In this article, we have provided a clear and concise summary of the Book of Ruth, chapter by chapter. Whether you want a quick overview of the Book of Ruth or wish to revise and refresh your memory, you are highly welcome!
[PREVIOUS BOOK: The Book of Judges Summary by Chapter]
Chapter by Chapter Summary of the Book of Ruth
Chapter 1: Naomi’s Loss and Ruth’s Loyalty
The story begins in the time of the judges, when there is a famine in the land of Israel. A man from Bethlehem named Elimelech moves to Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons, who later marry Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. Sadly, Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law as widows.
Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after hearing that the famine has ended and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and remarry. Orpah reluctantly stays, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, famously pledging her loyalty: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” They return to Bethlehem together, arriving at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Chapter 2: Ruth Meets Boaz
Naomi and Ruth face the challenge of supporting themselves. Ruth goes to glean in the fields, picking up the leftover grain during the harvest. She ends up in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and kind relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz notices Ruth, learns of her loyalty to Naomi, and shows her great kindness, ensuring she gathers plenty of grain and is protected in the field.
Impressed and grateful for how Boaz has treated Ruth, Naomi explains that Boaz is one of their “redeemers,” a relative who could marry Ruth to preserve the family line of her deceased husband. Ruth continues to glean in Boaz’s fields through the barley and wheat harvests, and Naomi begins to think about securing a stable future for Ruth.
Chapter 3: Naomi’s Plan and Ruth’s Proposal
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz as a potential husband. She instructs Ruth to wash, put on perfume, and dress nicely. After Boaz has eaten and drunk at the threshing floor, Ruth approaches him at night, uncovering his feet and lying down—an act of seeking protection under his wing, as a relative who could redeem.
Boaz wakes up, surprised to find Ruth at his feet. Moved by her gesture, he praises her for not chasing after younger men and promises to act as her redeemer if a closer relative declines the role. Boaz gives Ruth extra grain to take back to Naomi as a sign of his commitment and respect.
Chapter 4: Boaz Marries Ruth
In chapter 4, Boaz goes to the town gate, where official matters are settled, to meet with the closer relative who has the first right to redeem Ruth. In the presence of the town elders, the relative declines to marry Ruth, as it could jeopardize his own inheritance. He removes his sandal and gives it to Boaz, a traditional way of sealing the deal, signifying that Boaz now has the right to redeem.
Boaz announces to the elders that he will marry Ruth and preserve the name of her deceased husband within his property. They marry, and Ruth gives birth to a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This lineage is significant as it links Ruth directly to the future royal line of Israel. The story concludes with Naomi, once bereft, now joyful and caring for her grandson, celebrated by the women of Bethlehem as a restorer of life.
[NEXT BOOK: The Book of 1 Samuel Summary by Chapter]
