The story of Ruth.

It is a little common and usually quoted for wedding invitation cards, the story of Naomi, having Orpah and Ruth as her daughters in law. Her her husband and sons, Mahlon and Chillion, died and she asked them to return to their homes. Orpah did, and Ruth stayed. In Bethlehem, Ruth gleaned Boaz’s field. Boaz was a rich close relative of Elimelech, Naomi’s late husband.

Boaz showed massive favours to Ruth and Naomi was impresses by it and gave her instruction about a visit to Boaz in the evening. Ruth 3v8: ‘And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. v9: And he said, Who art thou?  And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.’ I guess he knew that code. If it was me, I would have been lost.

He told her that there was a nearer kinsmen and he was going to hook her up but she must keep the secret. Ruth had bathed and was sweet smelling indeed, as per Naomi’s instructions. She then slept until the morning ‘and she rose up before one could know another’ and was instructed ‘Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.’

Boaz eventually married Ruth and she conceived and bore Obed. Obed fathered Jesse, the father of David. Incredible story of a Moabitish woman.