Ruth--Woman of Valor: a Virtuous Woman in an Immoral Land

It began with a man not content with the land God had given him. Elimelech saw the fruitful soil to the east, in the idol worshipping country of Moab, and against all advice he moved to the greener pastures. Now, ten years have passed, and his wife, Naomi, is left a widow. In addition, both of her sons have died, leaving her with two idol worshipping daughters-in-law. She belongs to no one, the future is bleak, and the path home beckons. Naomi is willing to strike out alone on the dangerous road to Bethlehem, but Ruth refuses to remain in Moab. This daughter-in-law vows to go with her, give up Chemosh, the filth god, and her other gods, the Baals, and remain with Naomi until death. Making the vow is one thing, fulfilling it will take time and a special love that only few possess. However, Ruth, the Moabitess, personifies this unselfish love. Leaving family, gods, and country behind, she clings to her embittered mother-in-law, refusing to remain in Moab. After arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth places her trust in a new God and meets a new man. Now, with a bitter old woman in her life, a God far different from her previous gods, and warm feelings for a wealthy man, will she measure up to all of these challenges? Author Jim Baumgardner invites the reader to enter the ancient world of the Moabites, Canaanites, and Israelites and witness this extraordinary woman become Ruth, Woman of Valor.