Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Proverbs 28
Ruth 3:9-11 (NIV); “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me,
since you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “… I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow
townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.”
Ruth’s story is one of hope and redemption in the midst of the unsettled times of the judges. Ruth
was from Moab, a pagan nation and traditional enemy of Israel. She was given in marriage to
the son of an Israelite and when her husband died, she returned to Bethlehem in Judah with her
widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, choosing to take the God of Israel as her own. The story that
enfolds is one of romance and redemption.
Both widows, Ruth and Naomi are fairly destitute, on the brink of losing both land and family line.
They are in need of a kinsman-redeemer – a close relative who would buy their land and also
take Ruth as his wife to carry on her husband’s name. The opportunity arises with Boaz – a man
in whose fields Ruth has been gleaning along with the other widows. He is a relative and also an
admirer of Ruth and he jumps at the opportunity to take her as his wife and redeem the family.
Ruth and Boaz are the parents to Obed, who fathers Jesse, who is the father of the shepherd-boyturned-
king, David.
Through the story of Ruth God shows us His desire to redeem His people – to bring them from
a place of destitution to a place of prosperity. Through the darkness of an unstable nation, God
gives a glimmer of hope that redemption is coming. And it takes only three generations for the next
instalment of the redemption plan.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. God can use anybody who is willing. Ruth abandoned everything to follow the God of Israel
and she wound up in the lineage of Jesus. Commit yourself to God in prayer today. Tell Him
that you are willing to be used by Him and ask Him what He wants of you today.
2. Spend some time thinking about your family. In what way does your family need redemption?
Intercede for them today.
3. Like Ruth, is there any plan or desire you need to abandon today for the sake of God’s will?
Respond to what you sense Him saying.
