The book of Ruth is commonly referred to as a love story in the period of the judges. When most people say this, they are thinking of the relationship between Ruth and Boaz; however, the greater love story here is that of Yahweh and Israel. Even amid Israel’s violence and sin, there are a few people that still love God. When Naomi and her family settle in Moab due to famine, her sons marry Moabite women. Undoubtedly, Noami’s family lived in such a way that Ruth saw something different about them. Ruth decided that she would rather follow Noami back to her land, her people, and her God rather than return to her family in Moab. As Ruth goes out to a field to gather grain for herself and her mother-in-law, she meets Boaz, the owner of the field. Yahweh’s name is first from his lips as we are introduced to him. Boaz has heard of Ruth and her devotion to Noami, who is a relative of Boaz. After discussion with Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gates to become her and Noami’s kinsmen redeemer, agreeing to forfeit some of his lineage and property to the son of his and Ruth’s union as if it were her first husband’s son. This son was named Obed, who would be the grandfather of David. Therein we see the greater love story. God loves Israel and is working to provide a king from the lineage of Judah even as Israel is consistently turning away from Him to chase other gods. It is truly a great love story of Yahweh and Israel.

The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges. It tells the story of a widowed woman from Moab who follows her mother-in-law Noami back to Israel. In doing so, she turns away from her life in Moab and becomes an Israelite, choosing to follow God. In Israel she meets a God-fearing man named Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz marries Ruth according to the law of Moses. They have a son together named Obed. Obed would become grandfather to David, the eventual king of Israel. Through this story, God shows how much He loves His people. Even while they are sinning against Him, God proves His faithfulness to His promise that a king would come from the tribe of Judah through His faithful servants Boaz and Ruth.

Our God is a loving and merciful God. Even in the midst of my sin, He works to draw me back to Himself. He sent His Son Jesus so that, even while I was sinning against Him, He died for me. Even now, I am often chasing my own desires and seeking to do what I think is right instead of turning to God. Yet God lovingly pulls me back into His arms to place me on His path. He reminds me to turn to Him rather than myself. Thank You Father for Your awesome love!