“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.”
Context:To understand the significance of Ruth 1:14, it’s important to know the context. The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges in Israel. It tells the story of a woman named Naomi, her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, and their journey from Moab to Bethlehem.
Grief and Decision:In the preceding verses, Naomi expresses her deep sorrow over the loss of her husband and two sons. She urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own homes, remarry, and start new lives. At first, both Orpah and Ruth weep and express their desire to stay with Naomi.
Orpah’s Decision:However, in Ruth 1:14, we see a crucial moment where Orpah makes the difficult choice to leave Naomi. She kisses her mother-in-law and decides to return to her people and her gods.
Ruth’s Loyalty:In contrast to Orpah, Ruth clings to Naomi and refuses to leave her. Her words in the following verses (Ruth 1:16-17) express her loyalty, devotion, and commitment to Naomi and to the God of Israel: “Intreat 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.”
Lessons from Ruth’s Loyalty:
- Faithfulness:Ruth’s loyalty exemplifies faithfulness and selflessness. She demonstrates her commitment to Naomi even when it seems impractical and against her own interests.
- Relationship with God:Ruth’s decision to leave her homeland and gods behind and embrace Naomi’s people and God reflects her genuine faith and openness to God’s leading.
- Covenant Community:Ruth’s choice to stay with Naomi reflects the importance of covenant relationships within the community of believers. She becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, emphasizing the significant role she plays in God’s redemptive plan.
Application:
- Loyalty and Commitment:Ruth’s loyalty challenges us to be faithful to our relationships, particularly during challenging times. It encourages us to prioritise our commitment to God and His people.
- Stepping Out in Faith:Ruth’s decision to leave her familiar surroundings and embrace a new culture and faith teaches us the value of stepping out in faith and embracing God’s leading, even when it seems uncertain or uncomfortable.
- Redemption and Restoration:The story of Ruth is a beautiful illustration of God’s redemptive work. It reminds us that God can bring restoration and blessing even out of difficult circumstances.
In summary, Ruth 1:14 showcases the contrasting decisions of Orpah and Ruth in response to Naomi’s plea to return home. While Orpah chooses to leave, Ruth demonstrates remarkable loyalty and commitment. Her faithfulness sets the stage for the remarkable story of God’s redemption and restoration in the Book of Ruth.
