The Story of Ruth

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The Story of Ruth

Ruth 1:1-13

There once was a woman namedNaomi. She was one of the few peoplewho still liked to pray to God. When she married, she moved away fromher home. She had two sons whomshe loved very much. Then herhusband died.

As Naomi raised her boys, shetaught them about the Lord. Whenthey were grown up, her sons married.The girls they married belonged to theMoabite tribe. These had beenenemies of Israel for many years. Thisdid not seem to matter to Naomi,though. She loved these girls as if theywere her own daughters.

Then the two sons died. Naomi andthe two young wives were left alone.Oh, it was a very sad time for thethree women! The wives were calledOrpah and Ruth. They lived withNaomi and helped in any way theycould. But there was not much food inthe land. The three women could notfind enough to eat.

"My daughters," Naomi said. "Ihave heard there is food in the landwhere I grew up. That is far awayfrom here. My people were one of thetribes of Israel. I'll go there now, but itwould be better for you to go back toyour own parents. They'll take care ofyou. Maybe you'll even find husbandsagain."

The young women said, "No. Wewant to stay with you."

But Naomi shook her head. "Whatwill you do? I'm too old to findanother husband. Don't be silly. Goback home." Naomi loved herdaughters-in-law and wanted them tostay. But she also wanted to do whatwas best for them.

Orpah came up to Naomi. She said, "will do what you wish. I will go backto my parents." The old woman hugged her. They held each other andaied. They knew they would neversee each other again. Orpah gatheredher things and left.

But Ruth would not leave. She puthand on Naomi's shoulder. She saidshe would stay, no matter what. In herheart Naomi was glad Ruth wanted togay. Naomi knew she would becomean old beggar woman, with no one tohelp her. She wanted what was best

Ruth, though. "You must go, too,Ruth."

Ruth begged Naomi, "No, you're mymother now. Please, Naomi, let me gowith you. I'll go where you go. Yourpeople will be my people and yourGod, my God." Ruth knew about theone, true God. Her husband hadtaught her about God and she trustedHim. "Please, Naomi," Ruth begged."I never want to be far away fromyou. God will take care of us."

Naomi finally agreed. The twowomen set off for Bethlehem. That was where Naomi had grown up.When they arrived, all the old peopleremembered Naomi. "Is it really you?"they asked.

"Naomi, you've come back to us!It's so nice to see you again."

Old friends hugged her and theword soon spread, "Naomi has comeback home! She's brought herdaughter-in-law with her."

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