Ruth's husband and father-in-law died. When Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, planned to return to Bethlehem, she told Ruth to remain in Moab. Ruth's best chance of survival was to stay in her country where she could have a better opportunity to marry or receive some help. However, Ruth remained loyal to Naomi, although this could have been social and financial suicide. Ruth's faithfulness resulted in her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, from whose family came Jesus, the Messiah. Ruth prefigures Jesus, Who gave up His life because of His faithful love for us.

Key word    FAITHFULNESS
 
Key verse    "The neighbor women gave him his name, at the news that a grandson had been born to Naomi. They called him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David."—4:17
 
Command verse    "Ruth said, 'Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die I will die, and there be buried. May the Lord do so and so to me, and more besides, if aught but death separates me from you!' " —1:16-17
 
Promise verse    "May the Lord reward what you have done! May you receive a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under Whose wings you have come for refuge." —2:12
 
Difficult verse    "He asked, 'Who are you?' And she replied, 'I am your servant Ruth. Spread the corner of your cloak over me, for you are my next of kin.' " —3:9
 
Surprise verse    "In the middle of the night, however, the man gave a start and turned around to find a woman lying at his feet." —3:8
 
Prayer: Jesus, may I die rather than be unfaithful.