The story of Ruth & Naomi is told in the book of Ruth
- Who is Naomi?
- A native of Bethlehem, Naomi was the wife of a man named Elimelek.
- She was mother to two sons, Mahlon and Kilion.
- Naomi and her family relocated to Moab during a severe famine, where her sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah.
- After her husband and sons died, Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law, eventually returning to Bethlehem with Ruth.
- Who is Ruth?
- Ruth was a Moabite, traditionally considered outsiders by Israelites.
- She was originally married to Mahlon, Naomi’s son.
- After her husband’s death, Ruth chose to remain with Naomi rather than return to her people, demonstrating her deep love and loyalty.
- Ruth later married Boaz, a relative of Elimelek, and is known as the great-grandmother of King David.
- Naomi’s Strengths and Accomplishments
- Demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of personal tragedy.
- She showed wisdom and knowledge of the Israelite laws to secure a future for Ruth.
- Naomi’s faith in God despite severe trials serves as a testament to her character.
- Ruth’s Strengths and Accomplishments
- Exhibited exceptional loyalty and selflessness, leaving her homeland to be with Naomi.
- Ruth’s faith led her to convert to Judaism, an unprecedented move at the time.
- She worked tirelessly in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself.
- Ruth’s marriage to Boaz secured not just her future, but Naomi’s as well, showing her devotion and care.
- Lessons from Their Lives
- The story of Ruth and Naomi teaches us about selfless love and unwavering loyalty.
- They remind us that, even in times of immense grief and loss, hope and redemption are possible.
- Ruth and Naomi’s faith in God in spite of their circumstances can inspire us to remain hopeful and trusting.
- Key Verses (NIV Version)
- Ruth 1:16-17: But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
- Ruth 4:14-15: The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”