AY Honor Ruth and Naomi Answer Key

Ruth and Naomi

Skill Level

1

Year

2025

Version

29.09.2025

Approval authority

Australian Union

1

Read the Book of Ruth (chapters 1-4) in the Bible or listen to a dramatized Bible version (e.g., Faith Comes By Hearing audio, available online). Explain in your own words who Ruth and Naomi were, why they left Moab, and how they showed loyalty to each other.

Overview:
The Book of Ruth tells of Naomi, an Israelite widow, and Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, navigating loss and faith. After Naomi’s husband and sons die in Moab, she returns to Bethlehem; Ruth chooses to stay with her, showing loyalty.

• Reading Option: Divide into pairs or small groups—each reads one chapter aloud (Ruth 1-4, ~15 min). Use NIV or NKJV for clarity.
• Listening Option: Play the dramatised audio from Faith Comes by Hearing (18 min) vía phone or speaker—pathfinders follow along in Bibles or close eyes to imagine.

Explanation Points:

• Who: “Naomi’s an Israelite who lost her family; Ruth’s her daughter-in-law from Moab.”
• Why Left Moab: “Famine sent Naomi to Moab years ago; after her sons died, she heard Bethlehem had food again (Ruth 1:6).”
• Loyalty: “Ruth refused to leave Naomi, saying, ‘Your people will be mine’ (Ruth 1:16)—she gave up her home for love.”

Teaching Tip:
Kick off with: “What’s it like to move far away with no one?” After reading/listening (15-20 min), ask (10 min): “Tell me about Ruth—Naomi? Why did they leave? How’s Ruth loyal?” Expect: “Ruth stuck with her!” Help Pathfinders to jot 2-3 sentences in workbook—keep it fun: “Pretend you’re Ruth—why stay?”

2

Discuss three key events from Ruth and Naomi’s story, choosing from this list:

• Naomi and Ruth leaving Moab after losing their husbands.
• Ruth pledging loyalty to Naomi and God.
• Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s field.
• Boaz agreeing to redeem Ruth.
• Ruth and Boaz marrying and having a son, Obed.

Share how these events show God’s care and planning for His people.

Events:
Pathfinders choose three events to discuss, exploring how each reveals God’s care and planning.

• Leaving Moab (Ruth 1:6-7):

» Expanded Discussion: Naomi, widowed and grieving her two sons, hears God has blessed Bethlehem with food after a famine drove her family to Moab years earlier. Despite her sorrow, she decides to return—a bold step trusting God’s provision. Ruth, also widowed, joins her, leaving her homeland. This move isn’t random; God orchestrates their return to set His plan in motion, leading them to Bethlehem where redemption awaits. It shows God’s care in guiding us home, even through loss.

» Cross-Reference: Psalm 23:3 – “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Like Naomi, God leads us when we’re lost.

» Prompting Questions:

• “Why do you think Naomi wanted to go back to Bethlehem?”
• “What’s it like to leave everything behind, like Ruth did?”
• “How might God have been helping them, even when they were sad?”

• Pledging Loyalty (Ruth 1:16-17):

» Expanded Discussion: Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, declaring, “Where you go I will go… your God my God.” This isn’t just family loyalty—it’s a faith commitment. Ruth, a Moabite, embraces Israel’s God, choosing a new life despite uncertainty. Her vow shows trust that God will care for them both. It’s a turning point, aligning Ruth with God’s people and His bigger plan—her choice echoes our call to decide for Christ wholeheartedly.

» Cross-Reference: Joshua 24:15 – “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Ruth’s choice mirrors this resolve.

