During the time of the judges, a man from Bethlehem moved to Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons. Unfortunately, after ten years, the man died, and both sons also passed away, leaving Naomi with her daughters-in-law.

Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem and urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. One daughter-in-law left, but Ruth insisted, “I won’t leave you! Your people are my people, and your God is my God.” Naomi saw Ruth’s determination and they returned to Bethlehem together.

Upon their arrival, the townspeople were excited to see Naomi, but she asked them to call her Mara, meaning ‘bitter,’ as her life had turned sorrowful. Struggling with poverty, Naomi and Ruth relied on gleaning during the harvest. Ruth worked in the fields of Boaz, who showed her kindness and ensured her safety.

Naomi recognized Boaz as a close relative and encouraged Ruth to approach him for protection. Following Naomi’s advice, Ruth proposed to Boaz one night at the threshing floor. Boaz was impressed by Ruth’s integrity and agreed to help, but informed her there was another relative with a prior claim.

The next day, Boaz met with the other relative and offered him the chance to redeem Naomi’s land, which included marrying Ruth. The man declined, allowing Boaz to take Ruth as his wife. Boaz married Ruth, and they had a son named Obed, who was the grandfather of Jesse and the great-grandfather of David, the renowned king of Israel.