Naomi and Ruth

“When she(Naomi) saw that she(Ruth) was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.” Ruth 1:18

Naomi was a Hebrew woman who was married to Elimelech. They had two sons named Chilion and Mahlon. Because there was famine in the land of Judah the family moved to Moab to make a living out there. While they were living in Moab the two sons got married to Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.

As time passed by, all the men in this family died and there was just Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth left. One day Naomi heard that the LORD was providing food to the people in her homeland and she decides to return back with her two daughters-in-law. As they were on the way Naomi reasoned that there was no point in taking Orpah and Ruth to go with her. They were Moabites. They were still young and they could find new husbands. Naomi told them to return back. Orpah and Ruth both said they wanted to go on with their mother-in-law. Naomi was firm. She once again told them to return back to their homeland of Moab. At this Orpah kissed Naomi and return. But Ruth didn’t she was yet firm with her decision to go to Judah with Naomi. When Naomi realized how determined she was, she gave up convincing and the two of them went to Judah.

When I look at this I am impressed with both Naomi and Ruth. Judah was a foreign land with a different culture and with a different religion. Yet Ruth wanted to know about the God of Naomi. Transitioning to a new environment is very challenging but for Ruth it was worth a try. Eventually, Ruth becomes the great grandmother of the great King David.

But what impressed Ruth so much that she was willing to move to Judah with Naomi? I believe it was Naomi herself that impressed Ruth. The lifestyle and character must have impressed Ruth so much. Her life of faith was speaking to Ruth. Her character showed the love of God. Naomi influenced Ruth through her actions.

That teaches us a lot. Our actions will speak a lot. It will speak to people around us. It will influence others.