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[ Man Narrating ]
Yonder is a city whose name...

will one day be known
in the far places of the Earth.

Bethlehem of Judah.

Generations have yet to pass
before its star shall rise
in the east.

Much shall happen
in these lands
and be told.

For nearby, across the Jordan
in the land of Moab,

lives a people who of old
have hated the God of Israel...

and who serve a god of stone,
Chemosh,

thirsty for the blood
of the young and the innocent.

Yes?

Uh--

Are you giving her
to be raised in
the service of our god?

But you pay something.
Only when there is want.

But there is want.
Uh, bad crops, sickness.

Uh, I can't feed my family.

Is she in good health?
Yes.

Not lame?
No.

No blemishes?

Of all my daughters,
she is the strongest
and the prettiest.

[ Coins Jingle ]

[ Whimpers ]

[ Whimpers ]

What is your name?

Ruth.

[ Woman ]
Ruth?

Recite the prayer.

Chemosh is good.
Chemosh is strong.

He is the force of life,

the bringer of victories,

the shield against our enemies.

To one among you will soon come
the greatest honor...

that can fall
to a daughter of Chemosh.

An endless honor,
a glory forever.

The high priest of all Moab
will judge of you.

It is between the first
and the third.

This child.
See that she is
properly prepared.

What is this?

I've not seen it before.

She should not have been
permitted to go before
Lord Hedak.

You know very well
there must be no mark
or blemish of any kind.

It was not there a moment ago.

Look!
I have no blemishes!

Very well.
Take the other child.

My lady, it's going away!
It's almost gone!

The high priest has
chosen her to be sacrificed,
and that is the end of it.

This day you pass from a life
of learning about your god...

to a life of serving him.

Your first duty
will attach to our yearly
ceremony of sacrifice.

In this year of Chemosh,
the child is Tebah.

Among you shall be shared
the honor of fitting her
for immolation.

Obey your rectoress
in all things.

[ Bell Chimes ]

You will return now
to your chambers.

[ Bell Chimes ]

[ Gong Sounds ]

[ Chattering ]

[ Metal Clanks ]

The crown--
is it ready?
Your beneficence.

This?
[ Chuckles ]

This gross piece
to be worn on
the altar of Chemosh?

It's heavy and dead.
It lacks luster.

But it is wrought
of the finest gold.

Have you no sense, old man?
It needs glitter.

It must be seen
at the farthest reaches
of the assemblage!

It must flash
when the sun strikes it!

With your leave, gracious lady,
I designed this with what
I understood your wish--

No matter what you understood.

The crown for this child
must be radiant as though
for the head of a queen.

Yes, but what
I tried to do was--

[ Rectoress ]
You were not engaged to try.

You're unworthy
of the honor of this work.

Look. Look how graceful this is
and how earthbound the other.

But that, your beneficence,
I designed for a bride.

It is for feasting and joy.

It celebrates life,
whilst the other...
is to be worn in death.

[ Rectoress ]
Say no more!

What is sacrificed
to Chemosh is endowed
with eternal life.

Tebah, tell this man
what it means
to die for Chemosh.

To die for Chemosh
is to live forever.

I will make a crown that
will sparkle in the sun.

It will glow
with precious stones.
It will be happy as a bride.

You disapprove of sacrifice?

Of human sacrifice.

Take Tebah outside
and wait for me.

I never heard sentiments
like yours before.
How do you come by them?

Through belief
in a merciful God.

And where is this god?
Show him to me.

- He is invisible.
- [ Giggling ]

That makes it convenient
for carrying him with you,
does it not?

Make the crown as I wish it.

Deal with this person
in the matter.

Have him bring the crown to you.

And remember my wishes!
It must be radiant!

You will bring
the crown to me in
the sacrarium of the temple.

Yes, my lady.

- Do you know
where it is?
- Yes, my lady.

Above all, remember
the wish of her beneficence--

that the crown be radiant,
not gross and, uh, earthbound.

"Radiant." "Lacks luster."

They have mountains of gold
and palaces full of jewels, and
they must use every bit of it.

Never mind their gold
and jewels. Why don't you
learn to hold your tongue?

You know
how sensitive they are
about human sacrifice.

Not sensitive enough!
[ Crown Clangs ]

Their ritual is their affair.
You had no right to raise
your voice against it.

Father, the thought
of killing that child--

Keep such thoughts to yourself.
Don't spoil things
for the rest of us.

Mahlon, don't be foolhardy.

We are still Judeans,
and they are Moabites.
Don't forget that.

They won't.
But, Mother, they don't even
think of us as Judeans.

Look at Orpah, a Moabitess.
Didn't she marry me?
Aren't we accepted?

That is your happiness.

You did speak foolishly, Mahlon.

But I'm glad of it.

Oh, Chemosh,
thou art the force of light.

To our enemies
give evil, plague,

famine and misery.

To our enemies
give evil, plague,
famine and misery.

To our king
grant health, strength
and enduring years of life.

To our king
grant health, strength--

[ Together ]
And enduring... years...
of life.

The artisan is here.

Admit him.

We shall go on with this later.

Fine. Very fine.

That too.

Show me the rest.

[ Glass Shatters ]

Do you disapprove
of disciplining slaves...

as you do of sacrificing
to the gods?

Are you going
to answer me?
My answer would offend you.

No more than
you have already done.

It is not wise
to be lax with servants.

It only encourages disobedience.
One must be strong with them.

You disagree?
I never confuse gentleness
with weakness, my lady.

Is this more of the teachings
of your invisible god?

Not exactly,
although his laws forbid
the striking of slaves.

An abused slave can even
sue his master for freedom.

Sue his master!
[ Laughs ]

This god of yours--
has he a name?

He is known by many names--
Elohim, Adonai, Jehovah.

It matters not so long
as one knows he exists,
and I do.

If he is invisible,
how do you know he exists?

Is it his invisibility
that amuses you?

Am--
[ Laughs ]
Among other things.

May I ask a question
in all deference?
You may.

Suppose you wish to pray,
but you're not near
an image of Chemosh.

Then I go to him.

Well, suppose
a soldier of Moab is wounded
on a field of battle...

and cannot get to
an image of Chemosh
to pray for his life.

Then he thinks of Chemosh.

But the Chemosh he's thinking of
is invisible at the time
he thinks of him.

In my work, gracious lady,

I have sometimes
repaired your god.

Isn't it hard to believe
that a-- a god who
cracks and crumbles...

and can be repaired
by a mere artisan
like myself,

can be the same god
who makes the birds sing
and the sun rise and set?

How can a god whose
own head gets broken...

mend the broken heads
of his soldiers?

[ Exhales ]

Tell me more
about your Jehovah
of the many names.

You have but to send
for me any evening.

Perhaps we can talk
in the gardens... alone.

You will grow old
waiting, artisan.

My name is Mahlon.

An impudent merchant!

What else did she say
besides "fine"?

Oh, nothing important.
It was all genial?

Sure. There was
even laughter.
Laughter?

In the temple of Chemosh?
Mm-hmm.

I have been told
it is always very grim.

[ Laughs ]
Not always.

