Naomi

Ruth 1:19-22

Everything we have is a blessing from God’s hand – undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted. Do we recognize His blessings when we have them? Do we hold blessings loosely, understanding they are not ours to own?

As we near the end of the first chapter in Ruth, Orpah has returned back to Moab and Naomi and Ruth begin their journey on to Bethlehem. After much persuasion on Naomi’s part for Ruth to return to her own family, Ruth makes it perfectly clear she will accompany Naomi, adopt her culture, her people and her God. We are not given information about the actual trek through desert land yet we can imagine it was not an easy journey. However they did make it and verse nineteen picks up with the two women arriving in Bethlehem. Once they entered the town, people gathered as they recognized Naomi.

Ruth 1:19 So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, "Is this Naomi?"

Recall, Naomi had been gone for about ten years. Her family must have been known for her name to be remembered. As Naomi and Ruth approach Bethlehem, old friends and acquaintances of Naomi are excited to greet them. Most likely news had traveled that Naomi was now a widow and destitute, which was an obvious contrast to the young family of Elimelech who had departed from Bethlehem a decade earlier.

Consider how difficult this must have been for Naomi. Once she was the young bride of Elimelech, probably of significant financial means, enjoying youth, marriage and children. Now she has returned to her hometown minus all but perhaps the clothes on her back, worn and tired from difficult circumstances and a long arduous journey. She is no doubt feeling the heaviness of how her life has changed and her loss of husband and children.

There is a simple question recorded for us at the end of verse nineteen, “Is this Naomi?” We wonder in what spirit this question asked. Perhaps it is out of surprise or curiosity. Maybe the question is one of care and concern. It is good for each of us to remember how quickly our lives can change! Read the following verse.

Ps 103:15-16 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.

Our lives are short and uncertain. God’s word is everlasting and sure. Everything we have is a blessing from God’s hand – undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted. Do we recognize His blessings when we have them? Do we hold blessings loosely, understanding they are not ours to own?

Think about the response of the town towards Naomi’s return. What is our response when someone leaves for a while and returns heavy-hearted? What is our reaction when someone encounters difficulty? Is our heart quick to cast judgement or do we show compassion?

Thomas Haweis lived in the 18 century and was a key figure in the evangelical revival. Read what he writes about Ruth 1:19 –

1. Of the reception they met with. Collecting together on the rumour of her return, the women who remembered her former beauty and affluence, and now beheld her wrinkles and poverty, some perhaps in pity, some in scorn and upbraiding, and some in surprise, said, Is this Naomi? Note,

(1.) Age and wrinkles make strange alterations on the fairest face. It is a poor thing to be vain of what is so fading.

(2.) They who have any feelings of humanity, and much more those who have the bowels of Christ, will seek compassionately to alleviate the sorrows of the miserable.

(3.) They who have carried themselves most humble in prosperity, will be most regarded in adversity.

The next two verses in Ruth give us insight into Naomi’s struggle with the tragedies that have befallen her. Her response to the questions and raised eyebrows of her changed circumstances is heart wrenching.

Ruth 1:20-21 She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 "I went out full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has witnessed against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

In the previous verse (19), we read it was the women who questioned Naomi. Most of us are blessed with close friendships, those we are connected to and perhaps know us a bit better than other acquaintances. You can almost hear the surprise in these women’s voices as they see Naomi again after ten years of her absence. Sorrow and poverty have most likely taken a toll on Naomi as well as the normal process of aging. It would be expected that she look different. She probably looks weaker physically because of the journey from Moab and the draining of her emotions from her experienced loss. The change in Naomi is recognizable and drastic and is difficult to ignore.

Naomi returns to Bethlehem with a heart full of sorrow. She has no means, no husband and no children. Each of us will encounter affliction in our lives. How will we react? Naomi’s name actually means pleasant or cheerful. Of course, at this point, her name doesn’t seem to fit what has befallen her. She shares the pain in her heart by her response in verse twenty. “Call me Mara”, meaning bitter or sorrowful. Hopefully at this point, the reader is feeling compassion with Naomi. Her discouragement is evident and is encompassing her attitude. We are all subject to hardship. Life can present many unexpected and uninvited tragedies. Are we prepared with God’s armor? What is our attitude when difficult things happen? How do we let circumstances affect our focus? At this low point in Naomi’s life, the name Mara seems more fitting and descriptive of her broken heart.

Naomi recognizes God has allowed grief in her life. Each of us can expect God’s correction and discipline through circumstances. Some of these difficult times may be brought from our own decisions and some from God’s loving hand of teaching us to grow in our dependence and trust of Him.

Job 5:17 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, and whom You teach out of Your law;

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 3:19 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

In Ruth 1:21 Naomi states her position to those greeting her. She left Bethlehem with a husband and children and she has returned without them. She has experienced incredible grief. No matter the circumstances or the cause, loss is hard. Personal casualty is painful. It is even more painful when we recognize it has befallen us because of unwise decisions on our part. Naomi attributes her chastening from God as a direct punishment. Have you suffered loss or disappointment because of God’s direct hand of discipline for your sin? I would be willing to state that each of us can understand Naomi’s plight if only to a small degree.

The book of Job begins with giving all glory to God in all circumstances, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). The book begins well but certainly Job suffered his moments of overwhelming grief upon the loss of his family and livelihood and even turned to questioning God’s hand of judgement. Read Job 19:6 – “Know then that God has wronged me and has closed His net around me”. Who are we to ever question what God does or what He allows? But even the strongest men and women of faith can succumb to the stress of heavy burdens for a short time. Have you ever felt closed in by all sides with difficulty in all directions? How do you respond? How should you respond?

Look back to the scriptures above. Chastening is proof that you are God’s child. He cannot allow sin to go unpunished and He will be faithful to continue to discipline us and train us to be used for His glory. Even when we do not understand, we have an opportunity to trust. What we do not see is Naomi making excuses or complaining. She simply states the truth – she acknowledges God’s hand against her, and she accepts His perfect and righteous judgement.

Hannah, upon the birth of her son Samuel, recognizes the power and right of God to do whatever He deems necessary in people’s lives. 1Samuel 2:7-8 "The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. 8 "He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He set the world on them.”

We can easily live our lives with expectations of what we think should happen or even what we think we deserve. The reality is, God will do what He desires for His greater purpose and glory. When we step into the world as an adult, we set forth a ‘plan’ in our mind of how things will go. If we begin college, our expectation is to finish college. If we have a desire to marry, we anticipate meeting someone. When it is time to have children, [we think] we make decisions of when and how many. Then if we are blessed with children, we plan for the fulfillment of dreams we have for them. Goals are necessary to keep us motivated but they need to be held loosely. God is the one driving the car, calling the shots, and steering the boat. However you want to look at it, we are not our own.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.

Deuteronomy 32:6b Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you.

Romans 14:6-8 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

The first chapter of Ruth concludes with the information that Naomi and Ruth had returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. Perfect timing, right? God’s hand is in all things!

Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

Harvest was in the spring, perhaps March or April. This timing would have afforded Ruth the best opportunity to provide for herself and Naomi since it was the beginning of the season.

Naomi is home after ten years of sojourning in Moab. She has returned without her husband and sons. Her strong witness of faith to the God of Israel has made an impression upon one of her daughter in laws. God has used Naomi’s example in Ruth’s heart. Ruth chooses to leave her culture and family for the one true God. She vehemently insists on adopting the culture, people and God of the Jewish nation. With a broken heart and an empty purse, Naomi is greeted by her home town. She is recognizably changed, in her words chastened by God. Yet her afflicted heart will continue to trust God’s sovereignty. In chapter two of this book, Naomi will encourage Ruth by her words and example to place her faith in God’s plan and promises.

Returning

The only thing Naomi has to offer is her commitment and love to God and the people of Israel. This is more than enough if you are truly devoted to God and trust in Him. For Naomi, this is the best decision, this is where she belongs, and she can count on God upholding her.

Ruth 1:10-14

Naomi has made a decision to return to the land of Bethlehem. Orpah and Ruth accompany her part of the way and we read of their tearful farewells. Naomi shares her desire of blessing upon her two daughters in law as they each return to their own families. The expectation is that Naomi will continue through the desert to Bethlehem and Orpah and Ruth will go back into Moab. They will be separated, and most likely never see each other again. This separation is very different than what we might experience today! There are no phones, no computers with Facebook or Instagram, and no regular mail delivery, just word of mouth. However, the parting does not go as expected!

Ruth 1:10 And they said to her, "[No,] but we will surely return with you to your people."

Orpah and Ruth assure their mother in law that they intend to break tradition and accompany Naomi to Bethlehem. You can hear them saying, ‘Of course we are not going back to Moab, and we had always planned on remaining with you’. Their response continues to give us insight into the special relationship of these women. The care and love that has built between them is evident. Somehow, the pull to stay with Naomi has become stronger than the desire to reside within their own homeland and relatives. Even when it means a greater opportunity for care and security. Remember there is a chasm of difference between the culture and teaching of Naomi’s birth land of Bethlehem and her daughters in law birth land of Moab. One was taught to follow Jewish law and the God of Israel; the others were brought up in a land known for its worship of many gods and pagan sacrifices. The young women have been drawn away from what they knew and drawn into the graciousness shown by Naomi.

We have the benefit of the whole story – isn’t it fun to see how God uses all circumstances for His glory in bringing people to Himself? Are we encouraging others to be drawn toward the God of the Bible as they interact with us? The next few verses give us Naomi’s response to her daughters in law and a picture into her burdened heart.

Ru 1:11 But Naomi said, "Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Naomi challenges the decision made by Orpah and Ruth to stay on with her. In fact, it almost seems like Naomi is warning the young women to turn back. The word ‘return’ is used repeatedly in the next several verses as Naomi urges her daughters in law to consider their only real option. Naomi asks them why they would journey with her since she is unable to offer them hope for the future. We have to remember once again a women’s position in that time – a man meant security, food, and shelter. Naomi is not in a position to bear more children and she most likely considers herself too old to be married again. Under Jewish law, if there had been a brother of Mahlon or Chilion, he then would have redeemed the young widow’s. But, this is not the case.

Deuteronomy 25:5 "When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be [married] outside [the family] to a strange man. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her.

Even after having been removed from Jewish culture and law, we see Naomi following what she knew. This may be a testament of her strong desire to continue in her obedience to the God she has known. Perhaps she had even been instructing her daughters in law in the Jewish religion all along. Orpah and Ruth see an example of faithfulness in Naomi. Faithfulness to her people and faithfulness to her God.

Naomi realizes the difficulties that lie ahead of her. The journey to Bethlehem would be exhausting. Without benefit of male companions it would be even more challenging. Then when Naomi does arrive in Bethlehem, she is without her husband and needs to secure shelter and food for herself from family members who still reside there. She is well aware that her survival in Bethlehem will depend on gleaning the fields with the poor, fatherless, and needy. Naomi has compassion for her daughters in law and must wonder if they truly understand the choice they are making. Life in Bethlehem will not be easier, in fact, it may be very difficult. She is not even certain of her own future, never mind securing a future for her daughters. What a helpless feeling!

Transport yourself for a moment. Think of having lived in a foreign country for about ten years, experiencing the loss of your husband and only two sons, journeying back to the country you left and perhaps bringing the two women who have been the closest part of family for the last several years, into an unknown situation. You would feel responsible for their welfare, yet would be unable to make any promises of a bright future to them. I can only begin to imagine the difficult choices being made. Maybe Naomi’s tone of despair comes from wanting her daughters in law to truly understand the hardship they might be prolonging upon themselves if they chose to accompany her. The only thing Naomi has to offer is her commitment and love to God and the people of Israel. This is more than enough if you are truly devoted to God and trust in Him. For Naomi, this is the best decision, this is where she belongs, and she can count on God upholding her.

But where are Orpah and Ruth’s hearts in this matter? Have they learned to turn from their heathen God’s to the one true God of Israel? Is their trust in Him one which will cause them to leave the possibility of comforts and security found in their families? What about when it becomes even more difficult, do they have a faith that will sustain them or will they regret the decision to follow Naomi?

In Ruth 1:12-13 we continue to read Naomi’s response to her daughters in law as she appeals to their sense of reality and understanding.

Ruth 1:12-13 "Return, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight and also bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; for it is harder for me than for you, for the hand of the LORD has gone forth against me."

Naomi once again tells her daughters in law to return to their own land with their own families. She continues to warn them of a road wrought with difficulties, maybe in an effort to test their resolve to follow her into Bethlehem. It even seems she is being a bit sarcastic in stating the obvious and impossible. She is old, will probably not marry and even if she did and was able to conceive immediately and have a son, it would be years before he could carry out Jewish law and marry one of them! This scenario is unrealistic, impractical and unfortunately begins to express the hopelessness and bitterness Naomi feels in her circumstances. I think my reply would be something like, “Seriously, I don’t even know if I am going to be able to take care of myself, let alone you younger women who still have the hope of a future”.

Read what Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says about Ruth 1:12-13, “That Naomi should dissuade her daughters-in-law so strongly from accompanying her to the land of Israel may appear strange. But it was the wisest and most prudent course for her to adopt: first, because they might be influenced by hopes which could not be realized; second, because they might be led, under temporary excitement, to take a step they might afterwards regret; and, third, because the sincerity and strength of their conversion to the true religion, which she had taught them, would be thoroughly tested”.

Naomi could have just responded with, ‘Oh sure, everything will be just fine, it will all work out’. Ultimately, when our faith is placed in God, we understand this to be true. Yet, is the whole picture represented well? What does ‘everything will be just fine’ convey? Often, the road of our faith has twists and turns and hills and valleys in it. Sometimes the journey we are on proves to be really hard! It is prudent to prepare for times of difficulty so we are not caught off-guard. Perhaps this is what Naomi is thinking for her daughters in law – preparing them for the journey ahead by reminding them of the hardships they are likely to encounter. She is careful to not only paint a rosy picture of the future which may benefit herself because she would have travel companions and help once settling in Bethlehem. Naomi presents the whole truth of what is likely. Even the opportunities for Ruth and Orpah to marry are lessened once they arrive. They are from a land that is not thought well of and marrying outside of the Jewish culture would be frowned upon in Israel.

2Corinthians 4:8-9 [we are] afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Romans 8:17-18 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him] in order that we may also be glorified with [Him.] 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that Thy word has revived me.

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a [hope] both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

The importance of embracing reality also causes me to think upon how we share our faith. Consider this. What happens when faith is presented only as God’s love bestowing wonderful gifts on His children with multiple blessings and promises for a delightful future and no worries or trials or wants? When it gets difficult, how can this kind of faith sustain you? It won’t, it can’t! Do we share only one side of God – His love – without sharing the full truth of God – His judgement upon sin and the payment and trials that go along with His judgement?

Do we embrace God only when things are going well? What is the basis of our faith – is it built on truth, is it sustained with truth?

Although Naomi shows genuine concern for her daughters in law, she is feeling her own distress at the difficult circumstances surrounding her. Even to the point of wondering out loud that God’s hand is against her. When things go really south for us, we can easily allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the conditions surrounding us rather than assured by God’s care keeping us.

Job expressed his sorrow much the same way in Job 19:21, "Pity me, pity me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has struck me”. In the book of Psalms, David says he felt God’s heavy hand against him. Psalm 32:4 For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away [as] with the fever heat of summer. Selah.

God’s hand can feel heavy upon us at times. We may be suffering the consequences of poor decisions we personally have made, or God, in His love, has chosen to allow circumstances in our lives that cause us to learn to trust Him more. Naomi may be wondering if hardship has come her way because of the family’s decision to move to Moab years before. Whatever the cause of our trials, we can make choices. If we are in error, we need to confess and make changes appropriate to honoring God. If we are unable to recognize specific sin that is causing our difficulty, we need to trust that God in His sovereignty knows what He has allowed for His glory to be manifested in our lives.

What is your reaction to difficulty and hardship? How can you continue to find peace and joy when you are feeling heavy-hearted? How can you encourage someone going through great difficulty?

We can almost hear the hopelessness in Naomi’s words. She is so downtrodden that there doesn’t seem to be anything she can do to help her daughters in law. God has stripped almost everything away from her. In Ruth 1:12 it says Naomi is grieved by the dire situation she is in. She knows it is best for her to return to her homeland but it means leaving two young women she has grown to love and care for. Consider her relationship again with her daughters in law. They are more than just acquaintances, they have become family with affections toward one other. Naomi is unable to invite the women to accompany her with any hope of a guarantee for a better life. She is also acutely aware than as she sends them back to their own relatives, their instruction in the Jewish law and the God of Israel will likely cease. This would be heartbreaking for any of us!

In our next study in Ruth we will look at a heart touched by God and prepared for His call.

Chasing Rainbows

Do we easily become discontent with our circumstances? Do we hastily try to fix things on our own? Do we prayerfully consider if there is truly a call to change direction or does our trust in God need to grow?

The book of Ruth is sandwiched between Judges and 1 Samuel, acting as an appendix to Judges and an introduction to 1st and 2nd Samuel. Ruth is the shortest of the historical books and at its conclusion, it contains the genealogy of Jesus. God uses all things for His glory – including an unsuspecting foreigner from a heathen land! The exact time Ruth was written and the author of Ruth is somewhat uncertain. We have a general period of time that the writings of Ruth took place during the days when the judges ruled and during a time of severe famine. There are three possibilities of authorship: Hezekiah, Ezra and Samuel, with most theologians agreeing on Samuel as the author. With this bit of background information, let’s begin our study.

Ruth 1:1-2 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names of his two sons [were] Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. Now they entered the land of Moab and remained there.

When – The days when the judges governed.

Where – Bethlehem in Judah and the land of Moab

Who – Elimelech (el-ee-meh’-lek), Naomi, Mahlon (makh-lone’) and Chilion (kil-yone’) – a family from Bethlehem

The setting of this book quickly moves from Bethlehem to Moab. There was a famine in the land, a judgment on the Jewish nation from God foretold in Leviticus chapter 26.

Leviticus 26:19-20 'And I will also break down your pride of power; I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze. 20 'And your strength shall be spent uselessly, for your land shall not yield its produce and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit.

During this time of famine, Elimelech chose to relocate his family to a more fertile area – Moab, a country south-east of Judah (Palestine). This was in order to provide for his family. Here’s a thought to consider: on one hand this move seems good in the caring of his family. Yet, it begs the question of perhaps trying to get by with less and trusting God more. Sometimes necessity dictates a move or change in direction, yet, not always. Moving to a land which was known to worship heathen Gods would directly influence Elimelech’s family. Waiting patiently upon God’s provision and answers is a choice we can all make.

Bring these questions even closer to your own personal circumstances. Think! Sometimes, when we choose to make a change which seems for the better, we are avoiding a deeper problem. For instance, I heard a conversation between two individuals where one was determined to move out of state because it was becoming too liberal. This may be true, however, the opportunity to share truth becomes greater when we are surrounded by unbelief. Did Jesus hang around only those who thought like he did? Could the real problem reside in our own discomfort or disconnect with a church family to encourage us? Are we chasing after the hollow promise that ‘things will be better’ in general if we make a move?

Most people have heard the idiom, ‘chasing after rainbows’. In our human thinking we can easily be distracted by the thought that there is something better to attain, somewhere better to live, a better career to pursue, and sadly, even a better relationship then the ones we have. The truth is we have everything to live a life honoring to God right where we are. There is no need to chase after something more. To my knowledge, no one has been able to catch a rainbow!

We do have freedoms to make decisions we think are best but let’s not make choices based on discontent. God placed each of us right where He wants us and He will use our circumstances for His glory if we are obedient to His calling. This can be applied in many different areas of life – our families, our careers, the number of children we may or may not have, our relationships, our geographical location, our health, the home in which we live, and on and on. We can choose to trust that God will use us where He put us; He will provide for us and care for us if we sincerely desire to follow Him.

Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and [yet] your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

The Family Bible Notes says: “To remove, from a regard to worldly circumstances merely, out of a land of religious light and privileges to a land of darkness and idolatry, is a course full of danger, and likely to terminate in distress.”

As we continue in the next verse of Ruth, we indeed see that grief entered into Elimelech’s family.

Ruth 1:3-4 Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. 4 And they took for themselves Moabite women [as] wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. And they lived there about ten years.

There is no exact time frame to follow regarding Elimelech’s death. It may have been shortly after the family arrived in Moab. Naomi was left with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. We are only somewhat familiar with the impact that Elimelech’s death would have on his family. We need to step back in time and culture to fully appreciate the dire circumstance this mother found herself in.

According to The Complete Guide to the Bible, written by Stephen M. Miller, “Widows, along with orphans and immigrants, were among the most vulnerable people in Bible times. It was a man’s world. Women were minors in a court of law – like kids today. Women were also the property of men – fathers, husbands, or sons. So women generally weren’t allowed to own property or conduct business. They weren’t considered capable of that since their education was typically limited to household matters: cooking, sewing, and hauling water.”

No matter the culture we live in or the circumstances we find ourselves, whether in trouble because of our own poor choices or being disciplined through God’s love, He has promised to care for His children. God will guide us through the greatest difficulties – always for His glory.

Psalm 34:4, 19 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Do we hold on to God’s promises even when our own circumstances seem dire? We are never beyond God’s reach if we seek Him. No trouble or problem takes God by surprise. We can always find peace and security as we seek to follow Him.

Naomi finds herself a widowed mother of two sons. Ruth 1:4 gives us information that her sons seemed to have integrated fairly well into a society that did not honor God. In Bethlehem, the family had followed Jewish law and at least Naomi had continued on in that belief enough for Ruth to take notice later in this chapter.

Perhaps without strong leadership from their father Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion had forgotten or decided to forego the teaching of their God. If we have been blessed with family, it is extremely important to consider the time we have with them as an opportunity to teach them by our speech and our example, of God truths.

Mahlon and Chilion married Orpah and Ruth – Moabite women. Reading the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary definition of the word ‘took’ translated from nasa’ is interesting. There are several applications but what stood out to me were the words ‘accept’ and ‘yield’. These descriptions caused me to consider the importance of who we constantly place around us and the influence of culture. While we need to be out in the world, the necessity to guard against the enticement of sin is of utmost importance. It is easy to begin to think differently even without our immediate notice. Jewish law stated it was a grievance against God for Mahlon and Chilion to marry outside of their belief.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 "Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. "For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will quickly destroy you.

‘Them’ refers to the foreign nations which were known to worship heathen gods. The nation of Israel was told to have nothing to do with them, ‘make no covenants with them and show no favor to them’ (Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

Ezra 9:1 Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, "The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, [those] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

If you have spent time with children that are school age, you have certainly witnessed the surprising words and actions they repeat that they’ve been exposed to on the playground. Often, they are unaware what inappropriate words or actions even mean, they have just been influenced and are copying what they see to fit in. Influence happens quickly. Consider the impact of a television show or movie. Children, and sometimes adults, quickly pick up on a phrase or event and repeat what they’ve seen and heard. If you have worked outside the home, you understand how easy it is for mannerisms to ‘rub off’ on you. ‘Worldly’ behaviors can be adopted into our lifestyle if we are constantly surrounded by them. It is imperative that we fight against their influence. We do not and should not live in a protective bubble, but we must guard that our awareness does not become dull.

Have you been negatively influenced? How do you stay aware so this doesn’t happen? Are you careful to guard your heart or are you careless in choosing to constantly being exposed to things that dishonor God?

We can quickly think that we are impervious to poor influence in our walk. Years ago, one of my children began picking up an attitude. With this attitude was the rolling of the eyes which was done as a definite sign of disrespect against authority. Of course, this child was disciplined for this behavior – several times and over what seemed to be an agonizingly long period. To my dismay, unbeknownst to me, I had picked up this same expression from him. I didn’t even realize it until I was in the front yard working with my husband and he said something to me that apparently I didn’t agree with or didn’t like. I rolled my eyes at my husband, which he didn’t see, fortunately. One of my neighbors however, who had been talking with us, did see my rude expression. Needless to say I was embarrassed, humiliated and horrified and apologies followed. I had not meant to be disrespectful to my husband, but had picked up on the expression I had seen so often in our child! Influenced – guilty as charged.

Back to our account of Ruth. After about ten years, we read in the next verse of this section that Mahlon and Chilion died.

Ruth 1:5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; and the woman was bereft of her two children and her husband.

According to some commentaries, the death of Naomi’s sons may have been judgement upon them for marrying women who were not Israelites. In any case, in the course of ten years, Naomi is without her husband and sons and in a place of strangers. This situation truly is desperate in that time with no means of support and no males in the family to provide.

Fast forward this account of extreme calamity in Naomi’s life and we know God is working all things out for His good and will use her to glorify Himself. This should cause us to remember the lovingkindness of God towards His children even in their often futile attempts at following Him. He does have a plan in spite of our poor judgement and weakness. Our sin is not bigger than God’s grace. Jeremiah reminds the Israelites of this in his letter sent from Jerusalem to those who were captive in Babylon. The Israelites are warned to beware of being deceived in Jeremiah 29:8-9. Then they are reminded that God is continuing to work in their lives and will bless them, in verses 11-13.

God is always faithful to bring about His perfect plan. In the most difficult of circumstances, comfort can always be found in God. Even in Naomi’s extreme condition of sorrow, God is working. He is preparing a young widow’s heart to express compassion and care.

Tag: Naomi

Ruth 1:19-22

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