» Prompting Questions:

• “What made Ruth say she’d stay with Naomi forever?”
• “Have you ever had to choose to stick with someone or something important?”
• “How does Ruth’s promise show she trusted God?”
• Her faith leap aligns with Ellen G. White’s emphasis on choosing God daily

• Gleaning in Boaz’s Field (Ruth 2:2-3):

» Expanded Discussion: Ruth, needing food, goes to glean—collect leftover grain, a provision God gave for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10). She “happens” to pick Boaz’s field, a relative of Naomi’s—a divine setup, not chance. Boaz notices her hard work and kindness, offering protection and extra grain. God’s care shines here, placing Ruth exactly where she’d find help, showing His planning weaves small moments into big blessings, a truth Adventists see in life’s “coincidences.”

» Cross-Reference: Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” God directed Ruth’s steps.

» Prompting Questions:

• “Why did Ruth go to work in a field? Was it risky?”
• “How do you think God helped her find Boaz’s field?”
• “Can you think of a time something ‘lucky’ happened—was God in it?”
• God’s unseen guidance is key in our belief.

• Boaz Agreeing to Redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10):

» Expanded Discussion: Boaz, as kinsman-redeemer, steps up to buy Naomi’s family land and marry Ruth, securing their future. This act restores Naomi’s hope and gives Ruth a home, fulfilling God’s law for family care (Leviticus 25:25). It’s a picture of God’s plan—He doesn’t just save us from trouble but builds a legacy. Boaz’s choice shows God’s care in providing a protector, pointing to Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, a cornerstone Christian belief.

» Cross-Reference: Isaiah 44:24 – “I am the Lord, the Maker of all things… your Redeemer.” Boaz foreshadows Christ’s role.

» Prompting Questions:

• “What did Boaz do to help Ruth and Naomi? Why was it a big deal?”
• “How does it feel when someone steps in to save the day?”
• “What’s God planning here for their future?”
• Redemption ties to Christ’s sacrifice.

• Ruth and Boaz Marrying and Having Obed (Ruth 4:13-17):

» Expanded Discussion: Ruth marries Boaz, and they have Obed, who becomes King David’s grandfather and part of Jesus’ lineage (Matthew 1:5). This joyful ending transforms Naomi’s bitterness (Ruth 1:20) into blessing, showing God’s long-term plan—He turns loss into hope. Obed’s birth connects Ruth’s small story to God’s big salvation story, a reminder to us that God works across generations for His glory.

» Cross-Reference: Matthew 1:5-6 – “Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth…” God’s plan leads to Christ.

» Prompting Questions:

• “How do you think Naomi felt when Obed was born?”
• “Why is it special that Obed’s in Jesus’ family tree?”
• “How does God turn sad times into happy ones in this story?”
• God’s redemptive timeline is central to our beliefs.

Discussion Steps:

• Group: If a large group of kids, split up into smaller discussion groups
• Read: Pick three events—read key verses (e.g., Ruth 1:16, 2:3, 4:13).
• Discuss Events: For each, summarize, ask questions.
• God’s Care: Ask: “How’s God helping here? Planning what?”
• Wrap-Up: “Ruth’s story shows God’s always working—like for us!”

3

Learn what “redemption” means in the Bible, using Ruth’s story as an example (e.g., Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer). Explain how this connects to Jesus as our Redeemer.

Redemption Overview (30 min):
Redemption in the Bible means “buying back” something or someone lost—like land, freedom, or a life—to restore what’s broken. In Ruth’s story, Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, buys Naomi’s land and marries Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10), saving them from poverty and giving them a home and hope. This mirrors God’s plan to redeem us. We see Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer, who paid for our sins with His life (1 Peter 1:18-19), restoring our place with God.

From the Garden of Eden:
Redemption’s need started in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned, eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6-7). Their disobedience broke their bond with God, letting sin and death enter (Romans 5:12). God promised a Redeemer—a “seed” to crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15)—the first hint of Jesus. This began God’s plan to buy back humanity from sin’s curse, a theme we trace through Scripture. Eden shows we’re all lost without God’s rescue, setting the stage for redeemers like Boaz and, ultimately, Christ.

