Ruth and Naomi
Ilumi Kids · Stories
A long time ago, in a land called Bethlehem, lived a woman named Naomi. Because of a famine, she and her family moved to a distant place called Moab. There, her two sons married two young women from Moab: Orpah and Ruth.
But a great sadness happened. Naomi's husband died, and later, her two sons died too. Naomi was left alone, with only her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, in a land that was not her own.
Naomi lost her husband and both her sons in a faraway land. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, refused to leave her and said: "Your people will be my people, and your God my God". In Bethlehem, Ruth gathered grain in the field of Boaz, a kind man who married her. Their son Obed became the grandfather of King David.
Where it is in the Bible: Ruth 1—4
Loyalty and kindness are precious to God, and he rewards those who care for others.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
A long time ago, in a land called Bethlehem, lived a woman named Naomi. Because of a famine, she and her family moved to a distant place called Moab. There, her two sons married two young women from Moab: Orpah and Ruth.
But a great sadness happened. Naomi's husband died, and later, her two sons died too. Naomi was left alone, with only her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, in a land that was not her own.
Naomi heard that the famine in Bethlehem had ended and decided to return home. She told Orpah and Ruth, "Go back to your mothers' homes. May God be good to you." Orpah cried, gave Naomi a farewell kiss, and left.
But Ruth clung to Naomi and would not leave her. Naomi said, "Go back, my daughter." But Ruth was determined to stay with her.
Ruth: Don't ask me to leave you! Wherever you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, it was harvest time. To get food, Ruth went to work in the fields, gathering the heads of barley that the workers left behind. By a chance that was God's plan, she ended up in the field of a good and rich man named Boaz.
Boaz saw Ruth and noticed how hardworking and kind she was. He told his servants to purposely drop more grain for her and to make sure no one bothered her. That day, Ruth returned home with plenty of food for herself and Naomi.
Naomi was very happy and told Ruth that Boaz was a close relative of theirs. He was a "redeemer," someone who, according to God's law, could take care of their family. Naomi gave Ruth advice on how to ask for Boaz's protection.
Boaz was very impressed by Ruth's kindness and loyalty. He promised to take care of her and Naomi, doing everything the right way, as God had taught.
May the Lord reward you for everything you have done! — Ruth 2:12
Boaz kept his promise. He married Ruth, and everyone in Bethlehem celebrated with great joy! God blessed the new couple, and they had a son named Obed.
Naomi's heart was filled with happiness as she held her grandson in her arms. Her friends said, "Praise be to God, who has not left you without a protector!" And that baby, Obed, became the grandfather of the great King David, an ancestor of Jesus.
