Ruth was from Moab, and Moabites were excluded from Israelite congregations. But the Book of Mormon teaches that God manifests Himself unto all nations and numbers all believers among His people. Seen in that light, Ruth is not the exception to the rule; she exemplifies the inclusiveness of God's covenant invitation.
Ruth’s Pledge
Ruth's pledge to Naomi has parallels in the Book of Mormon. Like Nephi, she swears an oath referencing both God and her own life. Like Alma's people, she accepts a new relationship with God and with a covenant community. Like King Benjamin's people, she commits to it for the rest of her life.
Ask Now of the Days That Are Past
Deuteronomy 4 contains a warning and a promise. The warning: time and distance tend to erode memory. The promise: God does not forget His covenants. The Book of Mormon reminds us of this promise and helps to fulfill it. Both Moses and Moroni invite us to see ourselves as part of an extraordinary sacred history.
Then Will I Remember My Covenant
God does not abandon His covenants. Leviticus 26 declares that we may turn away from our covenants again and again, but when we choose to repent, the covenant is still there. That's why the Book of Mormon testifies that when we understand God's covenants, we will realize that we are not cast off forever.
A Peculiar Treasure
After delivering the Israelites from slavery, leading them through the Red Sea, and providing food and water in the wilderness, God invited them to deepen their relationship with Him. Nephi explained that God delivered them in response to His covenants with their ancestors. Now, He invited them to enter their own covenant relationship with Him.
God Remembered His Covenant
God called Moses because He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus prophesied that God would gather His people and teach them His gospel because He remembers that covenant. For God to "remember the covenant" means that He will act on behalf of His people, in accordance with the promises He has made.
“I Have Remembered My Covenant”
When the children of Israel prayed for relief as they suffered in slavery, God remembered His covenant with their ancestors. The Book of Mormon testifies that we never need feel isolated or rejected because God will remember His covenants.
Climbing the Ladder
Jacob saw in vision a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Lehi similarly saw a path leading to the tree of life marked by an iron rod. God has prepared a way for us to return to Him, and He invites us to climb the ladder and follow the path.
Inheriting the Covenant, Part 3: Planted Promises and Turned Hearts
Abraham's covenant was meant to be inherited. Isaac and Jacob received the same promises that he received as they followed his example. We too can receive God's promises by remembering how He has blessed prior generations and by relying on the intergenerational covenants He made with them.
Inheriting the Covenant, Part 2: Jacob’s Three-Stage Journey
Jacob received Abraham's covenant in stages. In a patriarchal blessing, his father promised posterity and divine advocacy. When he left home, his father added the promise of land. And God Himself provided the crowning blessing: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed."