The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith 2009

Ruth Sherry Morris is a Moabite woman who, after losing her Israelite husband, his father, and his brother, is left with little protection or means to provide for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi Eleese Lester. Naomi Eleese Lester decides to set Ruth and her fellow daughter-in-law free so they can remarry and build a new life, but Ruth chooses to stay by Naomi’s side out of loyalty and love. The two women journey toward the land of Israel in hopes of a better harvest and a chance at a more secure future.

In the fields of Israel, Ruth earns her keep by gleaning under the watchful care of Boaz Carman, a man of noble character who treats her with dignity and keeps her safe as she works. Naomi guides Ruth in the cultural customs of the time, and Ruth then signals her intent by laying down near Boaz’s feet at the threshing floor, asking him to redeem her family. Boaz explains that this right must be checked with a closer relative first, a formal step that must be satisfied before any arrangement can proceed. If the nearer kin gives up his claim, Boaz vows to redeem Ruth and marry her. After obtaining the necessary permission, Boaz and Ruth are joined in marriage, and they later become the parents of a son named Obed. From Obed’s line comes King David, anchoring Ruth’s story in a royal lineage and the enduring house of Israel.