The festivals of fertility
are far from grim,
eh, Orpah?

[ Bell Rings ]

Is this the house of Mahlon?

[ Mother ]
It is. Enter.

[ Whispering ]

Well?
A message for me from the
temple. I'm being sent for.

Something about our work?
No. Nothing like that.

The girl.
Well, well.

The young priestess?
She sent for you?

Be careful, Mahlon.
Even for a Moabite,
it would be dangerous.

For a Judean--
Oh, you make much
of nothing.

Have no fear, Mother.

Lest you have the wrong notion,
I must make clear
why I sent for you.

That is not necessary, my lady.

That you did is enough,
and it pleases me very much.

There is no reason
for you to be pleased...

since it is not about you
that I've been thinking,

but your ridiculous god.

That was all I inferred.

Well, tell me more about him.

Since you say
your god is everywhere,

perchance I am
stepping on him right now.

Indirectly, yes,
the Earth being
one of his creations.

The Earth?
Then you may as well claim
that he made the moon too.

It is told that he made
two great lights
in the heavens--

the greater to rule the day
and the lesser
to rule the night.

And all other luminous objects
in the sky, I suppose.

Yes.

And one closer by.

Why do you look at me like that?

Because you are
so beautiful,
so very beautiful.

Don't you know that you are?

I have never thought about it.

No one has ever told you?
No man has ever
looked at you as I do?

If-If he has,
I have not seen it.

You were not watching for it.

Isn't it pleasant,
even for a priestess,

to be told
that she is beautiful,
especially when it's true?

Is beauty so important?

The beauty that's within,
as I know it is with you.

How do you know?

I am older than you,
and the years teach.

Your teachings
are strange to me.
I will hear no more of them.

Don't be afraid
of what I am saying.
But I am afraid.

Perhaps tomorrow night,
when you are less afraid.

You are so young.

You could be
so beautiful one day.

What's wrong?

Nothing. It's just that
I'm so happy for you.

Go, Tebah.
Put your crown
among your other fittings.

What are you
doing here?
You haven't dismissed me.

What's-What's wrong
with telling a child
she's beautiful?

Nothing, my lady.

You may go.

Kera.

I am-- I am sorry
I struck you the other day.

Thank you, my lady.

You have been
singularly honored.

The king is making a journey
throughout the land...

to see the many arms and
precincts of his kingdom.

He has asked for four
of the most seemly
of your rank...

to join the party.

Comport yourselves well!

[ Horn Sounds ]

[ Horn Continues ]

You dogs, stand straight!

This will stand
to exalt your greatness
for all time, my king.

Would it please
your magnificence
to see the entire figure?

Order them to turn the platform.

You! Ten of you men,
over here!

Put your backs to it!
Turn it around!

[ Grunting ]

[ Groans ]

[ Cracking ]

[ Crashing Sound ]
[ Screaming ]

[ Screaming ]

I've seen enough.

Have you enjoyed the journey?
Yes, my king.

What is your name?
Ruth.

When do you complete
your purification?

In the spring, sire.

It will please me to welcome you
to the royal household.

Thank you, sire.

And as the prisoners
were turning the platform,

it began to give way.

The statue of Chemosh
started to tip.

My heart stopped for a moment.
I thought the king
would be crushed.

But luckily the platform held.

And only prisoners were crushed?

Yes, three of them,
squashed like insects.

It must have been exciting.
Oh, yes, it was.

Aren't you pleased to hear
of my experience?

Fascinating.
But I haven't
told you the best.

His magnificence, the king,
actually spoke to me.

He asked my name and
how long before my purification
would be complete.

When I told him, he smiled...

and said he would be
pleased to welcome me
to his royal household.

All in all,
a memorable journey for you.

You disapprove.

I wish I'd never let you come.

Why? Why, Ruth?

Be-Because you disturb
and confuse me.

I've been raised
to serve Chemosh.

He is my god, my only god,
and he's been good to me.

How has he been good?

No, I'm not challenging you.

You mean he's given you
comfort and position?

More than that,
much more.
Well, tell me.

For one thing,
when I was a child,
I was chosen to be sacrificed.

Suddenly, a blemish
appeared on my arm,
so they did not take me.

But no sooner did
another child replace me
than the blemish faded.

Chemosh had spared me.

Perhaps it was a higher god
than Chemosh who spared you.

Besides, I thought being
chosen for sacrifice
was a coveted honor,

yet you speak
of being spared from it.

You've confused me
so I-- so I can't think.

I would rather give up
the most important thing
in my life--

the joy of seeing you--
than bring you distress.

Shall I not come again, Ruth?

No.

But please, Mahlon,
no more talk about your people
across the Jordan...

who are forbidden
to punish slaves,

who cannot beat their animals
or even harm a bird's nest.

Please, Mahlon,
tell me no more
about your strange god...

with so many names and no face.

Oh, Mahlon, this is all wrong.

I was at peace until I met you.

Perhaps it would be best
if I don't see you again.
No, no.

[ Kera ]
My lady, my lady.

I will come again
whether you send
for me or not.

No. If Kera's not
watching out for you,
they'll find you and kill you.

You must go now.

I made it for you.

The tablets of the law,
God's law.
I cannot take it.

Cast it away if you like
once you leave me,
but keep it until then.

I made it for you.
Made it with great love,
such great love.

[ Kera ]
My lady.

[ Clattering ]

[ Sniffling ]

What is it, Tebah?

I-I had a dream.

Come.
Tell me about it.

[ Sniffles ]
A golden bird came
through my window.

He had a silver beak,
and his beak
stabbed me here,

and blood began to run.

It's nothing, Tebah.
Nothing. Just a dream.

There are alien gods
who are jealous of you
and envious of Chemosh.

They tried to frighten you
with a bad dream.

Oh, but they will fail
because Chemosh protects you.

You must get your sleep.

Your great day is coming close.

My Lord Hedak.

So, you are troubled.
Tell me.

I have--
I have sinned.

I've offended the god.

I'm deep in sin,
my Lord Hedak.
Let me judge of that.

I've doubted the ceremony
of the sacrifice.

You have seen many sacrifices
since you were old enough
to understand.

You have never
doubted them before.

What has happened, Ruth?

I-- I talked
with a man...

who believes no god
could be pleased...

to accept
the life of a child
on the altar.

I could not
meet his questioning.

[ Rectoress ]
Who's the man?

Mahlon, the Judean artisan.

He's-- He's a gentle,
a kind man,

and-and that makes
my burden greater.

You have given heed
to one of our old enemy.

You are naive, my daughter.
You have much to learn.

Ruth, do you not know
in your inward heart...

that this sacrifice
of the virgin child
is wholesome?

Yes.
That it brings
fertility to the land?

Yes.
Do you not know
that this sacrifice...

purges our land of sins
and sustains us
against our enemies?

Yes, yes, my lord,
I know all this
in my inward heart--

The ways of Chemosh
are not to be questioned!

Yes, my lord.

You have found favor
in the king's eyes.

In the spring, you will be
a priestess of high station.

You may even become
one of the king's consorts.

