This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Ruth 1-4, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Long ago, in a faraway land, a woman named Naomi lived with her husband and their two sons in Bethlehem. But one day, there was a famine in the land, and they had to move to a different country called Moab. There, Naomi’s husband died, leaving her alone with her two sons. Her sons grew up and married two Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. But then, Naomi’s sons also died, and she was left with only her daughters-in-law.
One day, Naomi heard that there was food again in Bethlehem, so she decided to go back to her hometown. She told her daughters-in-law to go back to their families and find new husbands. Orpah decided to go back, but Ruth didn’t want to leave Naomi alone. Ruth told Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” So Ruth went with Naomi back to Bethlehem.
When they got there, the people were surprised to see them. Naomi was sad and asked everyone to call her Mara instead of Naomi because she felt that God had treated her very badly. But Ruth worked hard to take care of Naomi, and one day she went to the fields to pick up leftover grains of wheat.
The owner of the field was a man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband. Boaz noticed Ruth and asked his workers to let her pick up as much wheat as she wanted. Boaz was kind to Ruth and made sure she had enough to eat and drink.
Later, Naomi told Ruth to go to Boaz at night and lay down at his feet. This was a sign that she wanted Boaz to marry her. Boaz agreed to marry Ruth, but there was another man who had a right to marry her first. The other man did not want to marry Ruth, so Boaz and Ruth got married.
They had a son named Obed, who became the grandfather of King David. Ruth and Boaz were blessed by God for their faithfulness, and they became an important part of Jesus’ family tree.
Biblical Lessons
- God is always with us even when things are difficult
- Loyalty and love are important in relationships
- We should be kind and help others
- God blesses those who follow Him and do good things
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
A Call to Spiritual Reformation
Walks through Paul's prayers to teach believers how to pray biblically and God-centeredly.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon