Moabite woman ruth. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.
Moabite woman ruth Talk about some eye-opening, jaw-dropping history! Ruth 2:3 KJV There is a beautiful story of a Moabite woman named Ruth in the Bible. Ruth, for instance, announces to Naomi in Ruth 2:2, that she will go out The book receives its name from its principal character, Ruth, a Moabite woman who showed remarkable loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. The story takes place during the time of the judges and narrates the remarkable journey of The Book of Ruth holds special significance in terms of Jesus’s genealogy. In fact, we might say that it is precisely this that allowed Judah’s seed to stamp its own quality upon the Moabite feminine substrate, taking from it only what it itself lacked, only the positive and nothing of the negative. All of the passages which Clifton had cited in his notes were already cited by Comparet in this paper, which is obvious, but perhaps Clifton only wanted to compile them Ruth is one of the women specifically mentioned by name in Jesus genealogy. one of the fields in which she gleaned. 4 Both her sons married Moabite women. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth’s story is a testament to the inclusive nature of the The book of Ruth and the book of Esther are the only books in the Old Testament that are “gynocentric,” meaning they are named after women and focus on the stories of women, despite the fact that those women live in a male-dominated society and the accounts eventually “return to a male story. Through the narrative's twists and turns, Ruth gives birth to a child whose grandson will be King David. Their sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After they lived in Moab about 10 years, International Standard Version Each of her sons married Moabite women: one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. The Moabites This attitude toward Ruth comports with other biblical stories that present Moabite women as licentious: their ancestor Moab is said to be born of incest (Gen 18:37) and one of the major sins in the wilderness was Israelite men “being seduced” by Moabite women (Num 25:1). However, a There, the father, Elimelech, dies, and the sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi and Ruth Return. ; Her faithfulness resulted in her marriage to Boaz, a wealthy relative, Ruth’s ethnicity as a Moabite woman is a central focus throughout the story since readers are constantly reminded of her foreign identity. By Ishi Dass on 19th May, 2023. 3 An explanation of Ruth 2:12. At first glance, it may appear that her husband simply married a beautiful young Moabite, but this marriage should never have occurred according to Jewish Law (Dt. The Moabite’s were the descendants of Lot and Ruth, a Moabite woman, marries an Israelite who has come to Moab with his family to escape famine in Israel. It calls us to extend that same grace and acceptance to others, embracing the diversity within our own communities. Furthermore, Ruth's name emphasizes her humility and selflessness. She is one of four if we include the books of Susanna and Judith. After the death of all the male members of her family (her husband, her father-in-law, and her brother-in-law), she stays with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and moves to Judah with her, where Ruth wins the love and protection of a wealthy Ruth: A Legal Way for a Poor Foreign Woman to Be Integrated into Israel AGNETHE SIQUANS agnethe. ” Ruth Through her faithfulness, the moabite woman Ruth becomes one of the key women in Israel’s history. see Ruth 1. Later her husband and both sons died. Shortly before the Exodus, the warlike Amorites crossed the Jordan under And Boaz said to him, “When buying the field, you are likewise obliged to accept the hand of the woman Ruth, the Moabite, who was the wife of the deceased, so that you may raise up the name of your near kinsman through his posterity. After Ruth’s husband and his family die, she sticks with her mother-in-law, Naomi. But its very presence in the Bible is amazing. She married Mahlon, the son of Naomi and Elimelek, who had moved from Bethlehem in Judah. 5 Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, came along with her. The land of Moab was a pagan nation; a foreign land that Ruth in Boaz's Field by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. Naomi's two sons then marry Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. “They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Her decision revealed her love for the Lord and for Ruth is one of just two women (along with Esther) in the Hebrew Bible who have books named after them. 4 They married Moabite women, j one named Orpah and the other Ruth. God Views Men and Women Equally in Importance; God cares about men and women all the same. The back-story: In the Israeli town of Bethlehem a man named Elimelech inherited land, which he planned to pass on to his sons Mahlon and Kilion. Wives Provided for the Tribe of Benjamin. By marrying into an Israelite family, she changed the course of history for the Israelites. In the All God’s Women Bible study group I asked each of the women to share their favorite woman of the Bible. ” 22 Thus it was that Naomi came back with her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who accompanied her back from the plateau of Moab. ” Ruth 3:10-11. Thus the servant’s excuse can also be read as victim blaming Its main character is a Moabite woman named Ruth, the daughter-in-law of a Jewish widow named Naomi. Paul Glaser also sees this as a The Moabite woman Ruth made a remarkable decision that would forever impact the course of history. Many female converts to Ruth was a Moabite princess of very fine character, who became the great-grandmother of King David. I will marry her to continue the family name as an inheritance, so that the name of the deceased does not disappear from among his relatives, nor from the public record. ) And they continued to live there about ten years. Finally, the story of Naomi’s family and the way it endured is a universal There her husband died, and her sons married Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah. Inclusion and Love in the Bible. i. Ruth was from Moab and chose to embrace faith in God, abandoning the old Moabite gods. They happened to enter Bethlehem just when the barley harvest began. He Numerous scholars argue that the book of Ruth, with its story concerning mixed marriages of Judahites with Moabite women, consciously opposes the exclusivist rhetoric of the books of Ezra–Nehemiah. Here, the Book of Ruth, in focusing on the full integration and marriage of the Moabite woman Ruth, takes its stance at the integrationist end of a biblical range of testimonies. She knows the life of an unmarried, foreign widow in Israel is going to be hard, so Obviously, Moab is hospitable. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. 1:1–2 Back in the time of the Ruth was a Moabite only by geographic area rather than by genetics. J. First, the marriage promotes the reunification of Terah’s genealogical descendants through Abraham and his The two sons married Moabite women. ” {Ruth 1:4} So, the first thing we learn is that Ruth is a Moabite. Ruth’s story exemplifies the themes of devotion, love, and God’s providence. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who demonstrates loyalty and kindness to her mother-in-law Naomi by refusing to leave her when Naomi returns from Moab to Judah. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. He wants to know what man she belongs to, whether as a daughter or servant. This tale revolves around Ruth, a Moabite woman, who chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband and other family members. Displayed in John Paul II Collection Museum, Warsaw . In Jewish commentaries, rabbis generally interpreted the command of Deuteronomy 23:3 to apply to a (male) Moabite, but not to a Moabitess: “Ammonite and Moabite converts are prohibited from entering into the The Book of Ruth, a brief but impactful book in the Bible, immortalizes her remarkable narrative, highlighting themes of faithfulness and God’s intricate plan for ordinary individuals. However, the relationship soured during David's reign. Ruth was willing to forsake the Moabite gods she grew up with and embrace the God of Israel. With unwavering conviction, she pledged her loyalty to Naomi, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Ruth of biblical fame was originally a Moabite princess. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. She was a poor widow, and she was a Moabitess, a Gentile in the Jewish nation of Israel. When she arrives in Bethlehem she works in a grain field to feed herself and Naomi, only to be pursued and rescued by the shelter of the field owner Boaz. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. By her faith In fact, by her unswerving loyalty to Naomi, Ruth matches the great matriarchs of ancient Israel. Ruth 1:4 Context. ”21 In fact, Ruth is one of the few places in Naomi Becomes a Widow 3 And Elimelech the husband of Noemi died: and she remained with her sons. Unlike her contemporaries, who might have favored their cultural heritage, Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi and her willingness to embrace the God of Israel But Ruth’s commitment to Naomi went even further: And your God, [will be] my God. Because the Messiah is prophesied to come from the House of David, both the greatest king in Israel's history and Ruth, a Moabite woman who married into a Hebrew family and followed their God, holds great significance in the Bible. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family. However, she receives more than just a chapter or two the way the. These verses from the end of the Book of Ruth provide the details. Boaz saw Ruth’s approach to him as a kindness – due to their age difference! He protected Ruth’s reputation by sending her home early – but with a gift of grain for Naomi. Many think the Bible is outdated, but this concept Ruth’s Loyalty and Devotion. Some are of the opinion that Ruth and her Moabite sister-in-law Orpah did not convert before marrying Ruth's name also highlights her role as a foreigner and outsider. k After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion l also died, m and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. The account tells how Marooned in Moab, the older woman Naomi decided to return to her home in Bethlehem. The most positive depiction of a woman of Moab appears in the Book of Ruth, where the book’s namesake is a Moabite. ” (Ruth 1:16). The Global Message of Ruth for Today . She then married Boaz, and they are the antecedents of King David. Ruth was an ancestor of both King David and Jesus. Here is how it all came about: By comparing the aggressive approach of Nehemiah towards the non-Jewish wives of the Judahites with the positive role of Ruth as a Moabite woman who married into a Jewish family, the essay attempts to uncover the core messages about Jewish identity that the two texts have in common, and what the reading of Ruth on Shavuot may represent. . Her story started during the time of famine, when a family was forced to leave Bethlehem. Ruth’s story takes place during an idolatrous, violent, and troubled time. A daughter of Moab, according to scripture can be found in Isaiah 16:2: Isaiah 16:2 “For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the The Book of Ruth is named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi: “Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. But even after her husband died, Ruth remained with her mother-in-law Naomi. (Ruth 1:1) It started as a "sojourn. This connection illustrates the possibility of integration and acceptance within Israelite society despite ethnic and national differences. She is the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the Messiah. (In the Ancient Near East, property nearly always passed from father to son, never to daughters - with one exception. Ruth’s story showcases unwavering loyalty and the importance of family bonds. Ruth's reputation surpassed her in Judah as all in the small town knew of her qualities and her unfailing loyalty toward her mother-in-law. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband. Ruth counters this trend toward exclusivism by reminding the post-exilic community of the faithful outsider women in Israel’s story. Her story is one of loyalty, faith, and redemption, culminating in her becoming the great-grandmother of David. (One was named Orpah and the other Ruth. The Torah is not a historical record; it only contains facts that teach us something. #2 These verses compare Ruth, a Moabite woman to “seven sons” which is a phrase used to indicate the “perfect, complete” work of God on a person’s behalf. Ruth's journey teaches valuable lessons about God's providence, the importance of integrity, and the transformative power of love. Once in Israel, Ruth showed her loyalty and faith by gleaning in the fields and then marrying Boaz, an Israelite man. Your people will be my people and your God my God. The Story: The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who chooses to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after both their husbands die. Ruth marries Boaz, a descendant of Judah and Tamar, whose lineage is Key Takeaways: Ruth, a Moabite widow, displayed unwavering loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Deuteronomy 23:3 is clear, "An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall While in Moab, we meet Ruth, a Moabite woman. ” No other biblical book besides Job focuses on a foreigner to Israel in this way, and we have no other single account in the Bible of this length (or anything close to it) outside of Ruth about a character from one of He answered him, “This is the Moabite woman, who came with Naomi, from the land of the Moabites, New American Bible The young man overseeing the harvesters answered, “She is the young Moabite who came back with Naomi from the plateau of Moab. New Revised Standard Version The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the Moabite who And they took for themselves Moabite women as wives; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other, Ruth. Naʹo·mi is an older woman who helped Ruth to learn about LORD God. So the woman was left all alone—bereaved of her two children as well as her husband! 