Congregation Bible Study for the Week of November 2-8, 2026

Chapter 15: They Stayed Together During Difficult Times

In what ways did Naomi and Ruth show courage?

Comment 1: Naomi showed courage by deciding to return to Bethlehem after losing her husband and her two sons. She was an older woman, and a journey of about a week lay ahead of her. Even so, she was willing to make the trip alone. In addition, she thought about the welfare of her daughters-in-law and did not want to deprive them of the possibility of starting another family. Her courage was accompanied by generosity: although she greatly needed support, she did not put her own needs ahead of theirs.

Comment 2: Ruth was courageous because her decision to accompany Naomi involved much more than changing residence. She left her land, her family, and the Moabite gods in order to worship Jehovah alone. She was going to live among a people she did not know and without having her future settled. Nevertheless, she decided to remain at her mother-in-law’s side. This teaches us that courage can be seen in a firm decision to do what is right, even when we do not yet know how difficulties will be resolved.

Comment 3: Ruth also showed courage by acting in harmony with Naomi’s advice regarding repurchasing. The custom may have seemed strange and intimidating to her, but she approached Boaz humbly and made her request. She did not simply wish for the situation to improve; she took the steps within her reach while respecting God’s Law. Her example reminds us that being courageous does not necessarily mean feeling calm, but doing what is right even when a situation fills us with awe.

1. Why can we say that gleaning in Israel was unique in the ancient Middle East? (ia 39 par. 23, footnote)

Comment 1: A special feature of gleaning in Israel was that it was part of the Law Jehovah had given his people. It was not simply occasional assistance that someone decided to offer. During the harvest, poor people could enter the fields and gather what the harvesters left behind. Thus, concern for those in need was incorporated into the life of the people. In the case of Ruth and Naomi, that provision gave them a practical way to obtain food.

Comment 2: The provision included practical details: the poor could gather what remained after the harvest and also what grew along the edges and corners of the fields. Jehovah did not merely ask his people to feel compassion; he established a way to care for that need. For someone like Ruth, who had to provide food and care for Naomi, those details made a real difference. This helps us appreciate how considerate the measures of the Law were.

Comment 3: Gleaning combined help for those in need with the opportunity to work for one’s sustenance. Ruth was able to take advantage of that provision and work hard to care for both of them. She did not own a field, but that did not prevent her from taking part in gathering food. I find this a beautiful example of consideration: Jehovah had provided assistance that met a basic need while at the same time allowing a hardworking person to contribute to the care of her family.

2. How do we know that Ruth did not approach Boaz with improper motives? (ia 47 pars. 17, 18)

Ruth 3:9 — He said: “Who are you?” She replied: “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread out your garment over your servant, for you are a repurchaser.”

Comment 1: Ruth clearly explained the reason for her request: Boaz was a repurchaser. So she was not seeking an improper relationship but was acting within a provision related to God’s Law. In addition, she had followed Naomi’s instructions. When we keep that context in mind, we better understand what she did. Her request had to do with marriage and the protection of the family, not with an immoral insinuation. Her words help us understand the purpose of that visit.

Comment 2: We should remember that Ruth was following customs of her time, some of which are not completely understood today. Therefore, it would be unfair to interpret what happened according to today’s low moral standards. The reasonable thing is to take into account the context and the explanation provided by the account itself. This is a good lesson for us: before judging someone’s conduct, it is wise to learn the facts and avoid attributing motives for which we have no basis.

Ruth 3:10 — At that he said: “May Jehovah bless you, my daughter. You have shown your loyal love more in this last instance than in the first instance, by not going after the young men, whether poor or rich.

Comment 3: Boaz’s reaction is important evidence. He did not view Ruth’s conduct as indecent but as an expression of loyal love that deserved praise. He recognized that she could have sought a young husband, but she was thinking of doing good to Naomi’s family. Therefore, Boaz’s assessment carries great weight in understanding her motives, since he knew the customs and was directly involved. His response was respectful and reassuring, not disapproving.

3. Why is it significant that Boaz called Ruth “my daughter”? (Ruth 2:8; w16.11 3)

Ruth 2:8 — Then Boaz said to Ruth: “Listen, my daughter. Do not go away to glean in another field, and do not go anywhere else; stay close by my young women.

Comment 1: The way Boaz addressed Ruth conveyed more than good manners. It was an expression of kindness and tenderness. Ruth was a foreigner gathering grain in the fields of someone she did not know, so she had reason to feel insecure. Boaz did not treat her coldly or as though she were a nuisance. From the beginning, his words showed consideration. This could help her perceive that she was dealing with someone who wanted to treat her well and protect her.

