Ruth and Naomi
After losing their husbands, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi. In Bethlehem, Ruth gathered grain in Boaz's field. Boaz was kind to her and later married her.
You will learn to...
- Retell how Ruth stayed with Naomi.
- See how Boaz showed kindness.
- Learn how Ruth became part of King David's family.
Words to know
- Loyal
- Sticking with someone even when it's hard.
- Glean
- To gather leftover grain after the harvest.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
During a famine, Naomi's family moved to the land of Moab. Sadly, Naomi's husband and both her sons died. Naomi decided to go home to Bethlehem.
Naomi's daughter-in-law Ruth refused to leave her. 'Where you go, I will go,' Ruth said. 'Your people will be my people, and your God my God.'
In Bethlehem, Ruth gathered leftover grain in the field of a kind man named Boaz. Boaz made sure she had plenty and was safe. Boaz and Ruth later married and had a son named Obed — the grandfather of King David.
Ruth showed loyal love, a kind of love that sticks with someone in hard times. Boaz showed kindness to someone from another country. God cared for Ruth and Naomi through these choices.
A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
Family conversation starters
- What does loyal love look like in a family?
- How can we welcome people who are new or from a different place?
Main people: Ruth, Naomi · Topics: Loyalty, Kindness, Friendship, God's care · Review status: awaiting theological review