In the New Testament, Israel experienced a severe drought, forcing Naomi and her family to leave their homeland and settle in Moab. There, her two sons married Moabite women—Ruth and Orpah.
Tragically, Naomi’s husband and both of her sons passed away, leaving three widows grieving immense loss and responsible for large amounts of land. Knowing she could not provide for her daughters-in-law, Naomi urged Ruth and Orpah to return to their families, where they would be cared for. With tears, Orpah eventually returned home—but Ruth refused to leave Naomi’s side. From that day on, they journeyed together in deep loyalty and love. (Ruth 1:1–18)
When Naomi heard that the drought in Israel had ended, she and Ruth returned to Bethlehem—a small town where Naomi’s relative, Boaz, owned many barley fields and was known for his devotion to the Lord. At that time, it was customary for widows and orphans to gather leftover grain behind the harvesters so they could eat. Because of this provision, Ruth worked from sunrise to sunset gathering enough grain for both of them.
(Ruth 1:19–22; Ruth 2:1–6)
Boaz soon noticed Ruth’s kindness toward Naomi and grew to admire her character. He instructed his workers to intentionally leave extra grain behind to make her work easier. Ruth recognized his kindness, but because of their age difference and cultural customs, she waited for Naomi’s guidance. Naomi encouraged her to seek Boaz as her family redeemer, which required Ruth to humbly lay at his feet—a symbolic gesture of proposing marriage—so he could give his answer the next morning.
(Ruth 2:8–22; Ruth 3–4)
Overjoyed, Boaz responded with honor and love: “You are a kind and good woman. You could have chosen a younger man, rich or poor, but you chose me, and I am honored. We will be married.”
In the end, Naomi and Ruth praised the Lord, recognizing that He had never abandoned them. Ruth’s marriage to Boaz was blessed with a son, and Naomi received the joy of a grandson. Their lives were restored, and they lived abundantly among the barley fields once again. (Ruth 4:13–15)
Naomi reminds us that even in seasons of deep loss, God has not forgotten you—He surrounds you with love through family, friends, and His unwavering presence.
Ruth teaches us the beauty of serving others through their hardest seasons. When we serve with joy, faithfulness, and no hidden agendas, God Himself rewards and restores us in ways we could never expect.