Comment 2: Boaz’s affectionate words were accompanied by concrete measures. He encouraged Ruth to continue working in his fields and ordered the workers not to bother her. Thus, his tender treatment was not merely a polite formula. He was interested in her safety and in her being able to obtain food. This teaches us that when we want to reassure someone, our words are much more convincing when accompanied by actions that demonstrate sincere concern for the person’s welfare.

Comment 3: It is also significant that Boaz did not focus attention on the fact that Ruth was a Moabite. He had been informed of everything she had done for Naomi and valued that she had sought refuge in Jehovah. His way of speaking to her was in harmony with that appreciation. We can learn to look beyond someone’s origin or economic situation. When we recognize their good qualities and efforts to serve Jehovah, it becomes easier to treat them with genuine affection.

4. Unlike So-and-so, how did Boaz show generosity when he agreed to marry Ruth? (w23.03 14)

Comment 1: The main difference was what each man put first. So-and-so was willing to buy the land while the arrangement seemed to benefit his inheritance. But when he learned that it also involved marrying Ruth, he withdrew. Boaz, on the other hand, accepted the responsibility of helping the family. He did not evaluate the matter solely by the material benefit he might receive. His generosity was seen in his willingness to assume obligations in order to protect the interests of others.

Ruth 4:10 — I am also acquiring Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, as a wife to restore the name of the dead man to his inheritance, so that the name of the dead man will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the city gate of his home. You are witnesses today.”

Comment 2: Boaz explained that he wanted to help keep the dead man’s name attached to his inheritance. In other words, he was not trying to take advantage of the situation to make his own name greater. He was willing to act for the benefit of a family that had suffered great losses. This makes the contrast with So-and-so clearer, since he was concerned about harming his own inheritance. Boaz thought about what he could preserve for others, not only what he could keep for himself.

Comment 3: Boaz’s generosity came at a real cost. Accepting the repurchase involved not only acquiring land but also assuming responsibilities toward Ruth and Naomi. In addition, the son born to Ruth would inherit Elimelech’s lands. So this was not a decision focused on increasing his estate. Boaz was willing to devote resources to the welfare of that family. His example invites us to consider whether our willingness to help remains strong when it requires time, money, or personal commitments.

Ruth was hardworking and grateful. How can her example help us when we experience financial hardship?

Comment 1: Ruth did not simply wait for someone to solve all her problems. She took advantage of the provision for gleaning and worked hard to obtain food for herself and Naomi. Her example encourages us to do what is within our reach when we face financial difficulties. The work available may not be what we would prefer, but we can value an honest opportunity to meet our needs. Trusting in Jehovah does not rule out personal effort; Ruth sought refuge in him and also took action.

Comment 2: Ruth recognized the kindness Boaz showed her. Although she was working hard, she did not consider his help something that did not deserve gratitude. When we experience hardship, we too can make an effort while gratefully accepting the support we receive. The pictures in the chapter show precisely a mother who works and appreciates help from some brothers. Receiving food or other necessities does not diminish the value of our efforts to care for our family.

Comment 3: I am struck by the fact that Ruth worked with Naomi in mind as well. Financial difficulties can absorb so much of our attention that we find it hard to see the needs of those close to us. She did not lose her concern for her mother-in-law. We can imitate her by making sure that worry about bills does not extinguish affection at home. We may not be able to solve everything immediately, but we can cooperate, appreciate one another’s efforts, and treat one another considerately while looking for ways to cover what is necessary.

When Naomi felt devastated, Ruth was there to help and encourage her. Naomi, for her part, was humble and accepted the help. What do we learn from each of them?

Comment 1: From Ruth we learn that supporting someone who is suffering requires more than an expression of affection at one particular moment. She stayed at Naomi’s side, traveled with her, and worked so that both of them would have food. Her support was constant and practical. If a brother is grieving, we can ask ourselves what he needs now and how we might continue helping him later. We may not find words that relieve all his pain, but our presence and actions can show him that he is not alone.

Comment 2: Naomi teaches us to accept help humbly. Although she was older than Ruth, she allowed her daughter-in-law to accompany her and work to support them both. At times, it is easier for us to help than to let ourselves be helped, perhaps because we do not want to be a burden. But accepting support does not mean that we have lost our value or lack faith. It can be a way of acknowledging our needs and allowing those who love us to express their love in a practical way.

Comment 3: We also learn not to react hastily to the words of someone who is deeply hurt. Naomi expressed that she had been left with nothing, even though Ruth was there and had done much for her. The chapter indicates that those words may have hurt Ruth, but it does not say that she became angry. She continued helping her. This reminds me that a distressed person may not express what he feels well. Instead of focusing immediately on how his words affect us, we can try to understand the pain behind them.

In what other ways can you imitate the courageous example of Naomi and Ruth?

Comment 1: I can imitate Ruth by putting the worship of Jehovah above customs that do not agree with what he wants. She left the gods of Moab and decided to serve Jehovah alone. For us, acting that way may also require courage, especially if our relatives do not understand the decision. Her example encourages me to be firm while remaining respectful. What matters is not preserving all the customs of our surroundings, but showing by our decisions whom we want to worship.

