“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?”
Context:The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges in Israel, a period marked by spiritual decline and moral decay. The story focuses on the experiences of Naomi, a Hebrew woman, her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, and their journey back to Bethlehem after the death of their husbands.
Naomi’s Grief:In Ruth 1:11, Naomi is urging her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to return to their Moabite families. Naomi had lost her husband and both her sons, and she was left feeling bitter and empty. Her grief had led her to a point where she believed there was no hope for her daughters-in-law to find husbands in her family. So she lovingly encourages them to go back to their own people, where they would have better prospects for remarriage.
Naomi’s Selflessness:Despite her grief and hardship, Naomi showed selflessness and concern for her daughters-in-law. She was willing to release them from their marital obligations to her family and return to their own people. This demonstrates Naomi’s deep love and care for Ruth and Orpah. She wanted the best for them, even if it meant she would be left alone.
Ruth’s Loyalty:While Orpah eventually decided to return to her family, Ruth clung to Naomi and expressed her unwavering commitment to stay with her. Ruth’s response, which follows in verse 16, has become one of the most well-known and inspiring declarations of loyalty and faithfulness: “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.”
Themes:The passage highlights several themes, including loyalty, selflessness, faithfulness, and God’s providence. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi foreshadows the redemption and restoration that will come through her in the rest of the book. It also emphasizes the importance of relationships and the impact of our choices on others.
Application:Ruth’s example challenges us to prioritize loyalty and selflessness in our relationships. We should strive to support and care for one another, even in difficult times. The passage also reminds us that God can use our circumstances, no matter how challenging, to bring about His plans and purposes.
Overall, Ruth 1:11 portrays the selflessness of Naomi and foreshadows Ruth’s extraordinary loyalty. It sets the stage for the rest of the book, revealing God’s faithfulness and His redemptive work through the lives of ordinary individuals.