Ruth’s Redemption:
In Ruth’s time, God’s law allowed a kinsman-redeemer to save family land or widows (Leviticus 25:25-28). Boaz steps in for Naomi and Ruth, who’d lost everything. His act—buying land, marrying Ruth—restores their security and includes Ruth, a Moabite, in God’s family. It’s a small picture of God’s big plan: redeeming people from despair to hope. Like Eden’s promise, Boaz’s redemption points forward, showing God uses people to work His will, preparing for a greater Saviour.

Jesus’ Parables on Redemption:
Jesus’ parables teach redemption’s heart, echoing Ruth and Eden. In The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7), a shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find one lost, rejoicing when it’s found—Jesus seeks us like Boaz sought Ruth, redeeming us from sin’s wilderness. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) shows a woman searching for a coin, celebrating its recovery—God values us, buying us back no matter the cost, just as Boaz valued Naomi’s family. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) tells of a son lost to rebellion, welcomed home by his father—Jesus runs to us, forgiving and restoring, far beyond Boaz’s act. These stories show redemption’s joy.

Jesus as Redeemer:
Boaz’s redemption of Ruth foreshadows Jesus’ work. Boaz, a family member, saved Ruth; Jesus became human—our “brother”—to redeem us (Hebrews 2:14-17). His death paid sin’s price (1 Peter 1:18-19), buying us back from Satan’s hold, unlike Boaz’s temporary fix. We believe Jesus’ resurrection seals this forever, offering eternal life. Ruth’s story—ending with Obed, David’s ancestor—ties to Jesus’ lineage (Matthew 1:5), showing God’s plan from Eden to Christ. Parables like the Prodigal Son add joy: Jesus doesn’t just save; He celebrates us!

Discussion and Connection:
Guide Pathfinders to see redemption’s thread—Eden, Ruth, parables, Jesus. Say: “Eden’s sin lost us; Boaz saved Ruth; Jesus saves us all!” Read Ruth 4:9-10 (Boaz), Luke 15:6 (Sheep), and 1 Peter 1:18-19. Ask: “What’s redemption mean? How’s Boaz like the shepherd? Jesus like Boaz?” (Expect: “Boaz helped Ruth; Jesus finds us!”). Add parable link: “The lost son came home—how’s that Ruth’s story?” Kids write/draw in workbook: “Boaz gave Ruth a family; Jesus gives me heaven!” “We know Jesus redeems us—like the lost coin, we’re precious!”

4

With your group, create and perform a short skit (5-10 minutes) based on one scene from Ruth and Naomi’s story (e.g., Ruth staying with Naomi, meeting Boaz). Use simple props or costumes to show their loyalty or redemption.

Skit Planning: Pathfinders work in small groups to create and perform a skit that highlights loyalty or redemption, key themes in Ruth’s story.

Scene Options: Choose one of the following scenes:

• Ruth Stays with Naomi (Ruth 1:14-16): Naomi (scarf) urges Ruth (bag) and Orpah (shawl) to return to Moab. Orpah leaves (sad wave), but Ruth declares, “Where you go, I go!” showing loyalty. Focus: Ruth’s choice to stick by Naomi, trusting God. Props: Scarf, bag, shawl. Lines: “Stay home, Ruth!” “No—your God’s mine!”
• Meeting Boaz in the Field (Ruth 2:5-10): Ruth (grain sack) gleans grain; Boaz (hat) asks, “Who’s she?” and offers water and safety after hearing her story. Focus: Boaz’s kindness, hinting at redemption. Props: Rice/wheat, hat, jar. Lines: “Whose girl is this?” “I’m Ruth—thank you!”
• Naomi’s Advice to Ruth (Ruth 3:1-5): Naomi (scarf) sits with Ruth (basket) at home, suggesting she visit Boaz at the threshing floor to seek his help. Ruth agrees eagerly. Focus: Loyalty—Naomi plans for Ruth’s future, Ruth trusts her. Props: Scarf, basket. Lines: “Go to Boaz, Ruth.” “I’ll do it!”
• Boaz Redeems Ruth (Ruth 4:7-10): Boaz (hat) meets an elder (robe) and announces he’ll buy Naomi’s land and marry Ruth (veil), securing their future. Focus: Redemption—Boaz restores hope. Props: Hat, cloth robe, veil. Lines: “I’ll redeem it!” “Ruth’s my wife now!”
• Naomi Holds Obed (Ruth 4:14-16): Naomi (scarf) cuddles baby Obed (doll), smiling with Ruth (veil) as women (shawls) praise God for new joy. Focus: Redemption— God’s plan gives Naomi a family. Props: Doll, scarf, veil, shawls. Lines: “God’s good!” “Obed’s our blessing!

