King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Tuesday, April 07, 2026
Chapters: The Book of Ruth
Message: Ruth And Boaz
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Ruth contains four chapters, the author is unknown, but is probable to be Samuel as he wrote the Book of Judges. The timeline for these events is approximately 1300 -1290 BC. The purpose of the book was to show Israel and everyone else that God is not a respecter of persons, He will redeem and accept anyone who comes to Him, [Ruth 4:14-15 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.]
The Book of Ruth is a supplement to the Book of Judges, unfolding around the time of the civil war between Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. Judah, the first tribe commanded to go up against Benjamin, suffered devastating losses, twenty thousand men in just two days. It is also likely that Eli was rising into his role as judge during this period as the nation slowly began turning back to God. During that time a severe famine struck the region of Bethlehem in Judah. There lived a man named Elimelech, who believed the wisest choice for his family was to leave temporarily until conditions improved. They ended up in Moab, where, unexpectedly, they settled and built a life for themselves. However, we learn that Elimelech died.
[Ruth 1:1-3 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. 3 And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.]
We often make choices that we believe are temporary, only to discover that they become far more permanent as we grow comfortable in our surroundings, but God Himself said that we are but pilgrims here. It can be incredibly difficult to discern whether we are making the right decision, especially when things start going wrong. I cannot tell you how many times I talk myself into believing that a choice I made ended up being wrong because it did not work out as planned. As I think about it, God’s will rarely arrives in a neat, polished package. More often it comes wrapped in rips and tears, edges that feel unsettling at first, yet prove to be part of His plan. Things did not get better for Naomi as both her sons died as well, and all this happened in a ten year span.
[Ruth 1:4-7 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. 5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. 7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.]
We do not know why Naomi’s two sons died, nor whether their deaths came close together or years apart. It is possible that, over time, they had grown accustomed to the ways of the Moabites, settling into a life far different from the one their fathers had known. Whatever the cause, the outcome was the same: both sons were gone, and neither had given Naomi any grandchildren. With nothing left to hold her in Moab, and learning that the famine was over in Judah, Naomi resolved to return home. At first, both of her daughters‑in‑law set out with her, but Naomi saw no point in it and encouraged them to go back home.
[Ruth 1:8,10-13 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. 10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. 11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; 13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.]
Naomi felt as though God was against her, and I can understand how she felt, especially when you start losing everything that meant anything to you. I am sure she questioned God, asking Him what they did wrong, trying to make sense out of losing her family. While Orpah cried a little bit, she hugged Naomi and Ruth then headed home, but Ruth did not want to leave her side.
[Ruth 1:15-17 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.]
Ruth begged Naomi to let her go with her, she was not content to be settled in her own town and the gods she grew up with, which by the way they used human sacrifices, she wanted to go where God is. Naomi accepted Ruth’s unwavering plea, and together they made the long journey back to Bethlehem.
[Ruth 1:19-21 So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? 20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?]
When they arrived, the whole town was stirred at the sight of her. The women who had known her for years welcomed her with joy, yet they could see immediately that something within her had changed. Grief had carved deep lines into her spirit, she no longer wanted to be called Naomi, meaning “pleasant.” Instead, she asked them to call her Mara, meaning “bitter”, because she felt as though God dealt bitterly with her. When we are grieving and have no idea the purpose of God’s plan the best thing we can do is pray to Him. We may not get the answer right away, but we will get a sense of peace knowing that God has a bigger plan than we do, [Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.]
Ruth was a stranger in a strange town, yet she wasted no time. Her heart was set on caring for Naomi, and the best way she knew to do that was to work. Because it was harvest season, Naomi encouraged her to go to the fields of a relative of Elimelech, where she could gather grain and earn their daily bread. The land belonged to Boaz, a man known throughout Bethlehem for his wealth, success, and deep respect within the community.
[Ruth 2:1-5 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. 4 And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. 5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?]
Right away, Boaz recognized that Ruth was not only a stranger, but also unlike the other women among his own people. There was something distinct about her, something humble, steady, and sincere that caught his attention. Boaz did not need to question her faith or honesty; he could see both reflected in the way she carried herself. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, her willingness to work, and her gentle spirit testified to a heart already shaped by the God she had chosen to follow. Then Boaz spoke words that moved Ruth to tears and brought her to the ground in humble respect.
[Ruth 2:8-10 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: 9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. 10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?]
That is amazing grace, how sweet it truly is to save a wretch like me. Whether we are working in the fields, washing dishes, answering phones, or caring for our families, God rewards faithfulness with not only the necessities we need, but often the desires of our hearts as well. I cannot begin to count the times God has protected me, provided for me over the years, and still does. We can stumble a thousand times in a single day, yet His grace steps in again and again, covering what we cannot fix and lifting what we cannot carry. This is the very grace reflected in the way Boaz responds to Ruth.
[Ruth 2:11-13 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. 13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.]
This is exactly how we please God. God, delights in those who are humble enough to serve and step into the tasks He places before them. And by the way, it truly is amazing to live under the wings of God, [Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.]
Boaz was deeply moved by Ruth. Her humility, her diligence, and her quiet devotion stirred something in him, and he responded with generosity. He even commanded his men to let her continue gleaning freely in his fields and to leave behind more grain than usual so she would have plenty to take home.
[Ruth 2:15-18 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: 16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. 17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.]
