Ruth 1
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a mommy. Her name was Naomi. Naomi lived far away from home. She lived with her husband and her two boys.
But then something very sad happened. Naomi's husband died. And later her two boys died too. Naomi was all alone. Well, not all alone. She had two daughters, Orpah and Ruth. They had married her boys.
Naomi cried a lot. She missed her family so much. She said, "I want to go home. Home to my own country. Home to my own people."
So Naomi packed her things. Ruth and Orpah walked with her. They walked down the long road together.
Then Naomi stopped. She looked at the two young women. She said, "Go back. Go back to your own mommies. May God be good to you."
Naomi gave them a big hug. And she kissed them goodbye. All three of them cried. Big tears.
Orpah kissed Naomi one more time. Then Orpah turned around and went back home.
But Ruth did not go. Ruth held on tight to Naomi. She would not let go.
Naomi said, "Look, Ruth. Orpah went home. You go too."
But Ruth shook her head. Ruth said, "No. I want to stay with you. Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people. And your God will be my God."
Then Naomi saw it. Ruth really meant it. And together they walked on. All the way to Naomi's town. It was called Bethlehem.
What Does This Mean?
Naomi was very sad. But God did not forget her. God gave her Ruth. Ruth stayed close, even when it was hard.
The Common Thread
Ruth said, "Your God will be my God." Ruth wanted to know the God of Naomi. And God had a big surprise waiting. Later, much later, a baby was born from Ruth's family. That baby's name was Jesus. God was already planning something wonderful. Even when Naomi cried, God was busy with a beautiful plan.
For You
Sometimes people are sad. Maybe your mommy. Maybe your friend. Maybe you.
You can do what Ruth did. You can stay close. You can hold a hand. You can give a hug.
And you can talk to God. God hears you. Always.
Talk About It
Who is your favorite person to hug when you are sad?
Ruth stayed with Naomi. Who can you be sweet to today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank you for Ruth. She was so brave. Thank you that you see me when I am sad. Please help me to be sweet, just like Ruth. And thank you that you never leave me alone.
Amen.
Questions about Ruth 1
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ruth 1 about?
What does Ruth 1 say?
What does Ruth 1 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ruth 1?
Why is Ruth 1 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left with her two sons." They moved to Moab to escape death by famine, and death followed them anyway. Notice how the verse names him by her: Naomi's husband. The story has turned toward the one left behind. Sometimes the plan that was supposed to save you is where grief finds you, and God is still writing.
I went out full, and Yahweh has brought me home again empty." But she left in a famine, and she comes back with Ruth standing right beside her. Grief can count our losses perfectly and miss the person God has already placed next to us. Who is standing beside you that you have stopped seeing?
Naomi has nothing left. No husband, no sons, no bread. And still she prays, "May Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband." She asks God for the very thing she has lost, and asks it for someone else. Then she kissed them and they wept. Can you bless what you no longer have?
When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, she stopped urging her." No embrace. No thank you. Naomi simply stops arguing. Ruth's great vow is met with silence from a woman too bitter to receive it well.
Sometimes love means staying with someone who cannot yet say they want you there.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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