(1322 B.C.?) Famine occurs during Judges era. Elimelech of Bethlehem migrates with family (wife, Naomi, and two sons: Mahlon and Chilion) to Moab. Elimelech dies. Two sons marry Moabites: Orpah and Ruth. Sons die. Naomi receives report of God's blessing in homeland. Prepares to return. Attempts to release her daughters-in-law. Both desire to return with Naomi. After Naomi's additional attempts to dissuade them, Orpah remains, but Ruth loves her as her own mother. Naomi and Ruth depart for Bethlehem. City rejoices upon her arrival. Naomi takes humble name, Mara (meaning "bitter," in contrast to Naomi, meaning, "pleasant"), because of her reduced stature in return.

(1312 B.C.?) Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi's husband. Ruth appeals to Naomi for permission to glean in fields being reaped. Granted, she unknowingly begins in Boaz's fields. Boaz appears, inquiring her identity of the reapers. Boaz meets Ruth, permitting her to reap and commands servants to be careful for her. Ruth is humbled. Boaz makes provision for her daily meals and liberal gleanings. Ruth takes day's gleanings to Naomi, sharing her wonderful news. Recognizing the man to be Boaz, Naomi thanks God. Arrangements are made for Ruth to glean in safety with Boaz's reapers until harvest is complete.

Ruth sent by Naomi to threshing floor for evening encounter with Boaz. Lies at his feet after he sleeps. Awakened, Boaz is entreated by Ruth. Boaz honorably permits her to stay, sleeping at his feet throughout the night; sent away early. Law of kinsman agreed to be performed for her. Gives her gift of barley. Ruth returns with report to Naomi. Instructed by Naomi to wait for Boaz's answer.

Boaz summons kinsmen and elders to city gate for counsel. Naomi's kinsman asked to perform his brotherly duty towards surviving wife and land assets. He declines, already having wife and children. Relinquishes duty to Boaz. Elders cited as witnesses. Boaz purchases Naomi's inheritance, land, and Ruth for wife. Boaz and Ruth marry. Ruth bears son. Women's blessing to Naomi. Ruth's son named by women: Obed, father of Jesse, the father of David. Generations from Pharez to David.