You still have misgivings, Ruth?

No. No, my lady.

You are going to be stronger
for your experience.

Remember, you have
the exalted honor and duty...

of leading the child, Tebah,
to the altar tomorrow.

Be at peace with yourself.

[ Horns Continue ]

Let the child, Tebah,
be brought forth.

[ Horns Sounding ]

[ Horns Continue ]

Now, my child.

Oh, Chemosh, thou art
the force of light!

To our enemies...

give evil, plague,

famine and misery.

To our king grant health, joy,

long and enduring years of life.

[ Horns Sounding ]

No!

[ Sobbing ]
No!

No!

[ Crowd Murmuring ]

No!

[ Sobbing ]

[ Crowd Clamoring ]

[ Whispers ]
They'd kill you.

[ Sobbing ]

Eat. Eat.

I can't.
He's worried about
what they'll do to Ruth.

Is he? I'm worried about
what they'll do to us.

I've got to go to her.

Mahlon, come back.

I told you
time and again--
Easy with him, Elimelech.

Have you never
known folly?
Mother--

[ Armor Clattering ]

Take him!

Take them away!
[ Tray Shatters ]

[ Screams ]
No! Please, no!

No, please!
No, please!

Oh!
[ Sobbing ]

[ Sighs ]

It is my doing.

I had no right
to bring this down on you.

No. The sin is
on my head.

I am punished for leaving
our people in Bethlehem
in time of trouble.

I was rich, but denied the poor.

I had bread,
but denied the hungry.

I had substance,
but took it with me.

Let's not cast lots for blame.
We're past that now.

[ Footsteps Approach ]

Get up!
Get up!

[ Grunts ]

[ Groans ]

[ Grunts ]

Murderers!
Murderers!

Murderers!

Prisoner, did you
have secret meetings
with a daughter of the temple?

Yes.

Did you speak to her
of an invisible power?

Yes.
To what end?

That she might learn of a god
to whom the killing of innocent
people is an abomination.

The killing of
what innocent people?

Tebah and all children
slain on the altar of Chemosh!

And the killing
of my father and brother
for even less purpose!

Artisan of Judah, you
and your family came to Moab...

when there was
a famine in your land.

We gave you shelter
and sustenance,

and you repaid us by attempting
to corrupt a priestess.

I have done injury
neither to your land
nor to a daughter of Moab!

I repent nothing
of my love for her,

nor for having told her
of a god of justice!

We shall teach you
something of justice.

The ax is too swift and kind
for a tempter and corrupter.

Your house and shop
and all your possessions...

shall be seized
in the name of the king,

and you will be
sent to the quarries
for the rest of your life.

Take him.

I hope your isolation
has cleansed from you
the blasphemies of the Judeans.

Well, has it not, Ruth?

Have not six months
been long enough
to purge your thoughts?

Surely you would not want
more time by yourself.

No, my lady.
I should not.

Good.
I bring you happy news.

Chemosh has smiled on you.

Thanks to the gracious
intercession of the king,

your privileges
have been restored.

Tonight you will
leave this room.

Tomorrow you will
begin the month
of ultimate purification...

before you enter
the king's household.

You are to call on me...

for the services of my office.

I asked you never
to come here again.
I have brought my lady.

It was not as you think,
mother of Mahlon.

You came to us
many times before,
when we were still a family.

You came bearing
your lady's messages
to my son,

summoning him, no doubt,
for her amusement.

Each time you came,
you brought death
closer to my house.

Please believe me!
I had no thought
of betraying Mahlon.

I have come to help.
We want no help from you.

If I were not fearful for
your son's life, do you think
I would come stealing here?

If I did not care for him,
would-would I carry
these tablets with me?

Yes.
I watched him make them
with love and devotion.

While you carried those
in the one hand,

in the other
you carried a knife
for the killing of a child.

Both are stained with blood.

Could you put aside
your bitterness...

long enough to restore
your son to you?

What do you want?
I have planned
for Mahlon's escape.

Escape.

What can you do?
A maiden and her slave.

These past weeks, Kera and I
have secretly arranged it.

Yes. Two guards
are with us.

Don't refuse us,
mother of Mahlon.

It is the only hope,
and it must be tonight,

for tomorrow
I prepare to join
the king's household.

Please.

What do you wish me to do?

Kera will lead you
to one of the caves
on the Hebron Road.

Wait there, and I will
bring Mahlon to you.
I promise it.

I will go with you, Mother.

May the Lord guide you.

[ Sobs ]

[ Hammering ]

Don't speak.
The Lady Ruth is here
to help you escape.

Follow me.

[ Rumbling ]

You there!
Come down here!

Come back here!
Come back!

Throw it down!

[ Screaming ]

No!
[ Groans ]

[ Groaning ]

Mahlon. No!
[ Crying ]

[ Exhales ]

How can I thank you?

You must not think of that.

I love you too much to die.

Of course you won't die.

My body wants to.
No.

My bones ache to die.

Think only of living.
Live... so we can marry.

You would marry me?
Yes. Yes.

[ Breathing Shallowly ]

[ Weakly ]
Mother.

Orpah, carry me into the light.

It won't do
to be married
in the dark.

[ Panting ]

Help us.

[ Sighs ]

I have nothing
to bring to you, Mahlon.

You are all the dowry,

the ornament, the gift...

a man could ask.

[ Coughing ]
Mother?

Your ring?

Uh-huh.

I take you, Ruth, for my wife,

according to the law of Moses.

[ Grunts ]

[ Gasps ]

[ Whimpering, Crying ]

We have scoured the city.

The priestess Ruth
and the prisoner
are nowhere to be found.

They seem to have
vanished from sight.

Vanished, yes.
But in what direction?

What direction, my lady?
If you were a priestess and had
just opened a prison gate...

for a cursed Judean,
where would you go?

- Judah, I suppose.
- Ah.

Then suppose you
and your men set out
and overtake them...

and bring them back?

- I will try, my lord.
- Indeed you shall. Now go.

Come, Mother.
Sit.

Rest.
I will bring water.

He taught me to care
about living things,

but he never told me
of the pain of caring.

Pain on entering the world,
anguish on leaving it.

But the interval between
is worth it all.

How can you say that
in such an hour?

Look around you
at this hard wilderness,

and what do you see
but mourning women?

Where is Mahlon's
invisible God of mercy?

Where are his blessings?

You are one of them.

You gave my son joy,

and you sent him away
with peace in his soul.

I am grateful, my lady.

Could you find it
in your heart
to call me Ruth?

Yes. Yes,
I will call you Ruth.

And I will remember you
with tenderness and love.

Where now, Mother?
Where will we go?

There's only one place
I can go, back to Bethlehem.
But you, my daughters--

I shall go with you.
Oh, why should you
come with me?

You are pretty and young,
and many a good man of Moab
would wish to marry you.

And your mother and father,
who love you even as I,

will want you by them
to comfort their old age.

Return, Orpah.

I will do as you bid me.

Farewell, Ruth,
and may the Lord bless you.

I'm not returning.

Kera?

My lady?
You still have kindred
in Ammon?

Two children and my father.
Then go to them.
You are free.

Free, my lady?
Yes.

And I thank you endlessly,
my faithful Kera.

Good-bye, my lady.

Peace, mother of Mahlon.

Find joy, Kera.

If you are not returning,
then where will you go?
With you.

With me? To Bethlehem?

It's a long and
hazardous journey. Who knows?
You might even be pursued.

And then, a Moabitess
in Bethlehem might not
be welcome.

You must go back
with Orpah, my daughter,

and may the Lord
deal kindly with you...

as you have dealt
with the dead
and with me.

I entreat you to return.

Entreat me not to leave you...

or to keep from following you.

For where you go, I will go.
Where you lodge,
I will lodge.

Your people shall be my people.

And your God, my God.

[ Women ]
* Entreat me not
to leave you *

* Or to keep
from following you *

* For where you go *

* I shall go *

* Where you lodge *

* I shall lodge *

* Your people *

* Shall be my people *

* And your God *

* My God **

We crossed near here...

on our way to Moab 10 years ago.

My boys were like
young lions then--

keen and eager
for what lay ahead.

I went where my husband led me.

It was hard to leave Bethlehem.

It is harder to return.

[ Woman Crying ]

[ Crying Continues ]

[ Crying ]

[ Horse Blusters ]

[ Approaching Hoofbeats ]

[ Man Yells ]

[ Grunts ]

[ Horse Nickers ]

We caught him in a wadi.
Two others escaped.

We were hunting, I tell you.
Just hunting.

Unbind him.
He can hardly breathe.

[ Gasping ]

Perhaps you can help us.

These sheep--
How do you suppose
they died?

Maybe from disease.
I heard that pestilence
is spreading.

And the shepherd boy,
did he die from
the sheep's disease too?

Maybe the sun--
the sun.

Yes. It is hot.
You look thirsty.

[ Horse Blusters ]
Have you no regard
for a thirsty man?

Don't you know the teachings
of our fathers?

If your enemy is hungry,
give him meat. If he is thirsty,
give him water.

Thank you, Master.
Thank you.

[ Sighs ]
Not out of a skin.

Fresh, flowing water.
Go down there and drink
at the water hole.

Well, what is it?

I-- I--
I'm not thirsty.

Go down there and drink!
No! No! No!

No! No! No! N--
[ Gulps ]

[ Man Choking ]

[ Moans ]
So should it be
to all Moabites.

And let jackals do the rest.

Poor welcome for you to Judah.

We'll go on
before they ask us
where we've come from.

Then we have lost her.
Yes, Your Majesty.

Ruth, favorite of the king,
priestess of the temple,

not only spurns all Moab,

but delivers a Judean prisoner
from under the noses
of my officers.

Think, Hedak!

It is important for the kingdom
that this priestess
be punished.

As to how,
I'll leave that to you.
Now, go!

[ Chattering ]

[ Goats Bleating ]

Eska?

- Do you remember me?
- Is this Naomi,
wife of Elimelech?

Widow.
Widow?

The Almighty has dealt
very bitterly with me.

It does not go easy
with me either. My Gavram died,
and I'm alone.

Now I must glean
in the fields like
other poor people.

Still, it's better
than starving, even though
you eat only...

what you pick up off the ground.

My daughter-in-law.
Welcome.

You are from one
of the northern tribes?
Benjamin, perhaps?

No. I am from Moab.

Moab. Oh,
don't speak of it.

You think you're bitter.
What with the drought,

oh, there's
enough bitterness here too.

But where are you going to live?
If our old farm
is still standing--

Tsk, tsk. Oh, it's all gone
to ruin. The well is dry,
and the house--

But, still,
it's away from the city.
And for you,

just come from Moab,

it's just as well not
to be seen much.

Eska, are you coming?
Yes, yes. I'm coming.

Do you know who that is?

Naomi...
and her daughter-in-law
from Moab.

[ Women Gasp ]

This, after your comfort
in Moab.

You have taught me
there are other comforts.

Not even a scrap to eat.

My husband had
two kinsmen here,
Boaz and Tob,

both men of means.

Tob would only rebuff me.

My husband was unkind
to him, and as for Boaz--

What about Boaz?

It pains me to tell you,
but he was the man
at the border.

The one who forced
the Moabite to drink?

Then don't go to either
of them, Mother.

But how will we live?

That woman by the well-- If
she can get along by gleaning,
then so can we.

You? You glean?
If they'll let me glean.

It's not a question of letting.
The law gives widows
and poor folk...

the right to glean,
but I wouldn't let you.

Widows and the poor?
Then I'm entitled
twice over.

Oh.

They come fair in Moab.

[ Man #2 ]
And from what I hear,
they go loose.

Shut your mouth.
I'm sorry I told you.

Tell me, what happens
in Moab, brother wise man?

Fertility rites.
The wine flows freely,

and everyone gets
to know everyone else.

[ Man ]
And you must get
to know us better.

The mighty man!

Is that a new gleaner?

Well, she's not old.
[ Chuckles ]

I am Boaz.
Welcome to my field.
Thank you.

Do I have your consent
to gather after the reapers?

On one condition: that you glean
in no other field,
but stay fast here.

You improve the look
of the crop.

And considering the drought,
that would be very helpful.

Have my men been annoying you?

I have managed not to hear them.
I will charge them
not to trouble you.

You let me know if you lack
for anything.
The Lord be with you.

How can the Lord
be with a Moabitess heathen?

Does she think we are made
of stone like her gods--

that her being among us
is not a mockery?

You are a Moabitess?
Yes.

What are you doing in Judah?
I am the widow
of a Judean.

You think that makes you one
of us? There is a law here...

that we shall treat strangers
as we do ourselves,
even Moabites.

It is not my favorite law,
but I obey it.

Do you obey all your laws
so grudgingly?

Our hospitality
is not without limits.

Just make sure you worship none
of your hot-bellied idols here.

We are very short
with idolaters.

Would you then
put my head in a pool
of poisoned water?

- What do you know of that?
- We saw you work justice
in the border village.

Who is "we"?
My mother-in-law
and I.

Naomi, widow of Elimelech.
I came with her
from across the Jordan.

On this side of the Jordan,
we do not coddle murderers
of children.

My husband told me
that your law...

requires at least
two eyewitnesses
to any mortal crime.

Where were your witnesses?
I will not be preached to
by a Moabitess,

especially one whom
I suffer to glean in my field.

Suffer no more.

I have a widow's right
to glean here. I do not
need your consent.

The only kindness I ask
is that you and your hirelings
leave me to my work.

So be it!

I'll never go back
to his field.
I'll glean elsewhere.

I'd rather eat
grains of sand
than his barley.

I don't understand.
The folly, the blindness
of hating all of the people.

As though Moab were
a great serpent and
every Moabite a serpent's egg.

You spoke
of another kinsman.
What is he like?

Tob? The stars
are not as distant
as that man.

In what way?
In every way.

I am sent by the house of Boaz.

- What have you there?
- Oil and barley,
figs and olives.

- Please return them.
- You don't want it?

Neither of you?

Of course, I have no right
to speak for your share.

