Parent and Family Background
The story of Naomi and Ruth teaches us about God’s love and fidelity. Naomi longs to return to her homeland. Her husband and her sons have died. Her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, wanted to go with Naomi to take care of her. Naomi blesses them and sends them to return to their mothers’ houses. Orpah goes back. Ruth chooses to travel with Naomi and take care of her. Ruth is loyal to Naomi and faithful to God.
Ruth and Naomi
Ruth 1:15-22
Long ago, in the time of the judges, there was a famine. So, a man from Bethlehem and his family moved to Moab. The man’s wife was named Naomi and 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 of Naomi’s sons died.
Word reached Naomi that the Lord had visited the people in Bethlehem and 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 each of you another husband.”
Naomi kissed the women good-bye. The daughters-in-law sobbed and begged to go with Naomi.
“Why should you come with me?” Naomi persisted, “Go back to your mothers. I am bad luck.”
Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth stayed. Naomi commanded, “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.”
Naomi consented when she recognized Ruth’s determination.
So, the two continued on 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.
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