Ruth hardly knew what to think. She had come expecting only scraps, yet she found herself gathering abundance. Grateful and astonished, she gathered every stalk left for her and carried it back to Naomi, not realizing that this unexpected kindness was the first thread of a much larger plan God was weaving. When Naomi learned how Boaz had treated Ruth, a spark of hope began to rise in her heart that her husband’s and sons’ inheritance might not be lost after all. In fact, she began to form a plan.
[Ruth 3:1-4 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? 2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. 3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.]
Naomi saw this as the perfect opportunity, not only to secure a future husband for her daughter‑in‑law, but also preserve the inheritance of her husband’s family. What she was about to propose was, quite literally, a marriage proposal, though one wrapped in the customs and responsibilities of their time. It may seem unusual to us, but in that culture it was an act of redemption, a way to restore what had been lost and ensure that Elimelech’s name would not fade from Israel. Well, Ruth did exactly what Naomi had instructed her to do, she went into town, watched him and waited until he was laying down before laying her head at his feet.
[Ruth 3:6-10 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. 9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. 10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.]
This may have been one of the strangest marriage proposals ever recorded, and coming from a woman made it even more unusual for that time. Yet as soon as Ruth told Boaz that he was a near kinsman, he understood exactly what she was asking. The spreading of the corner of his outer garment over her would symbolize a commitment to marry her, to cover her, and to redeem the family line she represented. Boaz was still deeply taken with Ruth, and under any other circumstance he would have gladly accepted her proposal on the spot. But he was an honorable man. He knew that accepting her immediately would have been deceptive, because there was another man who was actually closer in the bloodline, who had the first right to redeem the inheritance.
[Ruth 3:11-13 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. 12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.]
Boaz wanted to be completely honest with Ruth, yet he assured her that he would do everything in his power to make redemption possible. His integrity would not allow him to promise what he could not rightfully claim, but his heart was already leaning toward her. Naturally when Ruth returned home, Naomi was waiting, eager, and full of questions. The moment Ruth walked through the door, Naomi could tell something significant had happened. She listened intently as Ruth recounted every detail, and with each word Naomi’s hope grew stronger. She knew Boaz’s character, and she knew that God was moving.
[Ruth 3:15-18 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. 17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. 18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.]
Naomi understood that whatever the outcome, they had done everything they could. Now the rest was in God’s hands. This is the very heart of living by faith, doing what is within our power, walking in obedience, and then trusting God to handle what lies beyond our reach. Ruth and Naomi had stepped out in faith. Now they could wait with confidence, knowing that the God who had guided them this far would not abandon them in the final stretch. The next morning Boaz stood at the gate with the man who was the next of kin to Elimelech, as well as the elders, he explained the situation about Naomi, and brought up something known as the kinsman redeemer.
[Ruth 4:1-4 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. 3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s: 4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.]
According to the Law, [Numbers 27:8-11 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter. 9 And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. 10 And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren. 11 And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.]
In other words, this ensured that a family’s name, land, and lineage would not disappear from Israel. It created a chain of responsibility, moving from sons, to daughters, to brothers, to uncles, and finally to the nearest kinsman. It explains why the nearer kinsman had to be consulted first, and why Boaz could not simply claim Ruth and the inheritance for himself. Everything had to be done in order, according to the command the Lord gave Moses. This is a perfect example of Christ and how He would become the Kinsman Redeemer for all who come to Him willingly, [Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:]
Many people are willing to accept Christ, until they read the “fine print,” so to speak. Salvation is free, but following Christ means surrendering the old life, taking up the cross, and walking in obedience. Some turn away when they realize that redemption comes with responsibility. In this case, if the nearer kinsman were to buy the field, he would not be purchasing land alone, Ruth came with it. By law, he would be responsible to marry her and raise their first son in the name of Elimelech, ensuring that the family line would continue. At first, he was willing to redeem the field, but the moment he learned that Ruth was part of the redemption, he stepped back.
[Ruth 4:5-8 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. 6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. 7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. 8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.]
According to the Law, [Deuteronomy 25:7-10 And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother. 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her; 9 Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother’s house. 10 And his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.]
It truly was a difficult decision for any man. The kinsman who already hoped for his own wife and family would have to marry a woman who had belonged to his brother, and their firstborn son would not even be counted as his own, it would legally belong to the deceased brother’s line. This man was just not willing to do that, but Boaz being a man of integrity himself had no problem redeeming the land and making Ruth his wife.
[Ruth 4:9-11 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. 10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. 11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth-lehem:]
Wow, what a moment this must have been. For a group of men who were normally strict about marrying within their own tribe, and especially cautious about foreigners, this was a welcomed surprise. They did not see Ruth as a stranger nor a Moabite. In their eyes, she had become part of the family. Her character, devotion, and her faith had spoken louder than her background. And Boaz had no hesitation at all. He gladly took Ruth as his wife.
[Ruth 4:13-17 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. 16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. 17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.]
This is what Jesus does for us, He restores our life, in fact, what He really restores is life to our soul and is a perfect illustration of Jesus purchasing His bride, which are the souls of those who believe in and receive Him as their Saviour, [I Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:]
Today’s Prayer: God, I know and believe with all my heart that Jesus is Your Son, who died for my sins, was buried, and arose again on the third day, and I have accepted Him as my only way to You and Your Kingdom. To acknowledge this truth comes so naturally with great enthusiasm, boldness, and conviction, but the real test is when I publicly acknowledge these truths among those who do not agree with me. Lord, where You go, I go, no matter where you place me or what test You give me, and by Your grace, I know I can and will endure the things before me, and I will reap the rewards for my faithfulness. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2026 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.