After the death of Moses, the Israelites entered Canaan under the leadership of Moses’ apprentice, Joshua.  After Joshua’s death there was no clear successor, and Israel moved into the era of the Judges, charismatic figures called by God to lead the people for a time.  But adherence to the Mosaic Covenant quickly began to wane, and lasting peace became elusive. The story of Ruth and Naomi is set toward the end of this period.  Again, we find a story of redemption on many levels.

Naomi’s family moved to Moab during a famine in the Israelite land of Judah.  There her husband died.  Her two sons married women from Moab, but soon died themselves.  So Naomi set out with her two widowed daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to return to the land of Judah.  Along the way, Orpah turned back, but Ruth insisted on continuing with Naomi, so the two came together to Naomi’s hometown of Bethlehem.  Once there, Naomi took a new name, Mara (bitter) for now she was an outcast:  widowed, childless, and with a foreign, widowed daughter-in-law besides.  But Ruth soon became known for her care of Naomi and her hard work gleaning in the field of a man named Boaz.  He had heard of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, and showed her special kindness.  When Naomi was told, she rejoiced.  Boaz was a close relative, and as such, had the right to redeem, or buy back the land belonging to Naomi’s dead husband and sons, and also to marry the widow.  Naomi advised Ruth to claim Boaz as her kinsman-redeemer, which Ruth did willingly.  Boaz loved Ruth, and was honored by her request.  Soon they were married.  Their son, Obed, was like a son to Naomi, removing her bitterness and restoring her life.  Two generations later, Obed’s grandson David would usher in Israel’s Golden Age.

Ruth’s story is a beautiful example of God’s steadfast love.  It is put in its ultimate perspective in the New Testament, where she is included in the genealogy of Jesus, and where the story of Ruth and Naomi’s personal redemption becomes the story of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all humanity.

Ruth adds a Gentile presence to our Old Testament windows.  The deep devotion which Ruth and Naomi shared is shown in their embrace.  The field of grain represents their redemption through Boaz and the bounteous grace of God.

Like Stars Appearing:  The Story of the Stained Glass Windows of St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio
copyright 2004 by Anne E. Rowland.  All rights reserved.
Stained Glass Windows copyright 2000 by St. George's Episcopal Church, crafted by Willet Stained Glass.