Steps:

• Split into groups (4-6 kids).
• Pick a scene (vote or assign; suggest one per group for variety).
• Assign roles (e.g., Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, extras).
• Gather props (scarf, rice, hat, doll— use what’s on hand).
• Write/practice lines (e.g., “I won’t leave you!” or “You’re safe here!”).
• Perform (3- 5min per skit).

Teaching Tip: Help groups: “What’s loyal here? Show it!” (e.g., Ruth hugging Naomi). For shy kids, suggest roles like “villager” who nods. Keep props safe—no throwing! Record or cheer skits, saying: “God loves loyal hearts like Ruth’s!” Tie to faith: “Your skits show how God plans redemption, just like Jesus!”

5

Find and memorize one Bible verse from the Book of Ruth that highlights loyalty or God’s love (e.g., Ruth 1:16, Ruth 2:11-12). Share what it means to you with your group.

Verse Choices:
Pathfinders choose one verse from the Book of Ruth to memorize, focusing on loyalty (e.g., Ruth’s commitment to Naomi) or God’s love (e.g., His care through Boaz). Below are five options, quoted in NIV for clarity, though NKJV or other translations work too. All are short for ease.

• Ruth 1:16: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

» Focus: Loyalty—Ruth’s vow to stay with Naomi, embracing her faith.

» Why Choose? Shows Ruth’s heart, easy to chant, iconic for kids.

• Ruth 2:11-12: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord… under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

» Focus: God’s love—Boaz blesses Ruth’s loyalty, pointing to God’s protection.

» Why Choose? Ties loyalty to God’s care, vivid “wings” imagery.

• Ruth 1:17: “Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me… if even death separates you and me.”

» Focus: Loyalty—Ruth’s promise extends to life and death, sealing her commitment.

» Why Choose? Pairs with 1:16, short, shows deep devotion.

• Ruth 2:10: “Why have I found such favour in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

» Focus: God’s love—Ruth feels Boaz’s kindness, reflecting God’s grace to all.

» Why Choose? Short, shows humility, highlights inclusion.

• Ruth 4:14: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer.”

» Focus: God’s love—women praise God for Boaz’s redemption, showing His care.

» Why Choose? Joyful, ties to redemption, easy for group reciting.

Steps:

• Choose: Kids browse Ruth or pick from cards with verses printed (trainer prepares). Say: “Find one you love—loyalty or God’s care!”
• Memorize: Repeat verse 5-10 times—solo, with a buddy, or as a group chant. Try: “Break it—‘Where you go… I will go!’”
• Share: Each kid recites their verse (or part if shy) and says what it means, e.g., “Ruth 1:16—I’d stick with my friend too!” or “Ruth 2:10—God loves everyone!” Trainer asks: “How’s this verse special to you?”

Teaching Tip:
Write verses on a board or cards—read aloud first: “Listen—‘Your God my God!’ Cool, right?” Practice together: “All say it—loud!” If a kid forgets, prompt: “What’s ‘Where you go…’?” For sharing, sit in a circle—expect: “It’s Ruth loving Naomi!” or “God’s like a big hug!” Tie to faith: “We know God’s love never quits—like Ruth’s!” Cheer each kid: “You nailed it!”