Take it back and
thank your master.

[ Sighs ]

Which of the two
refused?
Both.

What did
the young one say?
The young one?

"Please return them."
Return them, huh?

Well, they'll accept
these provisions and more.

Ruth, come. Look.

It's back again, and more of it.

The Lord be with you,
Naomi, and welcome home.

Thank you, Boaz.

I'm sorry to hear
about your family.

Am I to take this
as some kind of apology?
For what?

For publicly
insulting my daughter, Ruth.
As the Lord lives,

you insult me and say
I owe you an apology?

I don't like an offer of food
thrown back in my face.

I don't like charity thrown in
mine. Who gave you the right to
tell Ruth she was not welcome?

We were born and raised into
that right. I cannot pretend
to welcome anyone from her land.

Don't pretend to welcome me.
You're a Judean.
She's a stranger.

You chose to forget the law
that strangers must be welcomed
among us.

Be that as it may--

I didn't mean to shout.

This is no way for a man
to welcome a kinswoman.

I spoke in anger.

So did I, Boaz. For years,
I've carried a warm image
of you in my heart.

I'm disappointed
to find you changed.

Well, a man is what he is.

Let him be what he wants to be.

In the meantime,
no use leaving this food
for the ants.

Well, it seems the Moabitess
has left us for Tob's acres.

A good thing.
Thank the Lord.

- [ Huphim ]
Is that Boaz riding up?
- Yes. Think of the honor.

As though the holy ark
itself were coming
to my door.

Let old wounds be.

Peace be with you.
Peace to you.

Have you come to give back the
field that rightfully belongs
to me and the water with it?

No, Tob, and I haven't
come to hear you complain
of it either.

- Then what do you want?
- Do you remember
our kinswoman Naomi?

Quite well.
Who could forget her?
And our beloved Elimelech.

Elimelech is dead,
he and his sons.

Naomi has come back
with a Moabite daughter-in-law,
and they need help.

- Then help them.
- They won't accept it
from me.

I had some hard words
with the Moabitess,
and you are closer kin than I.

I may be closer kin,
but I'm no less a Judean
than you.

Just because you go out
with your border guard is
no reason for me...

to sanction any Moabite
you let into our land.

- I don't like Moabites
any more than you.
- But we can't let them...

glean or beg or go hungry.

I can.
But they're our kinsfolk,
Tob.

If you won't help them,
then let me do it through you.

- You owe Naomi that much.
- I owe her nothing.

She has suffered much.
Don't waste my time
on pity for Naomi.

And as for the Moabitess,
you can tell her from me--
You can tell her yourself.

She's gleaning
in your field now.
I will.

The law protects gleaners,
remember.
Law or no law.

[ Horse Blusters ]

Where is the Moabitess?

[ Approaching Hoofbeats ]

Why, it's Tob.

Peace, Naomi.
Peace, Tob.

Come in.

Naomi,
you have wounded me.
I? How?

You've been here for days,
and you didn't let me know.

Well--
Is that any way
to treat a kinsman?

And who is this lovely--
My daughter-in-law
Ruth.

She's a Moabitess.

You say that
as though it were an apology.

Don't you know
our sacred teaching that we are
to treat strangers as ourselves?

Yes, I know.
I'm glad you've
not forgotten.

Oh, I have a good memory.
In fact, I've thought
about you many times.

I was concerned
about your family,
and now you returned--

after the sad events in Moab--
and you hide yourself.

Well, there's
a little matter of pride.

With one's own family?
Oh.

Forgive me, but this is no way
for the widow of Elimelech
to live.

I'm going to send my workmen
to repair the roof, patch
these walls and work your land.

I'll send food and clothing too.

The years of prosperity
have mellowed you.

Even a cabbage ripens.

Well, I was
just passing by.
I must go now.

Good day, Naomi.
Good day, Ruth.

Have peace.

Peace, Tob.

And you feared
he would rebuff you.

Why, he's as warm
as Boaz is cold.

Maybe one is too cold
and the other too warm.

Naomi! Oh,
never carry such burdens.

While I'm away,
you must let my workmen
do it for you.

You are leaving?
Not for long.
I go to Hebron to buy sheep.

Now, in my absence, you and
Naomi must not hesitate to ask
my men if you lack for anything.

I have instructed them.
Your kindness! I can't
begin to thank--

Oh, not a word.

And when I return, I hope you
will know even more fully the
bounties of kinship in Judah.

Naomi.

[ Chuckles ]
Look at the little one.

[ Ruth ]
A baby.

[ Oxen Braying ]
[ Goats Bleating ]

Where we come from,
it's being said there is
an idolatress among you.

A Moabite priestess.
There is
no Moabite priestess here.

You do not speak
like Judeans. Where
do you come from?

From Reuben,
near the border of Ammon.
What is it you've heard?

I heard this idolatress
came with a Judean woman.

Said to be the widow
of a man named Elimelech.

He means Naomi.
Naomi did bring a Moabitess
with her.

What business is it of you
in Reuben who comes here?

No business at all.
I just mentioned the rumor
and nothing more.

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

[ Low Chattering ]

[ Chattering ]

Water is scarce.
We have none
for idolaters.

Why don't you ask
your stone god for water?

She's an idolatress.
Curse her, Ben-Nadab.

Call the vengeance
of God down on her.
Idols.

God has said
ye shall make no idols,

nor set any image
of stone in your land.

If ye despise his statutes
and abhor his judgments,
ye shall lose your children.

- Your cattle shall be destroyed!
- Guilt is written
across her face.

She can say nothing.
[ Woman ]
Where are your idols?

Take your stone idols
and leave our land before
God strikes you dead.

You are a hateful woman.
You are not worthy
to speak God's name.

[ Boaz ]
Leave her alone!

Get along.
Don't stare.

When you've
got your water, leave.

Don't ever trust this
to a woman, Ben-Nadab.

Confess thy iniquity!

Fear the Lord, for he will send
his pestilence among you and
destroy your idols and cast--

Yes, yes, old man.
I know.

God's blessings on thee
and you too.

Peace be with you.

Poor old madman.

Thank you, Boaz.
Thank you for your kindness.

Come.

Since I bring nothing
with me this time, perhaps
you'll not turn me away.

We turn nobody away
who comes in peace.

Come.
Break bread with us.
Thank you. I've eaten.

Then sit and join us.

I've been thinking
about what happened
at the well.

Why?
What happened?

Well, uh-- Well, nothing really.
We simply met there by chance,
and I asked if I could come by.

I should've mentioned
it was Boaz who
caught the runaway.

The donkey.
Yes, well,
don't make me a hero.

The beast came
running at me, and--

So in gratitude,
you invited our kinsman
to visit us.

Well, I'm pleased.

Perhaps you'll
have some wine with us,
Boaz. Excuse me.

I didn't tell her
because it would only
have worried her.

What did Mahlon
tell you about us Judeans?

Enough to bring me here.

Did he explain our hatred
of Moab?
No.

There was no malice
in his heart. He hated
nothing except cruelty.

Well, there has been
a long, hard history
between our countries:

wars, loathing
of each other's gods.

