Ruth and Naomi

Ruth 1:1. The story of Ruth takes place sometime during the period of the rule of the Judges. These were dark days for Israel, when everyone did as he saw fit. But during those dark and evil times, there were still some who followed God. Naomi and Ruth are beautiful examples of loyalty, friendship and commitment to God and to each other.
Ruth 1:2. Moab was the land east of the Dead sea. It was one of the nations that opposed Israel during the period of the Judges, so there was hostility between the two nations. The famine must have been quite severe in Israel for Elimelech to move his family here. They were called Ephrathites because Ephrath was an earlier name for Bethlehem. Even if Israel had already defeated Moab, there still would have been tensions between them.
Ruth 1:4,5. Friendly relations with the Moabites were discouraged, but probably not forbidden since the Moabites lived outside the promised land. Marrying a Canaanite and all those living within the borders of the promised land, however, was against Gods law. Moabites were not allowed to worship at the tabernacle because they had not let the Israelites pass through their land during the exodus from Egypt. As God’s chosen nation, Israel should have set the standards of high moral living for the other nations. Ironically it was Ruth, a Moabitess, whom God used as an example of genuine spiritual character. This shows just how bleak life had become in Israel during those days.
Ruth 1:8,9. There was almost nothing worse than being a widow in the ancient world. Widows were taken advantage of or ignored. They were almost always poverty stricken. God’s law, therefore provided that the nearest relative of the dead husband should care for the widow, but Naomi had no relatives in Moab, and she did not know if any of her relatives were alive in Israel. Even in her desperate situation, Naomi had a selfless attitude. Although she had decided to return to Israel, she encouraged Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and start their lives over, even though this would mean hardship for her. Like Naomi, we must consider the needs of others and not just our own, as Naomi discovered , when you act selflessly, others are encouraged to follow your example.
Ruth 1:16 Ruth was a Moabitess, but that didn’t stop her from worshiping the true God, nor did it stop God from accepting her worship and blessing her greatly. The Jews were not the only people God loved. God chose the Jews to be the people through whom the rest of the world would come to know him. This was fulfilled when Jesus was born as a Jew. Through him, the entire world can come to know God. God accepts all who worship him. he works through people regardless of their race, sex, or nationality. The book of Ruth is a perfect example of God’s impartiality. Although Ruth belonged to a race often despised by Israel, she was blessed because of her faithfulness.
Ruth 1:20-21, Naomi had experienced severe hardships. She had left Israel married and secure, she returned widowed and poor. Naomi changed her name to express the bitterness and pain she felt. When you face bitter times, God welcomes your honest prayers, but be careful not to overlook the love, strength and resources that he provides in your present relationships. And don’t let bitterness and disappointment to blind you in your opportunities.


When I am praying for you, what you don’t believe in is not important. What I believe in is!!!
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GZ/KZ