Loving-Kindness From A Daughter-In-Law

The book of Ruth relates how the widow Naomi received loving-kindness from her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who was also a widow. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem in Judah, Ruth Displayed loving-kindness and determination, saying: " Where you go I shall go, and where you spend the night I shall spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16) Ruth later expressed her loving-kindness when she indicated her willingness to marry Naomi's elderly relative Boaz. (Deuteronomy 25:5, 6; Ruth 3:6-9) He told Ruth: " You have expressed your loving-kindness better in the last instance than in the first instance, in not going after the young fellows whether lowly or rich." - Ruth 3:10.

"The first instance" of Ruth's loving-kindness referred to the time when she left her people and stuck with Naomi. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by "the last instance" of loving-kindness-Ruth's willingness to marry Boaz. Ruth would now be able to provide an heir for Naomi, who was beyond the age of childbearing. The marriage took place, and when Ruth later gave birth, the women of Bethlehem cried out: "A son has been born to Naomi." (Ruth 4:14, 17) Ruth truly was "an excellent woman," who thus was rewarded by Jehovah with the wonderful privilege of becomingan ancestress of Jesus Christ.- Ruth 2:12; 3:11; 4:18-22; Matthew 1:1, 5, 6.