Some of us lost parents
and brothers to Moab.

Others lost children,
as you saw on your way
to Bethlehem.

Does it surprise you
that that's in our blood,
to fear and hate Moabites?

And you are content
with that?
I was.

Was?
I used to think that hate
belonged in our blood.

And now?
Now I'm not so certain.

But others are though.
Only a few--

those who forgot the teachings
of our fathers...

and those who are
as bitter as I was.

Like the women
at the well.
Yes.

And that's why I've come here.
You must leave Judah,
Ruth, at least for a while.

Go north to one of
our other tribes, where people
are not molested by Moabites,

not inflamed and ready
to cast blame on a scapegoat.

Go, Ruth.
I will see you and Naomi
safely there.

No. Naomi's home
is here.

If she and I
are strangers in Judah,

we should be
even more alien elsewhere.

Beside, would another tribe
be any quicker than
your people to believe...

why I left Moab
and came to this side
of the Jordan?

Why did you come here, Ruth?

Because you love Naomi?
And?

And because I saw
a new light in her beliefs,
in her God.

Ruth, I've never
seen the people so aroused.

You must not go
to the marketplace
or even to the well alone.

If I'm to stay here,
I must go everywhere alone
and unafraid,

or they'll think
I'm all they suspect
of me.

After a while, perhaps,
but not now.
Please let me help.

It is not the first time
I've offered to help.

You accepted only from Tob.
He never threatened.

Nor shall I ever again.

What made you change?

A number of things.
Mostly you.

Seeing myself
through your eyes.
I think I needed that.

- Thank you.
- I suppose it would be
unseemly of me...

to compete with Tob
in ephahs of barley
and casks of oil.

But I have the right
to ask one thing of you.

Promise me that if you
and Naomi ever need help,
help of any kind,

you will come to me.

Thank you again.
Don't thank me.
Promise.

I promise.

You'll be angry, but after
all the trouble you've taken,
I must go back to my fields.

You cannot have one cup
with us, Boaz?
I'm late now.

One of Tob's
honey cakes, perhaps?
Oh, now I must go.

Peace, Naomi.
Peace be with you, Ruth.

That is the Boaz I remembered.

Oh, Mother,
he's so different from
the way he was before.

He's so--
so very likable.

Or is it only
his wanting to help...

that makes me think I--

well, makes me feel
the way I do?

No, Ruth.
It is not that.
How can you mistake what it is?

[ Naomi ] What do you want
here? Who gave you the right
to trample on my grounds?

Where are the idols?
Bring out the idols.
There are no idols.

You brought
that idol worshipper
into our midst.

- Tell her about the wells.
- Our cattle are dying
because of her.

What are you saying?
Why because of her?

God has shown his anger
ever since she came.
Yes, and if our children suffer,

their blood will be
on your head.

We'll all perish
unless you rid us of her.
The idols are in the house.

Not one more step.
If you have complaints,

take them to Shammah
and the elders
and let them judge.

And leave us alone.
Indeed we will make our voices
heard by the elders,

and when we're through
with our complaints, there'll
be very little comfort...

left for you or time for you.

Come! Let us go
to Shammah!

Don't fear, Mother.
I do fear.

There's no charge greater
than idolatry.
It's a stoning offense.

I don't know
where to turn, what to do.

Mother, I shall go to Boaz.

He said he would help.
Yes.

You heard him.
He made a promise to come
if we needed help.

Yes. Go, my daughter.
Ask his help.

You have come
to see my master?
I have great need to see him.

He was just summoned
to the council of elders.

I will take you there.
Thank you.

[ Bleating ]

[ Murmuring ]

I know what happened.
It's shameful.

The judges are
as disturbed about it
as I am.

We're meeting now.

Fear nothing.

You had better wait for me.

It's not a question of opinion.

It's your duty
to convene the elders and sit
in judgment of the widow.

Do you agree with that?
Yes.

And do you, Boaz?
By all means.

The widow Hagah has
shamefully violated
one of our most--

We're not speaking of Hagah,
but of Ruth.

Ruth?

Hagah and her rabble
viciously attack
two peace-abiding women,

and you're going to sit
in judgment of Ruth?

The actions of Hagah
and the others are a disgrace.
They will be reprimanded.

But the charges that
have been brought against
the Moabitess are very--

Moabitess!
She is no longer
a Moabitess.

And I, for one, will not
consent to judge a woman...

for fetching water
from a public well.

Do not mock us, Boaz.

You younger judges are here
only because your fathers gave
their blood to uphold our laws.

If this woman is innocent,

if she is not
an idolatress,
she will be free.

But if she is guilty,

it is our duty to see
that she is punished
according to the law.

- Innocent or guilty,
I will not judge her.
- You are going to defy the law?

- You would put us to scorn
and divide the city?
- I will not judge her!

Boaz, the people count on
the wisdom of their elders
to seek out truth.

Do not contemn
the judges of Judah.

Ruth is the daughter
of my kinswoman Naomi.

I cannot--
I will not judge her!
How little you fear God.

What if Abraham,
when God commanded that
he sacrifice Isaac,

replied,
"No, Isaac is my only son.
I cannot do this"?

Leave Isaac to Abraham
and Abraham to God,
and leave me to myself!

Blasphemy.
Then judge me too.

What if it is true
that Ruth has been a priestess
in the temple of Chemosh,

as is rumored?

A priestess?
[ Scoffs ]

The wife of a Judean
who renounced idolatry,

who, of her own free will,
chose to come among us...

with her destitute,
bereaved mother-in-law--

You ask me to believe that
this gleaner in our fields...

was once a priestess of Chemosh?

If it could be proven,
would you judge her?

If it can be proven
that Ruth was a priestess
in the temple of Chemosh,

I will be the first
to sit in judgment of her.

Will you swear it?
I swear it.

That's all we ask.

I hope it never comes to pass
that your oath binds you.
It will not.

[ Sighs ]
It's absurd.

There is marketplace gossip
that you were once a priestess
in the temple of Chemosh.

I was. But what have they
decided to do about those
who threatened Naomi?

Are they going
to judge them?
No. To judge you.

And... will you
sit with them?

I must.

[ Gasps ]

Let her go in peace.

[ Sobbing ]

What happened?

Bo-- Boaz!

[ Sobbing ]

He will not help?

[ Crying ]

I am weary, O God.

Weary of life.

Weary of calamity.

My husband
taken from me--
my sons.

My daughter--

I've blighted her life.

Out of love for me,

she is defamed and humiliated.

O Lord, I entreat thee.

Do what you want with me,
but spare her,

that her days of grief...

will not be without ending.

[ Quiet Crying ]

Peace be with you.

Who are you?

Jehoam.

Are you a holy man?

We are all holy
in the eyes of God.

There will be water
for many wells.

Many wells.

Trouble your heart no more.

Be strong through this time,

for from the widow of your son
will issue children...

and children's children,

numbering among them
a great king
and a royal house...

and a prophet whom many
will worship as the Messiah.

Can you spare bread
for a hungry traveler?

