Study Desk

She said, ‘Let me gather food behind the others who gather among the grain.' So she came and has stayed from morning until now. She has rested in the house a short time."

When it was time to eat, Boaz said to Ruth, "Come here. Eat of the bread and put sour wine on it." So she sat beside the people who gathered the grain. And Boaz brought her grain made ready over a fire. She ate and was filled and had some left.

So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gathered. It was enough barley to fill a basket.

Her mother-in-law said to her, "Where did you gather grain today? Where did you work? May good come to the man who showed you favor." So Ruth told her mother-in-law, "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz."

So she stayed close to those who worked for Boaz until the end of the time of gathering grain. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Then Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi said to her, "My daughter, should I not look for a home for you, so all will be well with you?

So wash yourself. Pour oil on yourself and wear your best clothes. Then go down to the grain-floor. But do not let the man know who you are until he has finished eating and drinking.

So Ruth went down to the grain-floor and did all her mother-in-law had told her to do.

So Ruth lay at his feet until morning. She got up before the people could see each other. For Boaz said, "Do not let it be known that the woman came to the grain-floor."

And he said, "Bring the coat you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he loaded her with six jars full of grain. Then she went into the city.

Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there. He saw the in-law of the family that he had spoken about pass by. So Boaz said, "Come here, friend, and sit down." So the man came and sat down.

And Boaz took ten of the leaders of the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.

I thought I should let you know about it. Buy it in front of those who are sitting here, and in front of the leaders of my people. If you will buy it, then buy it. But if not, tell me you do not want to buy it, so I may know. For you have the right to be the first one to buy it. And I am after you." The man said, "I will buy it."

So he said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." And he took off his shoe.

So Boaz took Ruth. She became his wife, and he went in to her. The Lord made it possible for her to have a child and she gave birth to a son.

But he would give twice as much to Hannah, for he loved Hannah. But the Lord had made it so she could not have children.

So it happened, year after year, each time Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, Peninnah would make her angry. Hannah cried and would not eat.

Hannah was speaking in her heart. Her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she had drunk too much.

And Hannah said, "Let your woman servant find favor in your eyes." So she went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what you think is best. Stay here until he no longer needs to be nursed. Only may the Lord do as He has said." So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until he no longer needed to be nursed.