The book of Ruth shows an obvious respect given to the elderly in that day. This is seen in Ruth leaving her homeland to stay with Naomi as she returned to Israel.
It is seen in Boaz’ treatment of Ruth. While it is certain that Boaz was a noble individual, his treatment of Ruth came in part because of his respect for his Naomi, his kinswoman. When Ruth was identified as the “young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi” (6) he encouraged her to stay and glean in his fields. He was protective of her, and supplied her and Naomi enough to eat. The reason Boaz gave for helping her related to her sacrifice in leaving the land of her birth to “come to a people (Naomi’s) whom you did not know before” (2:11).
Ruth showed respect to Boaz despite his being significantly older, and she sought his favor. He said, “You have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich” (3:10).
After Boaz wed Ruth, they had a son. The women of the village of Bethlehem had an interesting reaction. “Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, ‘There is one born to Naomi.’ And they called his name Obed” (17).
Rather than being dismissed by society, Naomi was revered in her old age. What an example for us to embrace!