[ Thunderclap ]

[ Thunderclap ]

If 3,000 of our people
were put to death...

for only once
having worshipped
a golden calf,

than shall a Moabitess
who worshipped Chemosh
all her life...

be spared for a worse iniquity?

As the Lord lives,
I will sit quiet
no longer!

What if she had been
a priestess in Moab?

She was not then
under the law
of our land,

but of another land--
the land that had
given her birth--

and that was in the far past.

She is now
a true daughter of Judah.
We shall soon find out.

Will the Moabitess Ruth
deny that she worshipped
false gods across the Jordan?

So did Zipporah,
the wife of Moses,
worship false gods.

Was not her father
a priest in the service
of an alien god?

If the Lord our God accepts,
who are we to refuse?

Wait. We shall see whether
the Lord our God accepts.

Did you instruct children
in the rituals of Chemosh?

Yes.
[ Crowd Murmuring ]

Did you teach them
that to die for Chemosh
was noble and good?

Yes.
Did you lead them
to the altar to be slain?

Yes.

[ Murmuring Continues ]

And did you not
then stand by and watch
their bodies thrown...

into the flames of Chemosh?

Yes.

When did you last
perform these rites?

Speak. Was it
a very long time ago?

Years ago?

No. It was within
past months.

[ Shocked Murmuring ]

Is this what Boaz
calls "the far past"?

[ Shammah ]
Well, Boaz?

If Boaz has naught to say,
then I do.

I have just returned
to the city from afield...

to find talk of stoning
among us.

Are we so thirsty for blood...

that we must accuse
a woman of a crime to which
there is no proof?

The proof was
in the calamity that fell
on us when she came.

Did the rains
not wet you, woman?
The drought has ended.

Our crops have been spared.
We'll have a richer harvest
than ever.

Shammah, Judges,
people of Bethlehem,

we have been taught
that every accused person
comes to judgment...

pure of guilt...

until his wrongdoing is proven.

Our law demands at least
two eyewitnesses to any crime
performed upon our soil.

Where are the two?
Where is one?

[ Murmuring ]
[ Whispering ]

They are here--
two eyewitnesses.

You are out of our brethren
of the tribe of Reuben?

Yes, I am Melzar, son of Raken.

- And you?
- I am Seyene, son of Cushan,
also of the tribe of Reuben.

Melzar and Seyene,
you swear a holy oath
to speak in truth?

We do.
We do.

Then tell us, Melzar.

Early one morning
we chanced by the fields
of Naomi.

And there,
in the faint light
that comes before dawn,

we saw the widow Ruth...

leaving the house of Naomi,

bearing in her arms
an idol of stone.

[ Crowd Exclaiming ]

She set it on a mound
and fell to her knees...

and worshipped.

What was the idol?

It was Chemosh, the god of Moab.

If it was not yet light,
how do you know it was Chemosh?

By the flame
burning in its middle.

I pray you, a word
to our brother from Reuben.

Speak, Naomi.

You are a son,
as we all are sons
and daughters of Jehovah.

Yes.
Name the 12 tribes
of Israel.

Am I here like some criminal
to answer the questions--

The widow Naomi questions
your being one of us.
Answer her.

Why, there's Judah...

and Dan and Reuben...

and Benjamin...

and Asher.

[ Crowd Murmuring ]

There are many of us
who can't name
all the tribes.

But we all must know
the Ten Commandments.
Do you?

How many of them
do you know, idolatress?

All.

I would be grateful
if you could remember
only the ninth.

Do you?

It is "Thou shalt not
bear false witness...

against thy neighbor."

Perhaps, Melzar,
you have a poor memory.

This, then, requires no memory.

Would you
and your brother
from Reuben...

bless the name of Jehovah
and curse the name of Chemosh?

Well? Will you?

[ Murmuring ]

[ Shouting ]

Cursed be the name of Jehovah!

Honor and glory
to the name of Chemosh!

[ Angry Shouting ]

[ Crowd Quiets ]
Twice over you have
doomed yourselves.

You have blasphemed
the name of the Lord.

- You have borne false witness
against the widow.
- [ Shouting ]

Let there be done to you
as you would have done to Ruth.

[ Excited Shouting ]

Glory to Chemosh!
Glory!

Glory to Chemosh!

Is there any support left
for the charge of idolatry
against the widow Ruth?

The matter is settled.

Ruth shall stay among us.

Those who threatened her
shall ask her forgiveness.

And let none
molest her again.
None.

[ Chattering ]

Oh. Oh,
I'm so happy.

Oh!
Thank you, Tob.

Thank you for your belief in me.

I did only what was necessary.

[ Boaz ]
Naomi?

I had to do what I did.

I pledged myself
to sit in judgment.

I understand.

Well, Naomi, we have won.

Yes, Tob, and you
have my gratitude.

No, no.
I won't release you
with only that.

I have a boon
to ask of you.
Of course.

I would be honored
if tomorrow you'd come
and have a cup of wine with me.

With pleasure.
I'll ask Ruth.
No, uh-- not Ruth.

I'd like to talk with you alone.

How do you know Ruth loves you?

How do you know she doesn't?

Is she interested
in someone else?
I cannot speak for her.

But you are trying to.

See here, Naomi.
Haven't I courted her?
Haven't I repaired your farm?

I've sent her spices,
ointments, food, clothes.

She's accepted them all.

I don't believe Ruth
measures love...

by the ability
to help or provide.

If she did, she'd have
very little use for me.

Didn't I defend her
when the rabble wanted--
You were eloquent.

We know that,
and we thank you for it.

Is she fond of another man?

I've told you,
I cannot speak for her.

I think you can.

All that matters
is what Ruth feels.

No.

No, it is you.
You hate me because of
my contempt for your husband.

Well, let me tell you,
it doesn't matter
what Ruth feels.

She is obliged
to become my wife.
Obliged?

Are you feigning ignorance,

or have you forgotten
the levirate law?

The law that the next of kin
of a deceased man...

has the right,
even the obligation,
to marry his widow.

Well?

I am your nearest male kin.

So you are.
Good.

Then you see it.

And when you think it over,
you will be happy
with my decision.

Now, go back to Ruth
and tell her, uh, tactfully...

of my intention to announce
our betrothal tomorrow.

Yes.

I will tell her.

I will tell her.

I'll tell her.

Oh, Ruth.

I should have remembered
the levirate law...

before we ever reached
the banks of the Jordan.

And I should have
remembered Tob better.

Ruth, you have not been to bed.

I-- I couldn't sleep.

No more could I.
I scarcely closed my eyes.

I'll get you
something to eat.
[ Knocking ]

Who is it?
Huphim, servant of Tob.

Come in.

Peace to you.

My master sends this dress.

He bids you come
to the harvest celebration
tonight wearing it.

- He asks if you have
any word to send him.
- Only peace.

That is all?

That is much.

I'm not going
to any celebration.

Ruth. You are going.

You must go,

because there is one way,
one possible way--

Yes. For the first time,
I beg you to do something
for me.

Will you promise?
Promise what?

Never mind.
Just promise.

Trust me.
I would rather die
than bring you hurt.

