Bible Figure
Ruth
protagonist of the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible
Ruth was a Moabite widow whose steadfast loyalty to Naomi and faith in the God of Israel led to her marriage to Boaz and her place in the ancestry of David and Jesus.
Biography
After Ruth's Israelite husband died in Moab, Naomi urged her to return to her own people. Ruth instead pledged herself to Naomi, Naomi's people, and Naomi's God and traveled with her to Bethlehem. Ruth supported them by gleaning and providentially came to the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz admired Ruth's loyalty and protected her. Following Naomi's guidance, Ruth appealed to Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer. After a nearer relative declined the responsibility, Boaz married Ruth. Their son Obed became father of Jesse and grandfather of David. Matthew includes Ruth in Jesus' genealogy.
Biblical Significance
Ruth is a powerful example of covenant loyalty, faith, and God's providential inclusion of a Gentile woman within Israel. Her story links the era of the judges directly to David's royal line and ultimately to Christ.