Reading outline · Narrative
Ruth and Naomi
After bereavement in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Ruth chooses to accompany her.
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In this outline
Returning together
After bereavement in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Ruth chooses to accompany her.
In the days when the judges judged, there was a famine in the land. A certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to live in the country of Moab with his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife …
Gleaning
Ruth gathers grain in a field belonging to Boaz, who offers protection and food.
Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I …
Kinship and a future
The threshing-floor encounter is followed by a public transaction and the birth of a child.
Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, …
Places in this story
BethlehemSources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Returning together. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Gleaning. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Kinship and a future. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Returning together
After bereavement in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Ruth chooses to accompany her.
Gleaning
Ruth gathers grain in a field belonging to Boaz, who offers protection and food.
Kinship and a future
The threshing-floor encounter is followed by a public transaction and the birth of a child.