The King in the Book of Ruth
Ruth: A Story of Strength, Redemption, and the Faithfulness of God
The book of Ruth is often labeled as a love story, but to see it merely as a romantic tale misses the depth of its message. The book is raw and powerful in ways that will astonish the reader. The first time I read the verse (3:7b) as a teenager, I thought, “Man! This woman is so bold!” What woman sneaks into a man’s workplace and then lays down at his feet while snoozing after his shift is over? Ruth emerges “not as the passive, deferential, demure woman we once thought we knew, but as a surprisingly gutsy risk-taker.”*
One of the most beautiful aspects of the book of Ruth is that there are no miracles, angelic visitations, or prophetic voices—just everyday life. Yet, God is working behind the scenes in the mundane: The timing of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:22), Ruth “just so happening” to glean in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3), and the unnamed kinsman stepping aside so Boaz could redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:6). It's a bold narrative of faith, perseverance, and divine providence, reminding us as women God is always at work in our lives—even in seasons of loss, transition, and uncertainty. Through Ruth’s journey, we see a powerful example of valor, hesed (loving-kindness), and the ultimate redemption that points us to Jesus. So, in a sense, the gospel, according to Ruth.
Ruth: A Woman of Strength and Courage
It’s easy to picture Ruth as a quiet, submissive woman, but the biblical account paints a far different picture. Ruth was a woman of khayil, a Hebrew term that translates to valor or strength (Ruth 3:11). In Proverbs 31, this same term is used to describe the "woman of noble character" (Proverbs 31:10). Yep. You read that right.
Ruth’s strength is seen not in wealth or status but in her courage to defy expectations. After losing her husband, she made the radical decision to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Doing so meant leaving behind her homeland, security, relatives, and all she had known. "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). At that moment, Ruth wasn't just choosing Naomi. She was choosing Adonai.
I’ve often been told strength for women looks like independence, success, or control, but Ruth’s story tells us strength is found in faithfulness, commitment, and trust in God. Like Ruth, we may face seasons of loss, uncertainty, or difficult choices. The question is whether we will trust God enough to walk forward in faith, even when we don’t know what’s ahead. Will we take that next step even when it’s unclear, except for God’s direction?
Hesed: The Loyal Love of God in Action
The book of Ruth is saturated with hesed, a Hebrew word meaning lovingkindness, steadfast love, or covenant faithfulness. This type of love is more than an emotion—it’s active, selfless, and enduring love that reflects God’s character. Throughout the book, many characters demonstrate hesed by following God’s lead.
Naomi begins her journey in bitterness; she still seeks Ruth’s well-being and future.
Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi, to work tirelessly in the fields, and to seek Boaz as a redeemer is an act of radical, self-giving love.
Boaz goes beyond the law's requirements to provide for Ruth, protect her, and ultimately redeem her.
This theme of hesed reminds us of God’s faithfulness to us. He is the One who sees us in our struggles, provides for us in our emptiness, and leads us to a place of fullness and redemption.
We are called to be women of hesed who extend kindness, loyalty, and faithfulness to those around us. Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through your faithfulness? How can you reflect God’s kindness even in complex relationships?
Boaz: A Picture of Our True Redeemer, King Jesus
Boaz is key in Ruth’s story as her kinsman-redeemer (go’el). In Israelite law, a kinsman-redeemer was a relative who could restore land or marry a widow to preserve a family line (Leviticus 25:25). While Boaz willingly redeems Ruth, this part of the story points to a greater Redeemer—King Jesus.
Just as Boaz willingly took Ruth as his own, Jesus willingly took on our sin and redeemed us with His own blood (Ephesians 1:7). Just as Ruth came to Boaz in humility, we come to Jesus with nothing to offer, yet He covers us with His love and righteousness.
"Blessed is the Lord, who has not left you without a redeemer today!" (Ruth 4:14).
Ruth’s story reminds us that God never abandons His daughters. Jesus is our Redeemer, covering us with His grace and calling us into His family.
The Bigger Picture: Ruth and the Line of Christ
The book of Ruth ends with a surprising genealogy—Ruth and Boaz’s son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:17). From this line comes Jesus, the Messiah (Matthew 1:5-6). (And fun fact: many Bible scholars believe that either Ruth or King David could have written ] the book from her oral stories). This means that Ruth, a Moabite woman, was grafted into the lineage of Christ. Her story proves that God’s grace extends beyond boundaries, cultures, and past mistakes.
No matter your background, no matter your past—God can redeem your story. He can take what seems broken and turn it into something beautiful. He can take an outsider, like Ruth, and bring her into His divine plan.
Be Like Ruth—Bold, Faithful, and Redeemed
Ruth was not a woman of power or status. She was a widow, an outsider, a foreigner. Yet, her story is a testament to what God can do with a woman who follows in Adonai's footsteps.
Ruth’s story challenges us to:
Be gutsy in faith.
Be loyal in relationships.
Choose to be a woman of valor.
Be aware of God’s hand in the everyday.
Trust in our Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
The same God who worked in Ruth’s life is working in yours. Will you trust Him with your story?
* James, Carolyn Custis. “The Gospel of Ruth,” (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