6 So she decided to return home from the region of Moab, accompanied by her daughters-in-law, It is a story about a family that lived during the time when Israel had judges. This In addition to being a widowed woman, Ruth is also a Moabite who appears unfamiliar with the customs of the Jewish people. Ruth was a Moabite. She is the great-grandmother of King David and hence an ancestor of the The Book of Ruth is named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of David by marriage The book of Ruth as a whole narrates the gradual transformation of Ruth the Moabite into an Israelite, and her integration within the Judahite clan of Elimelech in The Book of Ruth is named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of David by marriage In the Book of Ruth, we learn about a woman named Ruth. The Book of Ruth captivates readers with the inspiring tale of a Moabite woman who exemplifies extraordinary loyalty, unwavering faith, and impeccable character. The book of Ruth explicitly recalls not only the Moabite Ruth but also Tamar, who became a matriarch of the royal tribe of Judah, to which Naomi’s family belonged. When Boaz first met Ruth he said, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have Boaz in the Bible is a key figure in the Book of Ruth, known for his kindness, loyalty, and role as a redeemer. The author of the book does not consider this problematic, although such unions are not without problems in other biblical texts. (Ruth 1:4). Series: RuthSermon: The Moabite WomanScripture: Ruth 2:6-16Streaming License on FilePastor J. Ruth and Boaz lived during a challenging time when the people of Israel faced many difficulties. siquans@univie. ) Life was good for this family until a famine in Ruth in the Bible. She was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite, Mahlon. It's an intimate family tale of misfortune, crafty use of kinship ties, and ultimately, loyalty. other women in the genealogy of Jesus do. Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, together with their They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After living in the land for 10 years both Mahlon and Chilion die (verses 4 - 5). He was a man of Ruth Must be a Moabite because she has a different god 15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, when the bible is dealing with Moabite women, it refers to them as ‘Daughters of Moab”. In the Book of Ruth, we encounter a beautiful story of faith, loyalty, and redemption. So Naomi And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain af Ruth 2. Ruth’s story shows her strong loyalty and devotion. Her story is chronicled in the Book of Ruth, a captivating narrative of loyalty and devotion. It’s heartening to see that there were still Godly people in her day and how God used them. because of her faithfulness in a One son married a woman named Orpah, and the other son married a woman named Ruth. 3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. (b) While in Moab Elimelech dies (Ruth 1:3). That is an encouraging and convicting lesson for us today! Qualities of Ruth in the Bible. The story has a happy ending: Ruth eventually marries Boas, a rich Judahite landlord and some generations later, King David is born from this union. Naomi protests the decision Ruth, a childless widow at the beginning of the story, became the great-grandmother of Israel’s great king, David. She was not an Israelite. Despite this, Ruth became a central figure in the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Naomi then hears, "how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. This inclusivity reassures us that no matter our background or past, we are cherished and have a place in God’s family. It is uncertain if the names are Hebrew or Moabite and the meaning of the names is Moabite. She had returned with her mother-in-law, Naomi, who had also lost her husband. ” As a Moabite, traditional enemies of ancient Judah, Ruth would initially have Ruth was a Moabite woman, whose sense of piety and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi led to her marriage to the prominent Boaz of Bethlehem in Judah. Just as the book of Ruth celebrates an ethnic minority woman as foundational to the people of Israel—a Moabite woman without whom Israel could never have been great—so, too, the book calls upon us to celebrate the foundational importance of ethnic minorities to the establishment and thriving of the United States. Boaz's kindness towards Ruth, a Moabite woman, demonstrates his compassionate nature. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Each son married a woman from Moab. Ruth, though a Moabite herself, decided to go with her. Ruth was a Moabite woman had come to Israel as the widow of an Israelite man. 2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of The heroine of the book of Ruth has all of its action centered upon the person and identity of a woman, Ruth, who happens to be identified as “Moabite. Through loyalty, kindness, and God's providence, Ruth marries Boaz, a wealthy kinsman, redeeming Naomi's family line and becoming an ancestor of King David and Jesus. " Then: They arrived in the fields of Moav and stayed there. Ruth is described as God’s perfect, complete work on Naomi’s behalf to demonstrate God’s blessing upon her life. This is a book of the inclusivity of God’s call, and another Biblical illustration of the limits of the Law . In this ancient, traditional, patriarchal society, you would think that Ruth has two strikes against her: she is a young woman and she is a foreigner. Good News The Book of Ruth is named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of David by marriage 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. As Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, Boaz willingly fulfills his responsibility to marry her and ensure her husband's property stays within the family. Ruth Gathers Grain in the Field of Boaz . But he has apparently never seen Ruth. And then, a crucial depression occurred: “there was a famine in the land” (Ruth, 1), and the story begins with the family of Elimelech, a dignitary from Beth Lechem, who decided to leave Judea to Moab due to the depression, with his wife Naomi The book of Ruth is set during the time when Israel was ruled by judges. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became an integral part of God’s people and His redemptive plan. And they dwelled there for 10 years. 7:1–11). As a Moabite woman, Ruth was not expected to remain loyal to her mother-in-law after her husband’s death. Ruth 1:22 HEB: נָעֳמִ֗י וְר֨וּת הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֤ה כַלָּתָהּ֙ עִמָּ֔הּ NAS: and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, KJV: and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in Here are three scenes from the story of Ruth by the British watercolourist Thomas Matthews Rooke (1842 -1942), who assisted Edward Burne-Jones for 30 years and was admired by the art critic John Ruskin. Yet there was war between David and the Moabites ( 2 Samuel 8:2 ; 23:20 ; 1 Chronicles 18:2 ), from whom he took great spoil ( 2 Samuel 8:2 , 11, 12; 1 Chronicles 11:22 ; 18:11 ). Elimelech passes away, and about 10 years later, both of Naomi’s sons die, as well. But about ten years later, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion died. Ruth’s faithfulness and loyalty are particularly significant because they go against the cultural norms of the time. One of the central themes in the Book of Ruth is the inclusion of foreign women in Israelite society. 6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his This book of Ruth summary by chapter can help you gain a good grasp of the book at a glance. Classified as one of the "Writings" (Ketuvim), the book tells the story of a Moabite woman, Ruth, who faithfully follows her We mentioned in the last program that Ruth and Naomi’s stories are very intertwined – we can’t mention one without the other. I'm not making this up. How was it that Naomi 's two sons married non-Jewish Moabite women? From what I've read, it seems that Ruth only converted to Judaism after her husband died. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons Elimelech died, and her sons married Moabite women, a sign of spiritual unfaithfulness. The story amplifies this issue by highlighting the fact that Ruth is Moabite seven times. You are all witnesses today!" Majority Standard Bible Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the Ruth, a Moabite woman who married an Israelite couple, eventually converted to Judaism. 5. The obvious aim of the story is along with Mahlon's wife Ruth the Moabite woman. The story is a symbolic journey from Ruth, the Moabite woman who became the ancestor of King David is a splendid example of fidelity in relationships. Her ancestry had its origin in the incest committed Ruth, a Moabite woman, married an Israelite man and then became a widow. She was a In the narrative, Ruth, a young widowed Moabite woman, commits to return to Bethlehem with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, risking her life to serve this new family. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Out of Ruth 1:16 NIV. You might not know what a Moabite is, but you have them in your life. Yet she accepts this in her loyalty to Naomi, and is ultimately rewarded by becoming the mother of Obed, the grandmother of King David, and ultimately an ancestor of Jesus himself. Rahab was also an Israelite. They lived together in a humble situation, and Ruth would go to the fields each day to glean food in the fields during the harvest. ” As a Moabite, traditional enemies of ancient Judah, Ruth would initially have Origins and Family. 1853) by Francesco Hayez. Ruth was a Moabite woman: Ruth was not originally from Israel but was a Moabite woman, hailing from the neighboring region of Moab. Ruth is the person after whom the Book of Ruth is named. ; Despite being a foreigner, Ruth chose to follow Naomi and adopt her people and God as her own. One son married a woman named Orpah, and the other son married a woman named Ruth. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. The story of Ruth and Naomi back in the land As such, Ruth now joins the ranks of many other women of the Bible, all of whom became pregnant through the Lord’s enablement – think, for example, of Sarah who gave birth to Isaac, Rebekah who gave birth to Jacob and Esau, and Rachel who gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin. While in Moab, we meet Ruth, a Moabite woman. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah, the other Ruth. When he dies, Ruth shows uncommon loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law and deep devotion to the God of Israel. They lived there for about ten years. She knows the life of an unmarried, foreign widow in Israel is going to be hard, so Ruth was a Moabite princess of very fine character, who became the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth, a Moabite woman, decides to embrace the faith of her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband. During a time in Hebrew history where God’s people were doing Ruth is one of just two women (along with Esther) in the Hebrew Bible who have books named after them. וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ וַתְּהִי־ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֔ה NAS: for themselves Moabite women [as] wives; KJV: of the women of Moab; the name INT: took women Moabite the name of the one. The manager identifies her as a Moabitess. English Standard Version. Each of us has a list of who our Moabites are. She is from Moab. Upon his death she becomes a childless widow who chooses to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Judah. Ruth in the Bible Facts 1. This was a violation of the Mosaic law (De 7:3; 23:3; Ezr 9:2; Ne 13:23); and Jewish writers say that the early deaths of Ruth (Hebrew: רוּת, Modern: Rūt, Tiberian: Rūṯ) is the namesake of the Book of Ruth. 5 Moab and remained there. It may mean “refreshment” or “comfort” which would fit her character well. Naomi’s husband died and her sons married Moabite women. ac. One such person was Boaz, who owned . “For wherever you go, I will go; In addition to being a widowed woman, Ruth is also a Moabite who appears unfamiliar with the customs of the Jewish people. (One was The Moabites were a tribe descended from Moab, the son of Lot, born of an incestuous relationship with his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:37). Ruth 1:16-22 Continued Ruth 2:1-4:22. As a Moabite woman, she isn't part of the Israelite community. After they had lived there about ten years, The book of Ruth as a whole narrates the gradual transformation of Ruth the Moabite into an Israelite, and her integration within the Judahite clan of Elimelech in Bethlehem. Ruth, the Moabite is the quintessential example of fidelity in relationships. After the death of all the male members of her family (her husband, her father-in-law, and her brother-in-law), she stays with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and moves to Judah with her, where Ruth wins the love and protection of a wealthy rel Ruth Is the Quintessential Convert to Judaism. The story of Ruth showcases the profound depths of her biblical meaning, highlighting her One of the most famous Moabites is Ruth, portrayed very positively in the Bible. By marrying into an Israelite family, she changed the course of The story of Ruth includes all the right ingredients: feminine power, solidarity, grace and acceptance of the foreigner. Let’s see how this unfolds. Naomi and Ruth Return They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. 