Thursday, September 24, 2026
City of Praise reflectionCommunity and fellowship — Ruth 4:9-16
Community and fellowship
Today’s Scripture: Ruth 4:9-16 (KJV)
- And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.
- Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
- And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth–lehem:
- And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman.
- So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.
- And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
- And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
- And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
Guided reflection
Read Ruth 4:9-16 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Follow the people, choices and consequences in the narrative. A recorded action is not automatically an example to imitate; consider how it relates to God’s faithfulness and justice.
Attend especially to Ruth 4:11: “And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth–lehem:”
Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Ruth 4:9-16 that helps you explain the passage in your own words.
Reflect: What does this passage teach about our responsibilities toward other people? Ground your answer in Ruth 4:11 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead.
Respond: Reach out to one person who may be overlooked and listen before offering advice. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Ruth 4:9-16, and return to it this evening.
Put the Word into practice
Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.
Today’s prayer
Father, as I consider Ruth 4:11, build patience and generosity in my relationships. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.