But promise.
Promise blindly.
I promise.

Go to the harvest
celebration tonight.
I will go with you.

And when the night wears on,

and when we women go home,

stay.

It is a custom for the men
to remain by the winnowed grain
on this night.

Wait until Boaz goes to sleep.

Mark the place
where he lies down.

Then lie beside him.

Naomi,
what are you saying?
Do you not love him?

Why-- If--
How can you ask that?

Think about it.
Do you love Boaz?

Even if I did love him,
how could I possibly do
what you ask?

Please, Ruth,
do not question me.

I know Boaz, and I know you.

Do as I ask.
Promise me.

[ Ululating, Shouting ]

[ Rhythmic Clapping ]

This is an important
night for you, Master.
Quiet!

My master,
you must have
a clear head for--

[ Ululating ]

Your betrothed--
and drunk.

[ Chuckling ]

Here comes my bride!

Ruth!
You're beautiful!

I knew
you'd look beautiful
in my dress.

Worth all the time
you've keep me waiting.

Peace, Naomi.

Well, we have something
to celebrate, eh?

I'm going to announce
to the council of elders
tomorrow morning...

that Ruth is to be my bride.

[ Women Squealing, Ululating ]

[ Women Laughing ]

Happens every festival.

[ Laughing Continues ]

[ Exhales ]

[ Twig Snaps ]
Who--

I was dreaming of you,

and you are here.

I wanted so much to explain.

There is no need.

I have always understood.

I love you, Ruth.

I've loved you
from the day we met
in my field.

It must have been
God's goodness...

that brought me
to your field that day.

Perhaps he's been
directing me to you
all my life.

Ruth. I want you
for my wife.

But the levirate law.

Tob is next of kin.

He's going to claim
his right to me before
the elders in the morning.

I will get him
to renounce his right.

But what if he refuses?
Never. He will yield.

I will make it
worth his while.
Have no fear.

If I know Tob,
he will come to terms.

He likes property.

It will be light soon.

Go now, my Ruth.

No one must see us together
before this is settled.

There must be
no more suspicion
to hurt you.

I love you.

[ Kisses ]

He asked you to marry him.

How did you divine he would?

I did not divine it.
I had help.

The day Boaz said
he would sit in judgment,
I prayed for you.

A holy man
came to the well
and told me.

That-- That I would
marry Boaz?

He told me
that from the widow
of my son...

would issue children
and children's children,

numbering among them
a great king,

a royal house and a prophet...

that many will worship
as the Messiah.

From me?

A Moabitess?

Yes, from you, my daughter.

And who but Boaz
could father
such a family?

Have no doubts.

I believe the holy man,
and so must you.

I want to, Mother!
I want to!

[ Goat Bleats ]

Shoshanna will be angry with me.

So much happened last night,
I forgot about her.

May God forgive me.

There's a law that no day
must pass without milking
a full animal, lest it suffer.

Is there anything
that has not been put
to law in Judah?

Yes.

There's no law
that limits a cup
from running over.

[ Bleats ]
Coming, my little flower.
Coming!

[ Bleats ]
Coming!

I have failed.

Tob will not renounce his claim.

I offered him everything I own.

Even now he's
announcing your marriage
before the elders.

No. No, it cannot be.

It is. It's the law.
The law?

All I've heard
since I came here
is the law. The law!

What-- What kind of justice
binds a widow to a man she
can never love? The law!

It is meant to be kind,
not harsh.

Meant to keep alive
the inheritance of the dead.

But for that law,
I would not be here.

My mother was such a widow.

I know that's
of small comfort
to you, Ruth.

If only there was some way.

[ Hoofbeats ]

[ Sobbing ]

Ruth!
Come and drink.

Ruth.
[ Sobbing Continues ]

I-- I must leave.

My-- My family is going
to Tob's wedding.

Go.

Aren't you going?
No.

Never a thing like it
in all Bethlehem.

Feel.
Like the petals
of a rose.

Yes. Tob manages
to get only the best.

God's will.

But it-- it is lovely.

You are a lucky bride.
Such a good man
and so rich.

They are both lucky.

Please.

Thank you.

** [ Fast Tempo ]

Ah, my kinsman Boaz!

I hope I am welcome, Tob.

Welcome? I cannot tell you
what satisfaction it gives me
to see you here.

Ho there!
Wine for Boaz!
Wine for everybody!

Eat, drink, dance.

Rejoice with us,
for when has Bethlehem
seen a more joyous day?

You certainly are cheerful
for a groom.

I am cheerful, old Huphim.

I wish I could tell
every person here how my heart
overflows with joy today.

And as the Lord lives,
I believe I will.

** [ Continues ]

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

I found these.

They brought you to our land.

They kept you from harm.

They will keep us strong.

Every happiness.

** [ Ends ]
[ Huphim ] Silence, all of you!
Tob would speak!

Listen! Listen to me!

Silence, all of you!
Tob would speak!

A few thoughts, dear friends,
before my bride joins me.

God has been good
to the tribe of Judah--

[ Murmuring Agreement ]
in which Elimelech--

may his soul
rest in peace--

and Naomi and myself
are kinsmen.

Yes, the Lord
has been good to us.

Has he not given
Naomi back to us...

and granted us the rains?

And crowning all, has he
not turned the footsteps
of Ruth to our city...

and may mingle her blood
with that of a proud house?

My fair bride and dear Naomi.

Praise for you both
has just been on my lips.

Speak, Ruth.

Say if it is not true
that your heart is in this land,

that you obey our law
and trust in the Lord...

and honor my claim to you.

It is true, Tob,
that my heart is in this land.

It is true
that I obey the law...

and that my trust
is in the Lord.

It is true that I honor
your claim to me,

my honorable kinsman.

But it is also true
that I do not love you.

Have no fear.

You will, in time.
I shall try.

Good. I'm a patient man,
and I welcome your truthfulness.

Then I must keep
nothing from you.

I must tell you everything
that is in my heart.

Of course.

You have the right to know
that on the night
of the harvest celebration,

I sought out Boaz
on the threshing floor.

[ Shocked Murmuring ]

As you say, woman of Moab.

I have always upheld the law,
and because I intend
to keep on doing so,

I will permit no wanton
to come into my house
and bear my name.

Then give up your claim to her!

According to the custom
of our fathers,

take off your shoe
and give it to me
as a sign of renouncement.

For, as next of kin,
I will marry her.

Ruth of Moab, widow of Mahlon,

swear with me
that nothing passed
between us on that night--

or any other time--

except spoken vows of love.

By the holy
commandments,
I swear it.

We are without blemish
in this matter.

Jehovah is witness
to this--

our oath between us
and between him forever.

You have sworn a holy oath.

Sworn that your word is truth
and bound your souls
with a bond.

Go in peace, my children.

Go with God's blessings
as man and wife.

[ Jehoam's Voice ]
So Boaz took Ruth,
and she was his wife,

and she bore him a son.

And Naomi took the child
and laid it at her bosom...

and became nurse unto it.

And they called
the name of the son Obed.

And Obed was
the father of Jesse,

and Jesse was
the father of David,

the king.