Lessons in the Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth, a mere four chapters in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, is a gem of Scripture that shines with profound spiritual truths. As one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman, the other being Esther, it stands out not just for its brevity but for its depth. This remarkable narrative offers lessons that resonate with us today, revealing God’s heart, His redemptive power, and His intricate care for every individual.

Before we dive into the lessons, I encourage you to take about 15 minutes to read through the Book of Ruth in the ESV. It’s a short read that will give you a clear picture of the story and prepare you to see how God’s hand moves through it.

A Quick Overview of the Book of Ruth

The story begins in Bethlehem, Judah, during a time of famine. Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons leave their homeland for Moab, a neighboring region. In Moab, the sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Tragedy strikes as Elimelech and both sons die, leaving Naomi a widow alongside her daughters-in-law. Devastated, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem when she hears the famine has lifted. Orpah stays behind, but Ruth, a Moabite, pledges her loyalty to Naomi and to the God of Israel, accompanying her back to Judah.

In Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi, “happening” upon the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz, a man of godly character, shows kindness to Ruth. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Boaz acts as a kinsman redeemer, marrying Ruth and securing Naomi’s family line. Their union produces a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David and thus an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

This simple tale of loss, loyalty, and love is rich with meaning. Let’s explore five key lessons from Ruth that speak to our lives today.

God Is Concerned About All People, Regardless of Race, Nationality, or Status

Ruth’s identity as a Moabite is central to her story. The Moabites were descendants of Lot through an incestuous relationship (Genesis 19:30–37) and were often at odds with Israel. Deuteronomy 23:3 even barred them from the Lord’s assembly. Yet, God’s grace reached Ruth, a foreigner, and wove her into His plan.

Her commitment shines in Ruth 1:16 (ESV):

“For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

The Hebrew word for “God” here is Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), a name for the Creator God used throughout the Old Testament. Ruth’s declaration is a bold step of faith, aligning herself with Israel’s God despite her outsider status. God honors this faith, making her an ancestor of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

This lesson echoes throughout Scripture: God’s love knows no boundaries. Romans 2:11 declares, “There is no partiality with God.” Ruth’s story foreshadows the gospel’s reach to all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Application: In a world fractured by division, we’re called to reflect God’s impartial love. No one is beyond His reach—neither the stranger nor the outcast. Share His love with everyone, trusting He desires all to come to Him (2 Peter 3:9).

Men and Women Are Both Equally Important to God

The Book of Ruth showcases the vital roles of both men and women. Naomi’s resilience, Ruth’s courage, and Boaz’s integrity all play essential parts in God’s plan. This balance challenges cultural norms that often diminish women, affirming their equal value in God’s eyes.

Boaz’s blessing in Ruth 2:12 (ESV) highlights this:

“The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

The Hebrew word kanaph (כָּנָף), meaning “wings,” paints a picture of God’s protective care, as seen in Psalm 91:4. Ruth, a woman and foreigner, finds refuge under God’s wings, showing her worth to Him. Her inclusion in Christ’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5) alongside Boaz underscores that both genders are indispensable to God’s purposes.

Genesis 1:27 affirms that men and women are equally made in God’s image, and Galatians 3:28 declares no distinction in Christ. Ruth’s story is a testament to this truth.

Application: Honor both men and women as co-heirs of God’s grace (1 Peter 3:7). In your life and church, value everyone’s contributions, recognizing that God uses all His children for His glory.

There Is No Such Thing as an Unimportant Person in God’s Eyes

Ruth appeared insignificant, a poor, widowed Moabite in a foreign land. Yet, God saw her potential and purpose. Her “chance” encounter with Boaz’s field in Ruth 2:3 (ESV) reveals divine orchestration:

“So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.”

The Hebrew miqreh (מִקְרֶה), translated “happened,” suggests chance, but the narrative reveals God’s sovereignty. This “unimportant” woman became the great-grandmother of David and part of Christ’s lineage.

Scripture often highlights God’s use of the lowly. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul writes, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.” Ruth embodies this principle.

Application: You are never insignificant to God. No matter your circumstances, He sees you and has a plan for you. Trust Him, for He delights in using the weak to display His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God Uses “Little” Things to Accomplish Great Plans

Ruth’s story is a tapestry of small events with monumental outcomes. The famine, Naomi’s move to Moab, Ruth’s gleaning, and Boaz’s kindness, all “little” moments, served God’s purpose.

In Ruth 3:3–4 (ESV), Naomi advises Ruth:

“Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor… Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”

The Hebrew galah (גָּלָה), meaning “uncover,” signifies Ruth’s humble appeal to Boaz as her redeemer. This small act, rooted in cultural custom (Deuteronomy 25:5–6), led to the birth of Obed and the continuation of a royal line.

God’s attention to detail reminds us that nothing is trivial in His hands. As Zechariah 4:10 asks, “Who despises the day of small things?” Ruth’s life shows that small steps of faith can lead to eternal impact.

Application: Be faithful in the mundane. Your small acts of obedience—kindness, prayer, service—may be pieces of God’s greater plan. Trust Him with the details.

God Has a Redeemer Who Can Rescue Us from Our Sin

Boaz’s role as kinsman redeemer is the heart of Ruth’s story and a shadow of Christ’s work. In Ruth 4:9–10 (ESV), Boaz announces:

“You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech… Also Ruth the Moabite… I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.”

The Hebrew ga’al (גָּאַל), “redeem,” refers to a kinsman’s duty to rescue a relative in distress (Leviticus 25:25). Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi’s future, mirroring Jesus, who redeems us from sin.

Ruth 4:14–15 (ESV) further points to this:

“Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer… He shall be to you a restorer of life.”

While this redeemer is Boaz, it foreshadows Christ, our ultimate Restorer. Romans 10:13 promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Just as Boaz brought hope to Ruth, Jesus offers eternal redemption.

Application: If you’re lost in sin, call on Jesus, your Redeemer. If you’re His, rejoice in His rescue and share this hope with others.

Living Ruth’s Lessons

The Book of Ruth is a story of God’s faithfulness amid hardship. It teaches us that He loves all people, values every person, uses small things, and provides a Redeemer. Like Ruth, trust God’s plan for your life, knowing He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

Call to Action

If you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Redeemer, do so today, confess your sins and call on Him (Romans 10:13). For believers, live out Ruth’s faith: love inclusively, serve humbly, and trust God’s sovereignty.