Ruth

The Book of Ruth is a short book, almost an interlude, unlike anything before it. God does not appear or speak, nor do any angels. It is a single story about one woman, Ruth. Ruth is not from one of the twelve tribes, but she marries a man whose father was from the land of Judah. When her husband and father-in-law die, she accompanies her mother-in-law, Naomi, on her journey back to Judah. Naomi tries to discourage Ruth, since she sees little future for Ruth in Judah, but Ruth insists on remaining with Naomi, saying:

Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you, for wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there be buried.

Her fidelity to Naomi extends even to her embracing the God of Israel as her God. This passage is so beautiful. It could easily be inserted into a marriage vow, for instance. It is also a wonderfull statement of fidelity and discipleship--a promise to follow without regard to obstacles. 

Ruth is faithful and pious and hardworking. Her story becomes known among the people of Judah. She follows Naomi's guidance and as a result becomes the wife of Boaz, a prominent landowner and kinsman of Naomi. We are told that she bears a son, Obed, whose son is Jesse and whose grandson is David, the future king. Jesus, of course, is of the line of David, through his stepfather, Joseph. So, from a woman not born of the Chosen People, God sends a great king and then, ultimately, the Great King and Savior. This foretells the universality of the salvation that is humanity's through Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection.