Ruth stays with Naomi, her mother-in-law
Ruth 1:11-18
An Israelite named Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, had two sons, who married Orpah and Ruth, Moabite women. Elimelech died, and then the two sons also died. Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to go back to their families in Moab. Orpah went, but Ruth stayed with Naomi, expressing her devotion to Naomi and to Naomi’s God. One of my journalism professors pointed out that Ruth’s speech does not contain any adjectives, and yet it is one of the most beautiful and dramatic passages ever written.
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And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. |