Ruth — Bible story for kids

Long ago, a famine came to Bethlehem. Naomi and her family went to live in Moab. There, Naomi's sons married Ruth and Orpah. In time, Naomi's husband and both her sons died. When Naomi heard that the Lord had provided food for his people, she began the journey home. She urged Ruth and Orpah to return to their own families. Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye and turned back. But Ruth clung to Naomi. She said, "Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God my God."

Naomi and Ruth reached Bethlehem as the barley harvest began. They had little food, so Ruth went to gather grain left behind by the reapers. This was called gleaning. God had commanded his people to leave some grain for the poor and for foreigners. Ruth worked steadily from morning onward. The field belonged to Boaz, a relative of Naomi's husband.

When Boaz arrived, he noticed Ruth and asked about her. He had heard how faithfully she had cared for Naomi. Boaz told Ruth to stay close to the women working in his field. He made sure she would be safe and have water to drink. At mealtime, he invited her to eat with the workers. Then he quietly ordered his reapers to pull extra stalks from their bundles and leave them for Ruth to gather. Ruth returned to Naomi with plenty of barley.

Naomi was overjoyed. She explained that Boaz was one of their family redeemers. Such a relative could help protect the family's name and inheritance. Naomi made a careful plan. After the harvest work, Ruth went to the threshing floor at night. When Boaz lay down, Ruth uncovered his feet and lay there. He awoke and asked who she was. Ruth respectfully asked him to spread his garment over her, because he was a family redeemer.

Boaz praised Ruth for her faithfulness. He was willing to help, but he explained that another relative had the first right to act as redeemer. Boaz promised to settle the matter. Before Ruth left, he gave her barley to carry home to Naomi. Naomi trusted that Boaz would not rest until everything was decided.

Boaz went to the city gate, where important matters were settled. He gathered ten elders and spoke with the nearer relative. At first, the man was willing to redeem the family land. But when he learned that this also meant preserving the family line through Ruth, he declined. Following the custom of that time, the man removed his sandal to confirm the agreement. Before the elders, Boaz declared that he would redeem the property and take Ruth as his wife.

The Lord gave Ruth and Boaz a son named Obed. Naomi held the child and cared for him, and her sorrow turned to joy. Obed became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David. Through Ruth's quiet loyalty, Boaz's generous kindness, and God's faithful care, one small family became part of a much bigger story.