The Book of Ruth, although one of the smallest books in the Old Testament, has many values ​​displayed in just its four chapters. Throughout the book, readers are shown the struggle of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, as they try to survive in a patriarchal world. In the first chapter, Ruth and Naomi's initial effort is revealed. Both Naomi and Ruth's husbands die and are left abandoned, but together, after Ruth refuses to leave Naomi. In the second chapter Naomi and Ruth have arrived in Bethlehem and Ruth meets Boaz for the first time while they are gleaning in his fields. The third chapter is when Ruth and Boaz begin to form a romantic relationship; after Naomi tells Ruth to go to the threshing floor and lie at Boaz's feet. Ruth obeys, and when Boaz is surprised by her presence he does not chase her away, but Boaz instead asks her to "stay here for the night" ("Life Application Study Bible" 386). In Ruth's final chapter she marries Boaz and they give birth to a son, Obed. Ruth's purpose is to serve readers by describing themes that a modern Christian can still learn from, including loyalty in the most dire situations, stabilizing others with comfort and strength, and the love and redemption that God offers. Loyalty is often the most important thing spoken about in the message of the Book of Ruth, as it is often the first trait that connects to Ruth's character. Her loyalty lay above all in God. Ruth was born a Moabite but after having approached the God of Israel she never abandoned him. An example of this is found in the first chapter, when Naomi exhorts Ruth by stating, “'your sister-in-law will return to her people and to her gods. Come back with her' (“Life Application Study Bible” 382).” Ruth responds in verses sixteen to eighteen: Do not urge me to leave you or turn ba...... middle of paper...... was not fruitful in her life, on the contrary both she and Naomi were ancestors of Christ .Works CitedKroeger, Catherine and Mary Evans. IVP Women's Biblical Commentary. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2002. 146-53. Study Bible for the Print.Life application. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2005. 380-87. Print.Mecca, Selamawit. The representation of women in the Old Testament: a feminist reading of the books of Susanna, Judith and Ruth. Np, nd Web. 6 March 2012. .Morgenstern, Mira. "Ruth and the Sense of Self: Midrash and Difference". Judaism 48.2 (1999): 131. Religion and Philosophy Collection. Network. March 4, 2012.Prinsloo, WS. "The Theologian of the Book of Ruth." Vetus Testamentum. BRILL and Web. 6 March 2012. .