Ruth (biblical figure)
Ruth (Hebrew: רוּת, Modern: Rut, Tiberian: Rūθ), is the main character[1] in the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible.
Biblical story
Ruth was a Moabitess, who married Mahlon, the son of Elimelech and Naomi, but Elimelech and his two sons died. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, Ruth went with her, and although Orpah, Naomi's other daughter-in-law went back home, Ruth said
Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1:16-17, KJV)
Ruth went to glean in the fields, where she met Boaz. She came to him later, at night, and asked him to marry her. Boaz indicates his desire to do so, and calls Ruth a "woman of noble character" (NIV), which is the same phrase used in Proverbs 31. After overcoming the obstacle of having a relative with a prior claim, Boaz married Ruth, and they have a son, named Obed. The genealogy in the final chapter of the book explains how Ruth became the great-grandmother of David. She is also thus the ancestor of Jesus, and is one of the four women mentioned in the genealogy of Matthew 1.
Character
Katherine D. Sakenfeld argues that Ruth is a model of loving-kindness (hesed): she acts in ways that promote the well-being of others.[2] In Ruth 1:8-18, she demonstrated hesed by not going back to Moab but accompanying her mother-in-law to a foreign land. She chose to glean, despite the danger she faced in the field (Ruth 2:15) and the lower social status of the job. Finally, Ruth agrees with Naomi’s plan to marry Boaz, even though she was free of family obligations, once again demonstrating her loyalty and obedience (Ruth 3:10).
Barry Webb argues that in the book, Ruth plays a key role in Naomi's rehabilitation.[3]
Jewish Perspective
The figure of Ruth is celebrated as a convert to Judaism who understood Jewish principles and took them to heart. Ruth is also held in esteem by converts to Judaism. Ruth is also considered the fore mother of the Jewish Messiah and the great grandmother of David.
Christian Perspective
The connection between Ruth and David is very important because Jesus was born of Mary, betrothed to Joseph of the lineage of David. Thus in Christian lineage, Ruth is a fore mother of Jesus
Ruth is commemorated as a matriarch in the Calendar of Saints of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod on July 16.
Other perspectives
Ruth is one of the Five Heroines of the Order of the Eastern Star.
