Read: RUTH 1 NLT – Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab – In – Bible Gateway
“And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.” Ruth 1:14 NLT
This week in Biblical Insights we begin a new series ‘The Story of Ruth the Moabitess.’ The Old Testament book of Ruth is much more than about the character it is named for, as the Lord used this woman from a pagan country to bring about His purposes, ultimately being in the ancestral line of Jesus Christ our savior. The book features the key word of redemption throughout. The Hebrew word in various forms is used twenty-three times in the book. Naomi could very well be considered the main character as her life is an example of going from emptiness to fullness. Boaz sets forth what it looks like to do the right thing. His kindness is an example that should be followed by all God-fearing people. The book of Ruth makes it clear that entrance into God’s kingdom is not through birthright into a religion or an ethnic group, but only through obedience of faith to God. So, let us begin this series.
“In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him.” (Ruth 1:1 nlt) The man’s name was Elimelech. His wife was Naomi and his sons were named Mahlon and Kilion. The story takes place during the period of the judges, a time of Israel’s apostasy and moral degradation. Because of their unfaithfulness Israel was often put under oppression by their enemies. After they called out to God, the Lord would deliver them from their suffering through a judge He would appoint. Famines were not uncommon in the Near East during those days. Rainfall was not always plentiful. We do not know if this famine were another punishment for Israel’s disobedience, but we do know the Lord promised they would always have plenty to eat if they obeyed Him. (Deut.11:13-15) Bethlehem means ‘house of bread’ or ‘house of food,’ but apparently not now.
One thing to consider is, even though this may have been temporary, Elimelech took it upon himself to leave the land God had promised them to travel to the pagan country of Moab. Did he overreact? Was his faith in God lacking? Did Naomi help persuade him to leave? We cannot definitively answer these questions, but we know that things did not work out so well. “Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. (Ruth 1:3 nlt) Naomi’s sons married Moabite women which was not unlawful due to the fact they were in the country of Moab. Their names were Orpah and Ruth. The restriction against mixed marriages applied to those living in the Promised Land the Lord had given them. (Deut.7:1-3) But as we see after ten years Naomi’s sons die leaving her and her two daughters-in-law alone to care for themselves.
Naomi is now empty. Her husband and sons are dead and her daughters-in-law are childless. Childless widows in the ancient world were one of the lowest classes in society. Naomi knew this and the best thing for them to do would be to return to Bethlehem with her daughters-in-law. She had received word that the famine was over in Israel so now was the time to start the return home. “With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah.” (Ruth 1:7 nlt)
Both Orpah and Ruth had a deep love for Naomi as they would not have decided to go with her. But as they traveled Naomi tried to reason with them what would be best. Of course Naomi had no idea of God’s future plans as we do not in our lives, but we try as she did to make the most reasonable sound decision possible. Naomi said, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the LORD reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the LORD bless you with the security of another marriage.” (Ruth 1:8-9 nlt) Naomi told them it would make more sense to return to their families and the land they are familiar with. She also asks the Lord’s blessing on them that they will remarry and find rest. After all one of God’s plans for marriage is to be a place of rest and peace.
Naomi kissed them, said goodbye, and all three broke down and cried. Orpah and Ruth both insisted that they wanted to go with her to Bethlehem and her people. Naomi must have had an enormous influence on them for them wanting to return with her. We should never underestimate the influence we can have on others if we remain consistent in obeying God. We may be surprised. Naomi again tries to persuade them she has nothing to offer them. She uses the example of the custom of levirate marriage where a brother would marry the widow of the dead husband and continue the line of the brother after the birth of the first child. This would be impossible because Naomi had no other sons and it is inconceivable that she would ever have other sons for them to marry. Naomi then confides in them by saying, “Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD himself has raised his fist against me.” (Ruth 1:13 nlt) Naomi realizes it is the Lord’s hand that is at work here. She doesn’t fully understand why. Was it because they left their home and did not trust in Him? Whatever the case she is returning both to her home and to God. Naomi is returning in repentance and is not bitter towards God. When we feel the Lord’s hand against us and become bitter it is time to repent and go back to Him. It is the only place in which to go.
The scene repeats itself, “And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.” (Ruth 1:14 nlt) This time Orpah took Naomi’s advice and saying goodbye started back to her home. ‘But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.’ Until next week……….
Word for the Soul 