6 She and her daughters-in-law then prepared to go back from the plateau of Moab because word had reached her there that the LORD had seen to his people’s At its outset, the Book of Ruth introduces Ruth, a Moabite woman about whom we know little. Ruth Kindness. Ruth in Boaz's Field by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. After her husband died, she followed her mother-in-law to Israel and converted to Judaism. She was dissatisfied with the idol-worship of her own people, and when the opportunity arose, she gladly gave up the privileges of royalty in her land and accepted a life of poverty among people she admired. Paul Glaser also sees this as a 4 These married Moabite women: one was called Orpah and the other Ruth. Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem. ) They entered the region of Moab and settled there. Ruth’s origins lie in the land of Moab, which was situated to the east of the Jordan River. and the Almighty has pronounced evil sentence on me. Through her actions, Ruth exemplifies the essence of true faithfulness and righteousness Ruth: (a) (10th century BCE) A Moabite princess who married the son of Naomi and Elimelech. Ruth’s devotion was rewarded CONTENT ESSASY: RUTH 5 Through the marriage of Ruth and Boaz, her name was redeemed because it no longer had the attachment of her being a Moabite woman. The story centers on the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman who married an Israelite living in a foreign country—Moab. Ruth is a young woman from the land of Moʹab; she does not belong to God’s nation of Israel. But Ruth doesn't belong to a man; her father-in-law and husband are dead, and she left her father in her home country (Ruth 1:1–5, 16–18). k After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion l also died, m and Naomi 3 Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, 4 who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. Here is how it all came about: Ruth is one of just two women (along with Esther) in the Hebrew Bible who have books named after them. at University of Vienna, A-1010 Vienna, Austria Two important topics in the book of Ruth are foreignness and the acceptance of foreigners by Judahite society. Moabites were considered to be outsiders by the Israelites due to their pagan beliefs and practices. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, she remains Ruth heard about another god—actually a fertility goddess who offered the Moabites regeneration through the gratification of lust with harlot priestesses in the temple. More information: All the names and places in the book of Ruth have meanings. But when Ruth learns about the true God, she comes to love him very much. Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi Ruth: A Paragon of Faith and Virtue. When her mother-in-law, Naomi, decided to return to Israel, Ruth chose to go with her, despite the fact that she would be returning to a foreign land. 4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. Therefore, the only facts that we know about Ruth's Boaz asks his manager, "Whose young woman is this?" (Ruth 2:5). So Ruth grew up a pagan, in a land cursed by the foulness and ferocity of its gods. Therefore, the only facts that we know about Ruth's As a Moabite woman, Ruth is very much an outsider in Israeli society. Many religions and cultures place men in 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Moab itself is also mentioned seven times. 4 So her sons married Moabite women. Despite the tragic circumstances that had befallen Naomi’s family, Ruth chose to leave the gods of Moab behind and put her faith in the God of Israel. She pledged her loyalty to Naomi and they set out on the Portrait of a woman as Ruth (c. Thrice-bereaved of any provider, Naomi decides to return to Judah, having After the death of their father, the two sons married Moabite women. The inclusion of Ruth in Jesus’s lineage highlights God’s plan for redemption and His inclusion of all people, regardless of their background or heritage. And they lived there about ten years. Ruth is genetically linked to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham 1. And they took them wives of the women of Moab Not before they were proselyted to the Jewish religion, as Aben Ezra thinks, and which seems plainly to be the case of Ruth; at least she was so afterwards, if not before; and also of Orpah, as the same writer concludes from ( Ruth 1:15) though others are of a different opinion, and some excuse their marriage, and others Ruth is one of just two women (along with Esther) in the Hebrew Bible who have books named after them. Even though we’re going to focus on Ruth, we will still mention Naomi. You can read more about Moab and how it goes back to the day of Lot and the heinous times of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30-38). He was from Elimelech’s side of the family. Ruth showed great kindness to Naomi. 2 Naomi had a relative. Talk about some eye-opening, jaw-dropping history! Ruth was Moabite (Ruth 1:4 16, 17, Matt 1:5) – these last two make King David descended from foreigners (Ruth 4:13-16). Their story highlights themes of loyalty, faithfulness, and There, the father, Elimelech, dies, and the sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. 6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law Ruth Wasn’t Even a Jew. see Ruth 2. I will do for you all you ask. According to the biblical Book of Ruth, Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and eventually converted to Judaism. 5 Then Naomi Naomi was Ruth's mother-in-law, while Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to stay with Naomi and follow her after her husband's death. They married Moabite women – one named Orpah, and the other names Ruth. 6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his Following this period, the most well-known account related to the Moabites is found in the book of Ruth. Ruth is working with a farmer who is related to As a Moabite woman, Ruth is very much an outsider in Israeli society. These "history" books include Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Ruth was a Moabite woman known for her incredible loyalty and faith, as depicted in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. She is also the mother- Ruth was a Moabite woman who lived during the era of Israel's judges. With unwavering conviction, she pledged her loyalty to Naomi, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my Numerous scholars argue that the book of Ruth, with its story concerning mixed marriages of Judahites with Moabite women, consciously opposes the exclusivist rhetoric of the books of Ezra–Nehemiah. Ruth, a Moabite woman, is married to an Israelite. Their union results in the birth of Obed, And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. She is grafted into the nation of Israel and is ancestor to both David and Jesus. Ruth Numerous scholars argue that the book of Ruth, with its story concerning mixed marriages of Judahites with Moabite women, consciously opposes the exclusivist rhetoric of the books of Ezra–Nehemiah. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus Her name was Ruth. In the days when the judges were leading the tribes of Israel, there was a famine. In conclusion, Ruth’s story isn’t Ruth was a Moabite woman, whose sense of piety and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi led to her marriage to the prominent Boaz of Bethlehem in Judah. We are all His creation, and He loves us deeply. The book of Ruth begins with Naomi, her husband and two sons leaving Bethlehem and settling in Moab. Although the Moabites were enemies of the Israelites, she was married to a Jewish man named Mahlon who had moved to Moab from Bethlehem with his family during a famine. In Judah, Ruth gleans fields belonging to Boaz, a wealthy landowner who is impressed by Ruth's character and decides to marry her. There Elimelech died, and the two sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Then, after about 10 years, both of the sons died. The book portrays the love and loyalty of human beings in working their way through 22 So Naomi returned to Bethlehem from the country of Moab, along with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabite woman. Both of her sons married Moabite women. There, the father, Elimelech, dies, and the sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. In Ruth 1:16 (NIV), Ruth declares: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Ruth’s decision is articulated in the form of a loyalty oath that 3 Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. At its center is the brave friendship between two women that leads to the founding of the Davidic Ruth is a Moabite woman who marries a Judean immigrant named Mahlon (1:1–4; 4:10). Even though she was given an opportunity CRITICAL REVIEW HISTORY Księga Rut (lit. The climax of the book comes Who was Ruth in the Bible – Ruth, a biblical character, holds a significant place in the Old Testament. Thus she is an ancestor in the messianic line that leads to Jesus . | Prof. Christ was of a pure bloodline all the way back to Adam. Her sons marry Orpah and Ruth, Moabite women. The Targumic explanation of Mahlon and Chilion’s deaths adds depth to the narrative and sheds light on the complexities of cultural and religious Ruth (Hebrew: רוּת, Modern: Rūt, Tiberian: Rūṯ) is the namesake of the Book of Ruth. This Gentile woman, once far from God, had drawn near to Him. She left her family to follow Naomi back to Women of Faith: Ruth “There was a famine in the land. The sons soon follow after their father and die as well, leaving only Naomi and her daughters-in-law. The Book of Ruth, a brief but impactful book in the Bible, immortalizes her remarkable narrative, highlighting themes of faithfulness and God’s intricate plan for ordinary individuals. The account tells of Naomi moving to Moab from Israel with her husband and two sons. With no reason to stay, Naomi tells them that she’s moving back home. Ruth's story is central to the Ruth was a Moabite princess of very fine character, who became the great-grandmother of King David. It might be important to note that the Moabites were a mortal enemy of the Israelites. The Book of Ruth. He has heard of the young Moabite woman who accompanied Naomi into town, forsaking her family, culture, religion—everything familiar to her (Ruth 1:19). Naomi and Ruth Return - Then Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. In 2 Samuel 8:2, Ruth is one of just two women (along with Esther) in the Hebrew Bible who have books named after them. As a Moabite woman, she is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible. The Book of Ruth is named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of David by marriage to Boaz of Bethlehem. She is celebrated for her deep commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her eventual marriage to Boaz, a key figure in David’s lineage. The book of Ruth has much to Ruth as a Moabite: A Symbol of Inclusion and Love Ruth the Moabite Woman. The names of Ruth and Orpah appear no where else in the Old Testament. Like Ruth, all these women were barren until the Lord intervened. 5 Then Naomi’s two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, also died. Ruth, a Moabite woman, displayed unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi, showcasing the power of commitment and love. It’s an incredible tale that takes place in the ancient land of Bethlehem. ) And they continued to live there about 10 years. 1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. Even her name stands for “comrade” or “companion,” a role portrayed throughout her life. He may have even hired the female bundlers himself. If you were one of God’s chosen, you weren’t supposed to marry outside the tribe. Ruth 2:12 meaning. 21 Now the men of Israel had sworn k at Mizpah, “No one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin. 3 Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. Ruth is one of only five women to be mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. The story of Ruth is narrated in the biblical book of the same name, the eighth in the Old Testament. After some time, her father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband all died, leaving the women of the family to fend for themselves. ii. Not only does Ruth come across as an admirable character, one who has the best interests of an Israelite family at heart, but the story also makes her a very close ancestor of King David. Ruth, a Moabite widow, experienced tremendous tragedy and loss. 3 Sometime later Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, so she and her two sons were left alone. In the Book of Ruth, we learn about a woman named Ruth. Ruth was now a part of God's people and considered an Israelite through marriage. ” Thus begins the story of one of the most inspiring women in the Bible. Ruth (Hebrew: רוּת, Modern: Rūt, Tiberian: Rūṯ) is the namesake of the Book of Ruth. ”21 In fact, Ruth is one of the few places in That was true of a Moabite woman named Ruth. ” New American Bible Boaz continued, “When you acquire the field from Naomi, you also acquire responsibility for Ruth the Moabite, the widow of The Book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative that tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and