Comment 2: Naomi teaches me to think about the welfare of others even when I am also going through difficulties. She did not try to hold on to her daughters-in-law in order to ensure companionship and help. She was willing to continue alone if that was best for them. I can imitate that courage by avoiding pressure on those who love me to always do what is convenient for me. Loyal love does not consist of controlling others but of having sincere concern for their welfare.

Comment 3: Ruth encourages me to accept good advice even when putting it into practice feels intimidating. She listened to Naomi and acted in harmony with a provision of God’s Law. I too may need courage to take a right step that is difficult for me. Her example reminds me that feeling nervous does not have to prevent me from doing what I know is right.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah is interested in people who have become vulnerable. Gleaning allowed the poor to obtain food, and the provision related to brother-in-law marriage protected the family of the deceased. These measures were not insignificant details. For people such as Naomi and Ruth, they could mean sustenance and protection. When we see how the Law addressed such concrete needs, we better understand that Jehovah’s compassion is not distant: he takes into account people’s real difficulties.

Comment 2: Jehovah did not stop showing loyal love to Naomi because she was deeply discouraged. She even expressed that he had filled her life with bitterness. Nevertheless, later she acknowledged his loyal love when she learned of Boaz’s help. This teaches me not to view the feelings of one painful moment as a complete description of my relationship with Jehovah. When we suffer, we may find it difficult to perceive the support we have. The account invites us to continue seeking refuge in him.

Comment 3: I also learn that Jehovah values those who choose to serve him, regardless of their origin. Ruth was a Moabite, but she abandoned her former gods and sought his protection. Jehovah generously rewarded her, and she became part of the ancestral line of the Messiah. Her story shows that her origin did not prevent her from receiving great blessings. This encourages us to value people for their faith and conduct and not allow prejudice to influence the way we treat them.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

Matthew 1:5-6 — Salmon became father to Boaz by Rahab; Boaz became father to Obed by Ruth; Obed became father to Jesse; Jesse became father to David the king. David became father to Solomon by the wife of Uriah;

Comment 1: The genealogy shows a very specific connection: Ruth and Boaz became parents of Obed, and Obed became the grandfather of King David. The chapter explains that centuries later, the Messiah was born from that family line. Thus, this account is not merely the touching story of two women who helped each other. It is also part of the development of Jehovah’s purpose involving the Messiah. What happened in that family had an importance that went far beyond their immediate circumstances.

Comment 2: The connection with the main theme of the Bible is seen in that the account leads us to the Messiah and therefore to Jehovah’s purpose related to his Kingdom. The genealogy does not present Ruth as an isolated character but as part of that history. As we study her decisions, we can appreciate both the personal lessons and the broader framework. Jehovah was carrying out his purpose, and this family came to occupy a place in the line leading to the Messiah.

Comment 3: I am impressed by the contrast between the beginning and the end of the account. Naomi had lost her husband and sons and no longer expected to have grandchildren. Later she was able to love and care for Obed, who would become an ancestor of the Messiah. Neither she nor Ruth could see all that this would mean. This reminds me that we too do not see the full scope of events. We can concentrate on being loyal to Jehovah, as they were, without presuming to know all the results in advance.

What would I like to ask Naomi and Ruth when they are resurrected?

Comment 1: I would like to ask Naomi how her view of the future changed from the time she returned to Bethlehem until Obed was born. The account lets us know some of her expressions of grief and later her joy, but it would be wonderful to hear her describe that process. I would also ask her what it meant to have Ruth at her side during those days. I think hearing her experience would help me better understand the value of patiently supporting someone who is suffering.

Comment 2: I would ask Ruth what she learned about Jehovah before deciding to worship him alone. The chapter tells us about her firm decision, but I would like to know more about how she came to make it. I would also ask what helped her remain determined when she left her land and began a new life in Bethlehem. I would not want to take her answers for granted; it would be exciting to hear from her how she experienced those changes and what it meant to find refuge among Jehovah’s people.

Comment 3: I would ask them what they felt upon learning that their family had become part of the ancestral line of the Messiah. They focused on facing each day’s needs and remaining loyal. I would like to hear how they view their story knowing that important outcome. Thinking about that conversation makes the resurrection hope more personal to me.

More posts for this week

Week of November 2–8, 2026

Treasures Treasures From God’s Word for the week of November 2-8, 2026 View post →

Gems Spiritual Gems for the week of November 2-8, 2026 View post →

Be Better Teachers Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry for the week of November 2-8, 2026 View post →

Living as Christians Living as Christians for the week of November 2-8, 2026 View post →

The Watchtower Watchtower Study for the Week of November 2-8, 2026 View post →