Ruth Biography

The Hebrew Bible Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a young widow from Moab (east of the Dead Sea), and her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. When Naomi, also a widow, decided to return to Judah, her homeland, Ruth went with her. Although the move would make Ruth a stranger in a strange land, she chose to be loyal to Naomi, saying, “Wherever you go, I will go…your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.”

In Judah, Ruth and Naomi settled in the town of Bethlehem. There Ruth married Boaz, a relative of Naomi; their great-grandson, David, became the king of Israel. The Book of Ruth is said to have been written by the prophet Samuel.