Ruth and Naomi -"Where You Go I Shall Go" -The Loyal Love of Ruth

As the miles stretched out behind the three widows, another concern began to weigh on Naomi.  She thought of the two women at her side and of the love they had shown to her and her sons.  She could not bear the thought of adding to their burdens now. If they left their homeland and came with her, what could she do for them in Bethlehem?

Finally, Naomi spoke up:  "Go, return each one to the house of her mother.  May Jehovah exercise loving-kindness toward you, just as you have exercised it toward the men now dead and toward me."  She also expressed a hope that Jehovah would reward them with new husbands and new lives.  "Then she kissed them," the account says, "and they began to raise their voices and weep."  It is not hard to see why Ruth and Orpah felt so attached to this kindhearted and unselfish woman. Both of them kept insisting:  "No, but with you we shall return to your people." -Ruth 1:8-10.  

Naomi was not so easily persuaded, though. She reasoned forcefully that there was little that she could do for them in Israel, since she had no husband to provide for her, no sons for them to marry, and no prospects of either. She revealed that her inability to care for them was a source of bitterness to her. With Orpah, Naomi's words hit home.  She had family there in Moab, a mother, and a home that was waiting for her.  It really did seem more practical to remain in Moab. So, with a heavy heart, she kissed Naomi good-bye and turned away. -Ruth 1:11-14.  

What about Ruth? Naomi's arguments applied to her as well. Yet, we read:  "As for Ruth, she stuck with her." Perhaps Naomi had resumed walking on the road when she noticed that  Ruth was trailing along behind her.  She remonstrated:  "Look!  Your widowed sister-in-law has returned to her  people and her gods. Return with your widowed sister-in-law."  (Ruth 1:15)  Naomi's words reveal a vital detail to the reader. Orpah had returned  not only to her people but also to "her gods."  She was content to remain a worshipper of Chemosh and other false gods. Was that how Ruth felt?

Next time: Ruth and Naomi -"Where You Go I Shall Go" -Conclusion of The Loyal Love of Ruth

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