More Loss ... (Ruth 1:6-9a)

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people by giving them bread. Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.”
(Ruth 1:6-9a, NKJV)

Naomi, still grieving the loss of her sons, decided to return to her homeland. We can’t know exactly what she was feeling, but I think it’s safe to say she wanted to get as far away from the place that had caused her such sorrow. At least at home, she’d be with friends and family … or would she?

It just struck me that it had been well over ten years since she’d left the land of Judah. Years with no contact whatsoever. No mail. No phone. No telegram. Just as she’d followed her husband to the unknown land of Moab, she’d be heading back to a familiar land, yes, but to a completely unknown situation. Who would be there to care for her? What family member or friend might take her in?

I’d never thought about the kind of strength and courage Naomi must have had.

And as she prepared to leave Moab, she faced another loss. Her daughters-in-law of ten years. Again, we don’t know exactly how she felt about them, but I believe there was tremendous love between the three women. Naomi knew, however, the younger women’s best chance to live well would be to remarry, and who better than to men from their own culture?

So she blessed them, “The LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.”

Then she packed her bags.