6

Make a simple craft inspired by Ruth and Naomi (e.g., a wheat sheaf bookmark, a loyalty friendship bracelet). Explain how it reminds you of their story and God’s care.

Pathfinders create one craft inspired by Ruth and Naomi, reflecting loyalty (e.g., Ruth’s commitment) or God’s care (e.g., provision through Boaz). Below are five options, including two suitable for camping with minimal supplies. All are quick, using household or natural items. Each ties to the story’s themes.

• Wheat Sheaf Bookmark:

» Materials: Paper strip (15 cm x 3 cm), straw/yarn, glue, string.

» Steps: Cut paper strip, glue straw or yarn strips as “wheat” in a bundle, tie with string at base (20 min).

» Connection: “Ruth gleaned wheat in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:2)—God provided food and hope!”

» Why Choose? Simple, book-friendly, recalls provision.

• Loyalty Friendship Bracelet:

» Materials: Three strings (red, blue, white, ~30 cm each), bead (optional).

» Steps: Braid strings, knot ends, add bead if desired (20 min).

» Connection: “Braids show Ruth, Naomi, and God—loyalty holds them tight (Ruth 1:16)!”

» Why Choose? Wearable, symbolizes unity, easy to make.

• Bethlehem Star Ornament:

» Materials: Cardboard, string, glue, glitter/paint (optional).

» Steps: Cut a small star (5 cm), wrap string around it, glue ends, add glitter/paint dots for shine (20 min).

» Connection: “Ruth and Naomi reached Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19)—God led them like a star to hope!”

» Why Choose? Fun, sparkly, recalls their journey’s end.

• Camping Twig Heart:

» Materials: Two flexible twigs (~15 cm), string, leaf (optional).

» Steps: Bend twigs into half-hearts, tie together at top/bottom with string to form a heart, tuck in a leaf for decoration (20 min).

» Connection: “Ruth’s heart stayed loyal to Naomi (Ruth 1:16)—God’s love shaped their path!”

» Why Choose? Natural, tactile, perfect for campfires.

• Camping Grain Pouch:

» Materials: Small cloth scrap (10x10cm, e.g., old shirt), string, small sticks/grass.

» Steps: Place sticks/grass (as “grain”) in cloth centre, pull corners up, tie with string to make a pouch (20 min).

» Connection: “Ruth carried grain from Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:17)—God’s care filled their needs!”

» Why Choose? Rustic, story-driven, keepsake for camp.

Explanation: Kids share their craft’s link to Ruth:

• Bookmark: “Wheat’s how God fed them!”
• Bracelet: “It’s Ruth never leaving!”
• Star: “Bethlehem’s where God helped!”
• Heart: “Ruth loved Naomi—God too!”
• Pouch: “Grain’s God’s gift, like Boaz!”

Teaching Tip:
Demo one craft: “See—tie twigs here!” or “Braid like this!” Kids pick one, craft, then share in a circle: “What’s yours mean?” Expect: “My heart’s Ruth’s love!” Have extra string/cloth—mistakes happen! For camping, prep cloth scraps, say: “Find twigs outside!” Link to faith: “God crafts our lives, like Ruth’s story!” Say: “Your craft’s a piece of God’s care!”

7

Talk about one way you can show loyalty to someone in your life, like Ruth did for Naomi (e.g., helping a friend, supporting family). Try it out and share your experience with your leader or group.

Loyalty Action:

• Ideas: “Call a lonely friend, help mum cook, pray for a sick cousin—stay true!”
• Steps:

» Discuss: “Ruth stayed with Naomi—how can you stick by someone?”

» Act (over 1-2 days, e.g., help sibling with chores).

» Share next meet: “I played with my shy classmate—felt awesome!”

Teaching Tip: Start: “Who’s someone you love? How can you help?” Brainstorm (write ideas). Follow up: “What did you do? How did it go

References

• Australian Union Ruth and Naomi Honor