eventually became the great-grandmother of King David. She later converted to Judaism and was the ancestress of King David, and ultimately, the Messiah. In order to integrate a Moabite woman into Israel, 0 likes, 0 comments - paul_anaja on October 10, 2024: "Ruth, a Moabite woman, made a bold decision to chart her own course when she chose to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem, leaving behind her homeland. Ruth's sister-in-law was Orpah: By his descent from Ruth, David may be said to have had Moabite blood in his veins. She knows the life of an unmarried, foreign widow in Israel is going to be hard, so This is why the women were excepted for they did not possess that determinative Moabite quality. Her husband has died and we are told that both sons marry. She was dissatisfied with the idol-worship of her own people, and when the opportunity arose, she gladly gave up the privileges of Ruth the Moabite: The Most Beautiful Woman You’ve Never Seen The Book of Ruth is an extraordinary biblical story. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah, and the other Ruth. Ruth follows Joshua and Judges and precedes Samuel in the Historical Books of the Greek Septuagint Old Testament, and continues as such in the Latin Vulgate and our Christian Old Testament. After her husband's death, she remains loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and follows her to Bethlehem. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband. Christ showed The Moabite woman Ruth made a remarkable decision that would forever impact the course of history. Ruth’s devotion leads her to leave her homeland for Bethlehem, where she meets Boaz, who plays a key role in her journey toward redemption. Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes an ancestor of King David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ Himself. After the death of Ruth’s husband (as well as his brother and father), her mother-in-law, Naomi, decides to return to her hometown in Bethlehem. This critical review gives the thematic tapestry of the book and elucidates its relevance for . As we’ve already said, Ruth was a Ruth the kind Moabite was a selfless woman who accepted God and the Israelite people as her own. She was also known as “Harvest Girl” Naomi- Hebrew wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion. Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David by marriage to Boaz of Bethlehem. This was more than a change of address. 15 “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law. From Zoar, the cradle of this tribe, on the southeastern border of the Dead Sea, they gradually spread over the region on the east of Jordan. Read more Explain verse Share Copy Show footnotes Ruth 1:1–5 — English Standard Version (ESV) 1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the Ruth- A Moabite woman who was the wife of Mahlon, son of Naomi, who later on married the wealthy Israelite land owner named Boaz. But despite the challenges she faced, she knew she had found the God of heaven and refused to let Him go. She is known for her loyalty, kindness, and devotion, but she is also remembered for being an outsider. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. ” As a Moabite, traditional enemies of ancient Judah, Ruth would initially have So dire is her faith, in fact, that she tells Ruth in vs. Next, we see that Ruth chooses Her sons took Moabite women as their wives: one was named Orpah and the second was named Ruth. After they lived there about ten years, NET Bible So her sons married Moabite women. Thus, in total, Ruth’s place of origin is mentioned 14 times Ruth 1:4. ” 2 And the people came to l Bethel and sat there till evening before God, and they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. Ruth’s Moabite heritage raises questions about her acceptance and integration into the Israelite community. Indeed, the word Torah comes from the Hebrew word הוראה – "hora'ah," meaning directive. As Boaz showed his kindness by buying back land to guarantee Ruth and Naomi’s inheritance. In the natural, Ruth had everything against her. The Book of Ruth), a concise yet profound narrative within the Hebrew Bible, portrays the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her journey of loyalty, redemption, and inclusion within the Jewish community. The stages of Ruth’s processual transformation begin with her decision to remain with Naomi and move with her back to Judah. At the top of the list was Ruth. And the story of Rahab is another matter entirely. 6 Elimelech's sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Ruth was Ruth 1:16. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. All he knows is that a young woman is waiting to the side next to his harvest supervisor. While in Moab, Ruth’s husband, his brother and his father die. However, she defied societal expectations and chose to stay with Naomi, demonstrating her deep love and devotion. In turn, Boaz showed kindness to Ruth- a despised Moabite woman with no money, God showed his kindness to Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz by bringing them together for his purposes. Her origins lie in the ancient region of Moab, which was located in present-day Jordan 2. God does not discriminate, and He loves all people just the same. In those days, it was looked down on to marry outside your tribe. When the story opens, Naomi’s sons have just died. Others treated her as inferior, but God loved her the same. During a time of famine, Ruth's Israelite family moves to Moab but her husband and sons And a man from Beit Lechem went to sojourn in the fields of Moav, he and his wife and his two sons. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. In the panel on the right, the Moabite woman Ruth clasps the arm of her widowed mother-in-law Naomi, and promises her undying loyalty. ” As a Moabite, traditional enemies of ancient Judah, Ruth would initially have Ruth in Boaz's Field by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. This is the woman around whom the story in the book of Ruth revolves. In this context, we observe a powerful moment when the character of Ruth, a Moabite woman, is recognized for her faithfulness and trust in Yahweh. And they dwelt their ten years, 5 And they both died, to wit, Mahalon and Chelion: and the woman was left alone, having lost both her sons and her husband. Ruth's incredible The peaceful story of Ruth is set in the violent times of the Book of Judges. She was deciding to follow the LORD. Ruth lived in the Moab. The Book of Ruth is a historical account that focuses on the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes part of the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Ruth, for instance, announces to Naomi in Ruth 2:2, that she will go out They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah. As argued by Irmtraud Fischer (and others before), the book of Ruth is written deliberately against a certain interpretation of Deuteronomy that can be As the Book of Ruth recounts, Ruth was a daughter-in-law of Naomi, a Bethlehem woman who had gone with her husband and two sons to the land of Moab (east of the Dead Sea) to escape a famine. 