Ruth and Naomi

Long ago there was a famine. So, a man from Bethlehem moved his family to Moab. The man’s wife was named Naomi. They had two sons. Soon after they arrived in Moab, Naomi’s husband died.

Naomi’s sons married. One son married a woman named Orpah. The other married a woman named Ruth. A few years later, both sons died.

Word reached Naomi that the Lord had visited the people in Bethlehem. The Lord had given them food. So, Naomi prepared to return to Bethlehem. Naomi said to her daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers. I pray that the Lord will give you each another husband.”

Naomi kissed the women good-bye. The daughters-in-law sobbed. They begged to go with Naomi.

“Why should you come with me?” Naomi continued, “Go back to your mothers. I am bad luck.”

Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth stayed. Naomi commanded, “Ruth, go with you sister-in-law!”

Ruth replied, “Do not ask me to leave you. Wherever you go I will go. Wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God. Wherever you die I will die.”

Finally, Naomi agreed. She allowed Ruth to remain with her.

So, the two traveled to Bethlehem. When they reached the city, people were surprised to see Naomi. They asked, “Can this be Naomi?”

This is how Naomi returned to Bethlehem. Ruth accompanied her and they arrived at the beginning of the barley harvest.
-- based on Ruth 1:15-22

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Grade 5, chapter 3