone.

Last, but not least, is our hero, Boaz. As a romantic, I really want to believe that Boaz was strong, young and handsome! We see in the second chapter of Ruth that Boaz notices this young maiden gleaning in the fields after his men. He finds out that she has followed Naomi, dedicated her life to Naomi, her God and her people, and he finds that very admirable. He then tells her not to bother going behind the workers in the other fields. He tells her to only glean in his. He assures her that she will be safe, as he has told his men "Hands off". What he doesn't tell her is that he also instructed his men to,
“Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. ¹⁶ Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”

Boaz could have easliy said to her "Just come around every day and I'll have some corn waiting on you." By telling his men to "drop" some extra, he allowed her to keep her dignity. He allowed her to feel that she was working for what she obtained, which in turn increased her feelings of self-worth and self-confidence. He did not want to embarrass her with charity or pity.

When Naomi saw that Ruth was bringing home an unusual amount of food, she must have known something was up. So she instructed her in the ways of the kin. She set up the process for "redemption".
The scene on the threshing floor is one of the most beautiful moments in the bible. Ruth goes to the threshing floor, and lays down at Boaz's feet. When he awakens he sees that she is there, and wants nothing more than to redeem her, but there is another, closer, kin who has that option as well. He tells her this, but he adds

"Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” 

He knows she is not yet his, and has no rights to her, but he desires that she remain close to him through out the night so she will be safe and comforted, and she will know that he has feelings for her.
The next day he finds the kinsman, who declines the offer of Ruth and what comes with her, and they live happily ever after.

The story of Ruth is one of redemption, much like our redemption in Christ, and is one of the greatest love stories ever told, second only to the story of the Cross. It is an example of how every relationship should begin, and continue...with love, honor and respect. If we would all follow the example of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, our hearts would always be full, and seldom broken.
And by the way....

 Boaz and Ruth are the great-grandparents of King David!