Naomi meets Faithful Ruth

During the time the Judges ruled, we learn of a man named Elimelek, who left the land of Israel during a famine and settled in Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons. At the same time they were in Moab, Naomi’s two sons married and died, as did her husband. Heartbroken, she decided to return to the land of Bethlehem and encouraged her daughters-in-law to stay behind and find new men to marry. But Ruth shows us what faithfulness looks like. She stays with Naomi and comforts her in her time of grieving, even living with her in Bethlehem and working in the field of Boaz.

In our previous reading, we heard how civil war erupted in Israel. The tribe of Benjamin battled the other tribes, killing many of their fellow Israelites. But in the end, they fell to the sword and were nearly wiped out. God’s people drew close to God again, but only for a moment. Soon they returned to their old ways, and a chasm was dug between God and His children. Today we turn our attention to a beautiful story of devotion and care between two widows, a mother, and daughter-in-law pair, who are left alone and hurting. The story of Naomi and Ruth is touching and inspiring as we see God’s favor poured out on these women who loved God and loved each other.