Women in the BIble-What Can We Learn From Them?

 Ruth

Who was Ruth?  She was a Moabitess who  left her gods and her homeland to become a worshipper of Jehovah in the land of Israel.

What did she do? Ruth showed extraordinary love to her mohter-in-law, Naomi. Naomi along with her husband and two sons, had to Moab to escape a famine in Israel.  The sons eventually married Moabite women-Ruth and Orpah.  In time, though, Naomi's husband and two sons died, leaving three widows. 

Naomi decided to return to Israel, where the drought was now over.  Ruth and Orpah chose to go with her. But Naomi asked them to return to their relatives. Orpah did so.  (Ruth 1:1-6, 15)  Ruth, however, loyally stuck with her mother-in-law. She loved Naomi and wanted to worship Naomi's God, Jehovah. - RUTH 1:16, 17; 2:11.

Ruth's  reputation as devoted augghter-in-law and a hard worker soon earned her a good name in Naomi's hometown, Bethlehem.  A wealthy landowner name Boaz was deeply impressed by Ruth and generoulsy provided food for her and Naomi.  (Ruth 2:5-7, 20) Ruth later married Boaz and became an ancestress of both King David and Jesus Christ. - MATTHEW 1:5, 6, 16.

What can we learn from Ruth?  Out of love for Naomi and Jehovah, Ruth willingly uprooted her life. She was hardworking, devoted, and loyal, even in the face of adversity.  

For a further discussion about Ruth, see the articles "Where You Go  I Shall Go" and "An Excellent Woman." 

Next time: Women in the Bible-What Can We Learn From Them? Sarah

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