Ruth and Naomi Define In-law Relationships

Naomi - Not the Evil Caricature of a Mother-in-Law

Jan 26, 2009

Their husbands were dead. Naomi desired to return to her homeland. Ruth refused to return to her parents' home, pleading with Naomi to let her stick by her side.

A century or so before the reigns of Kings Saul and David, a harsh famine choked Israel. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion forsook Bethlehem and sojourned to Moab.

Elimelech died and his sons married Moab women. One was named Orpah and the other was Ruth. Eventually both Mahlon and Chilion died as well. Scripture is silent regarding the deaths of these men. Naomi, Orpah and Ruth were now widows.

Ruth's Decision

Naomi longed to return to her homeland. Scripture again is silent as to how Naomi was planning to return to Bethlehem. Scripture does not describe their travel plans. At any rate, with the men in the family now deceased, these women would have an almost impossible task of providing for themselves.

Status of Women

The status of women portrayed within the Old Testament spans the gamut of equality to subjugation. For Naomi and her daughters-in-law, without having a man to provide for them, their future would be one of poverty and misery.

Naomi urged both Orpah and Ruth to return to their father's households. Orpah, consented to return, Ruth, however, did not, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God...." [1]. The reader can't help but wonder what must have transpired between these women over the years that caused Ruth to choose her mother-in-law and Naomi's home/religion and culture over her own parents' provisions.

Return to Bethlehem

Once the women had returned and settled into Bethlehem, Scripture does not explain where they stayed. Perhaps Elimelech held some property that was still available to Naomi. At any rate, Naomi had a kinsman by the name of Boaz, a relation of Elimelech, who was harvesting his barely.

There was a custom that a portion of the harvest was not to be gathered so as to feed the poor. Ruth took it upon herself to follow after the reapers and gather up the remains.

It so happened that as Ruth was gathering amongst Boaz's workers, he took notice of her and asked about her. She was given high marks for her work efforts.

After a brief introduction, Boaz instructed her to continue harvesting with his reapers so she would be afforded protection. He blessed her and praised her for her loyalty to Naomi and generously provided additional grain to her.

Another tradition at this time involved an adult male. He might play the role as a redeemer -- kinsman, "...he could revive the family lineage when someone died without an heir by marrying the widow and fathering offspring who would inherit the name and property of the one who had died." [2].

Ruth and Boaz Marry

Boaz offered to play the role of redeemer -- kinsman. He and Ruth were married. From their union was born Obed who became the father of Jesse who became the father of King David.

The loyalty and love between these two women from vastly different backgrounds is inspirational to say the least.

Sources

[1]. New American Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee 37234, no date of publication, pg. 227.

[2]. John MacArthur, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Nashville, Tennessee, 2005, pg. 79.

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