Ruth
4 chapter
Ruth: The whole book, chapter by chapter
Loss, loyal love, and a return to Bethlehem
Famine drives Elimelech’s household from Bethlehem to Moab, where Naomi loses her husband and sons. Ruth binds herself to Naomi and to Israel’s God, the two women return together, and Bethlehem receives them as the barley harvest begins.
One complete chapter pageOpen chapter →Chapter 2Gleaning becomes a place of protection and provision
Ruth asks to glean behind the harvesters and happens upon the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz learns of her loyalty, protects and feeds her, orders extra grain left for her, and sends her home with enough to awaken Naomi’s hope in a family redeemer.
One complete chapter pageOpen chapter →Chapter 3Ruth asks Boaz to act as redeemer
Naomi develops a plan at the threshing floor, Ruth follows it, and Boaz wakes to find her at his feet. Ruth asks him to spread his covering over her as a near kinsman. Boaz praises her loyalty but explains that a nearer redeemer must first receive the opportunity.
One complete chapter pageOpen chapter →Chapter 4Public redemption opens into a royal genealogy
Boaz convenes elders at the city gate, the nearer relative declines when redemption includes Ruth and the family name, and a public exchange confirms Boaz’s role. Ruth bears Obed, the women bless Naomi, and the genealogy carries the story to David.
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