This week’s lesson begins with Naomi and Ruth leaving the land of Moab and returning to Bethlehem. You can see by what the author writes that Naomi is worn out physically, mentally and spiritually and upon her arrival in Bethlehem she even declares; “call me Mara (which means bitter) for the Almighty has dealt very bitter with me”. It was definitely time for a fresh start for Naomi and she couldn’t have picked a better time to return to her roots.

It was harvesting time in Bethlehem and Naomi’s act of obedience to return there would eventually bring full restoration and healing, but it will come in a more indirect wat through her daughter in law, Ruth at just the right time and in just the right way.

We will be introduced to a new character in our story and his name is Boaz, a kinsman (near relative) of Naomi’s husband Elimelech. As the story unfolds, we will see two hearts (that of Ruth and Boaz) blended together just as God intends a relationship to be between a man and a woman. Through a series of events, through the providence of Almighty God, Ruth and Boaz will meet and fall in love! Eventually they will marry but a few details remain to be ironed out before that happens. We will learn the significance of who Boaz is, where he came from and how he fits into this story of this Moabite woman named Ruth. Sometimes referred to as a “Type of Christ”, Boaz will redeem Ruth and become her protector and provider showing nothing but love to someone who may never have known love otherwise. Ruth and Boaz will become the Great Grandparents of King David – the one who rules over a Kingdom that has no end!