Day 24: Ruth 1 & 4

Ruth 1

When a woman becomes a widow, she comes to rely entirely on the kindness of others. Back in this time, I don't think women could really do much to earn money for food or shelter. This is why Naomi was so sad and bitter: she had nothing left and her actual survival depended on whether she could get food and shelter from others.

This is why Naomi tried to send her daughter-in-laws back to their own families. Naomi had absolutely nothing, and the path she would follow might not end well.

But Ruth insists on going back to Naomi's country with her. She will follow Naomi's God and will take whatever comes their way.

Ruth 4

Boaz marries Ruth and so guarantees that he will be taking care of both Ruth and Naomi. Boaz and Ruth then have a son, Obed.

One of the neatest things here is in the family tree.

Ruth, who was an outsider, will be a relative of Jesus! She is the mother of Obed, she is the grandmother of Jesse, and she is the great-grandmother of David, who will become king. And Jesus is a descendent of David. How neat is that?!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Samuel 1 & 3