"Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” ~Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” ~Ruth 1:16-17

Here, Ruth is what scholars call a ‘type of Jesus’ - the word ‘type’ as in image or imprint (think typewriter). Jesus tells us over and over that He will never leave us nor forsake us. [Hebrews 13:5] Paul assures us that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. [Romans 8:38-39]. In Ruth 2, Ruth asks for permission to glean leftover grain in the fields, as allowed by Israelite law for the poor. She leaves nothing behind, reminding me of Jesus after the feeding of the 5000 - He instructs His disciples to gather all the leftovers and leave nothing to waste. [John 6:12]

Fun fact - Ruth is the direct ancestor of Jesus by 11 generations.

But the most astounding thing about this story is that Ruth came from Moab, not Israel. Check out Genesis 19:31-37 for a very dark scene. But God had a plan and there are no skeletons in His closet. The genealogy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ is publically preserved for eternity, including every flavor of sin, while emphasizing the incredible mercy and forgiveness of God.

That is one proof of the validity of scripture! Who would want to advertise such a lineage?

Jesus is the Truth and the Life. He is Reality and Authenticity. He is Peace and Wisdom. He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. He is I AM.

Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026