One of the most famous love stories in Scripture is that of Ruth and Boaz.

Ruth, a Moabite widow turned migrant, turned caregiver, turned immigrant worker, is seen by God and given a new and hope-filled life by marrying Boaz.

Refusing to leave the family she was grafted into, Ruth migrated to the land of Judah with her mother-in-law Naomi to ensure their survival. Faithfully gleaning fields, a provision allowed by Old Testament law, she caught the attention of an honorable man and (unknowingly) assimilated into the genealogy of Jesus.

Thoughtful Questions

1. Why was Ruth living in the country of Moab? (1:1)
2. Ruth decided to stay by Naomi’s side and become an immigrant in Judah. What might have motivated her to do this (instead of staying in Moab and living with her blood relatives)?
3. Have you ever been a stranger somewhere, worried about who might welcome you? Ever wondered if a new place would ever feel comfortable or if you’d ever feel like you belong? What was that like?
4. How might Naomi’s own immigration story (from Bethlehem to Moab) as a young woman have influenced her advice and relationship with Ruth?