Ruth and Boaz
In a dark era of judges, a quiet love story unfolded that would lead directly to the line of King David.
In the Book of Ruth, set during the time of the judges, the Moabite widow Ruth accompanies her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem and gleans in the barley fields belonging to Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's deceased husband. Boaz, impressed by Ruth's loyalty and character, exercises his right as kinsman-redeemer by marrying her and purchasing the family land, thereby providing security for both women. This union results in the birth of their son Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, illustrating God's providential care and the inclusion of Gentiles in the lineage leading to the Messiah. The story highlights themes of redemption, faithfulness, and divine sovereignty within the broader narrative of Scripture.
Did You Know?
Boaz, impressed by Ruth's loyalty and character, exercises his right as kinsman-redeemer by marrying her and purchasing the family land, thereby providing security for both women.
This union results in the birth of their son Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, illustrating God's providential care and the inclusion of Gentiles in the lineage leading to the Messiah.
This event is dated to approximately c. 1100 BC in biblical chronology.
Key figures involved: Ruth, Boaz, Naomi.
This took place at or near Bethlehem.
Key Passage
Ruth and Boaz
Ruth 4:13-17
13o 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.
Meanwhile in the World
The Late Bronze Age collapse devastates the Mediterranean (c. 1200 BC). The Hittite Empire falls. Egypt declines. The Sea Peoples invade. Greece enters its Dark Age. The Iron Age begins. This chaotic period sees the rise of small city-states and the decline of great empires.