Ruth 3
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was evening. The sun was going down. Ruth was tired, because she had worked all day. She picked up grain in the fields. That is heavy work.
Ruth lived with Naomi. Naomi was old. Naomi loved Ruth very much. Naomi said: "Ruth, I know a good man. His name is Boaz. He can take care of us."
Naomi had a plan. "Wash yourself," she said. "Put on your prettiest clothes. Then go to Boaz tonight."
Ruth did what Naomi said. She washed. She put on nice clothes. And she walked, very quietly, to the big barn.
In the barn lay Boaz. He was sleeping on a pile of straw. He was tired too. He had worked hard all day.
Ruth came very softly. She lay down at Boaz's feet. And she waited.
It was dark. Very dark, and very quiet.
Then, in the middle of the night, Boaz woke up. He was startled! "Who is there?" he whispered.
"It is me, Ruth," she said softly. "Will you take care of me?"
Boaz smiled. "Yes, Ruth. You are a good woman. Everyone can see that. I will take care of you."
Boaz gave Ruth grain. A lot of grain. She could bring it home in her cloak. Enough for her and for Naomi.
What Does This Mean?
Ruth was all alone. She had no father. She had no husband. She had no one to take care of her.
But God saw Ruth. God knew Ruth. And God sent Boaz. Boaz was a good man. He said: "I will help you, Ruth."
The Common Thread
Boaz was like a big shield around Ruth. He kept her safe. He gave her bread. He said: "You may belong with me."
Jesus is like that too. Jesus is our big Helper. Jesus says to you: "I see you. You may come to Me. I will take care of you."
Boaz gave Ruth grain. Jesus gives us bread every day. Jesus never forgets us.
For You
Sometimes you feel small. Sometimes you feel alone. Sometimes it is dark, and you get a little scared.
Then you can remember Ruth. Ruth was alone in the dark barn. But God saw her. God was there.
God sees you too. Always. When you play. When you sleep. When you cry. God says: "I am here."
You do not have to be scared. God is close. Just like Boaz was close to Ruth.
Talk About It
Ruth was all alone. Do you ever feel alone? Who is with you then?
Boaz gave Ruth bread. What good things does God give you every day?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You see me. Thank You that You are with me. Even when it is dark. Even when I am small.
Thank You for bread. Thank You for people who help me. Thank You for Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Ruth 3
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ruth 3 about?
What does Ruth 3 say?
What does Ruth 3 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ruth 3?
Why is Ruth 3 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Naomi tells her, "Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor." Ruth had worn widow's clothes and field dust long enough. Someone who loved her said it was time to stop looking like grief. Is there mourning you have been wearing past its season, because taking it off feels like risking hope again?
Naomi's plan was risky. Go at night, uncover his feet, lie down and wait. Ruth could have asked a hundred questions. Instead: "All that you say I will do."
Notice who she is trusting. The same woman who said "call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." Ruth trusts her anyway.
Is there someone God has given you to listen to, whose faith looks a little worn out?
Boaz says, "all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman." Ruth surely thought she was known as the Moabite, the outsider picking up leftovers behind the reapers. But the town had been watching how she loved Naomi. Your quiet faithfulness speaks louder than you think. Someone is reading it.
Boaz measures out six portions of barley into Ruth's shawl before dawn, then sends her home not empty. She came to him with a request, and she leaves carrying more than she asked for.
Notice the weight of it. Ruth walks back to Naomi with grain pressing into her shoulder, a quiet promise she can feel. Sometimes God answers before the wedding, before the resolution, with something you can hold on the road home.
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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