The book of Ruth starts by describing the sad circumstances of a woman named Naomi. Naomi marries Elimelech and they have two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. Elimelech dies and leaves Naomi with her two sons. Mahlon and Chilion each marry a Moabite woman, one of whom was Orpah and the other was Ruth. Mahlon and Chilion also die, leaving Orpah and Ruth widows with their mother-in-law (who is also a widow) Naomi. (Ruth 1:1-5)
Orpah and Ruth both weep with their mother-in-law and vow to return to the land of Judah with her. Naomi encourages Orpah and Ruth to go back to their homes to find new husbands. In Ruth 1:8-9 the Bible states: “But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.” Orpah returns to her home; however, Ruth insists on remaining with Naomi. (Ruth 1:6-22)
In Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth shows her dedication to Naomi:
“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
Ruth’s life gives an excellent example of the attitude one should have toward their family. Ruth showed complete dedication and commitment to her mother-in-law even though Ruth’s husband had died. Ruth says she would go where Naomi goes and would live where Naomi lives. Ruth also says that Naomi’s people will be her people. One of the most important statements Ruth makes is that she will follow Naomi’s God. Naomi followed the one true God and Ruth makes this same commitment.
We ought to have the same approach as Ruth towards our families. Too often families grow apart rather than grow together. If family members had Ruth’s attitude and commitment toward their family, it would help the family function better in accordance with the Word of God.
Related Articles:
Focusing on Family