Ruth 1:6-17
Ruth 1:6-17
It was time for Naomi to leave and return to Judah. Obviously, there was a tremendous amount of love between Naomi and her two daughters-in-law. Both Orpah and Ruth insisted on returning to Judah with Naomi. Although Naomi loved them both as if they were her own daughters, she discouraged them from returning with her. Naomi knew that if they returned with her to Judah, they would be subjected to the same inescapable life of poverty that she would have to endure for the remainder of her days. Staying in Moab would offer them the security of their mother’s house and possibly allow them an opportunity to start again. Naomi must return to Judah. She could not endorse either Orpah or Ruth going with her. What Naomi said apparently made sense to Orpah. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye and remained in Moab. Ruth, on the other hand, clung to Naomi. Although Naomi had given Ruth a perfectly acceptable reason to stay in Moab, Ruth would not listen. Ruth was beyond reason. Ruth somehow realized that a life of poverty in Judah was far better than a life of wealth in Moab. Ruth knew nothing of comfort or convenience. Ruth was driven by a deep conviction.Ruth than gives one of the great confessions of faith recorded in the scriptures. As great as this confession is, it should in fact be the confession of everyone who has chosen to become a follower of Jesus. The question we must ask ourselves is this, "Does the vow of Ruth reflect my level of commitment to Christ?
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Chapter 1
6
Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.
7
Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.
8
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
9
The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.
10
And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.
11
And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
12
Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
13
Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
14
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
15
And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
16
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.