Today’s passage: Ruth 1:6-22
Helpful thoughts:
- As we said yesterday, a good harvest, or the lack thereof, was generally held to be a sign of blessing or cursing from the god of the people. In Israel’s case, there was truth to that claim (Deuteronomy 28).
- Naomi acknowledged God’s power and his ability to bless or curse. However, she did not approve of how He exercised His power.
- She had gone from being Naomi (Pleasant) to Mara (Bitter).
- If the family had been “full”, they never would have left Israel in the first place.
- Perhaps it should be said, Naomi and her family left empty, and the Lord brought her back with a refreshing (Ruth).
- The name Bethlehem means House of Bread.
- Naomi thought it would be better for Ruth and Orpah to go back to their people and their gods. Ruth disagreed and declared her allegiance to the God of Israel.
Questions to consider:
- How would you summarize Naomi’s beliefs about God and also the other gods of the surrounding nations?
- What earthly securities did Ruth give up to go to Bethlehem with Naomi? What security did she now enjoy?
- What worldy comforts could tempt you and prevent you from enjoying the only comfort that lasts for eternity?