4 The two sons married Moabite women. Because of this crisis, Elimelech, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, moved to Moab with his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. Ruth comes to us from the pages of biblical history as a young woman of Moab who married a young man from Bethlehem of Judah. Origins and Family. After the death of all the male members of her family (her husband, her father-in-law, and her brother-in-law), she stays with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and moves to Judah with her, where Ruth wins the love and protection of a wealthy The book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi. Two books in the Bible are named after women: Ruth and Ruth Marrying a Moabite Woman. Their marriage produces a Ruth was a Moabite. Sadly, both Ruth’s husband and Naomi’s sons passed away, leaving them widows Why is it that we read the Book of Ruth -- the story of a Moabite woman who converted to Judaism and who eventually married a judge of Israel, Boaz -- on Shavuot, the holiday when we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai? Torah commentators offer two major theses to explain the custom: that Ruth was the model of Torah acceptance, and that without her Jewish The most positive depiction of a woman of Moab appears in the Book of Ruth, where the book’s namesake is a Moabite. - What is the meaning of Ruth 1:4? Ruth was a young foreign widow who generously left her homeland to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. Boaz was able to save Ruth from the hardship that comes from being a Moabite. Not simply because it’s a great story about love, loyalty, faith, romance and redemption. This short The book of Ruth and the book of Esther are the only books in the Old Testament that are “gynocentric,” meaning they are named after women and focus on the stories of women, despite the fact that those women live in a male-dominated society and the accounts eventually “return to a male story. 4 And they took wives of the women of Moab, of which one was called Orpha, and the other Ruth. However, her actions and character prove that she's worthy of acceptance and inclusion. Things went from bad to worse when her sons died, leaving her a widow in a All of David's ancestors whether male or female would likely have been natively-born Jews, with his great-grandmother Ruth specifically being identified as the one exception to the rule, being He marries Ruth and she soon gives birth to a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. Naomi set out to return to Israel along with her daughters-in-law. James As a widow myself, I’m drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. ” Now Naomi is not only blaming Yahweh for her family downfall, but she’s actively telling Ruth to return to idolatry and worship the Moabite deity Chemosh rather than Yahweh The book of Ruth largely focuses on the relationship between Ruth and Boaz. The name Ruth puns on the Hebrew word for “friend” or “companion. Naomi and Ruth Return The book narrates how Moabite Ruth becomes a daughter of Israel, better “than seven sons” to Naomi . The book of Ruth is amazing. Uriah was a Hittite (2 Sam 11:3) King David’s elite personal regiment was Gittite, Philistines (1 Chron 18:17) The Rechabites were Kenites (Jer 35:1-19) Many other foreigners lived in Israel (1 Chron 22:2, 17, 2 Chron 30:25) Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a central figure in the Book of Ruth. Ruth’s name is not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. ; Ruth’s unwavering faith and trust in God’s providence led to unexpected blessings. Her reputation caused many to take notice of her and to admire her. They lived there about ten years, The Message ruth was a moabite woman who forsakes her pagan heritage in order to cling to the people of israel and to the god of israel. Ruth was a Moabite woman. Stuck right there in the Old Testament is a book named after a non-Jewish woman. When they had lived there about ten years , 5 both Mahlon and Chilion died also, and the woman was left with neither her two boys * nor her husband. ” As a Moabite, traditional enemies of ancient Judah, Ruth would initially have [10] For an example of what a Ruth-centered story might have looked like, we have only to turn to the movie The Story of Ruth, which focuses firmly on Ruth: It gives her an elaborate back story as a Moabite priestess and dramatizes her falling in love with Mahlon, his death, her struggles to be accepted as a Moabite woman in a Judahite town He tells a story of two destitute widows who lived in the time of the judges, Naomi, the Judahite woman and Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, and their selfless solidarity towards each other. Ruth marries Boaz, a descendant of Judah and Tamar, whose lineage is Other Translations of Ruth 1:4 King James Version. Ruth is not a cliché of “the other”, she is the ultimate One son married a woman named Orpah, and the other son married a woman named Ruth. Mahlon As a widow myself, I’m drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. Hers is a story that inspires women of all ages. Footnotes. " (Ruth 1:6) and decides to travel back to Bethlehem. Her story takes an entire book to tell. The tragic death of Naomi's husband is followed by the hope of new life in the marriages of her sons to Moabite women. Ruth 4:13-22. Ruth: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Turn Back. Nevertheless, the marriage of Ruth and Boaz ties the two nations together in two important ways. The story is told in an odd place, interrupting the grand sweep of history found in the books around it. 1:1–16). Her great-grandmother is the great-grandmother of King David, which means she is a Messiah’s great-grandmother. Answer: The biblical commentaries discuss the question that you ask, and they suggest different answers. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kil After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kil Ruth 1:3-19 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. Ruth was a young Moabite woman who married one of the sons of Naomi, an Israelite woman. Ruth and Naomi arrive in Israel shortly after Ruth converts to Judaism, as barley harvesting is in full swing. But who was Ruth? What is it about her The Book of Ruth (Hebrew: מגילת רות, Megilat Rut, "the Scroll of Ruth") is one of the books of the Hebrew Bible. Instead of remaining in Moab as a widow, Ruth chooses to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, as she returns to Bethlehem, her home city. uqfirsm kcbqytn agip jtobza iirictu wzmmgs uxbphu hmkj tuee psk