What cultural norms are reflected in Naomi's advice to her daughters-in-law? Naomi’s Heartfelt Counsel in Ruth 1:11 “But Naomi replied, ‘Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands?’” Cultural Expectation of Levirate Marriage • Naomi alludes to the practice commanded in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a deceased brother’s wife was to marry the next male kin so the family line would continue. • By saying, “Are there still sons in my womb…?” she signals that, under normal circumstances, Orpah and Ruth could expect her future sons to fulfill this duty. • Other examples: ◦ Genesis 38:6-11 (Tamar and Judah’s sons) ◦ Matthew 22:24, where the Sadducees cite the same law. • Since Naomi is past childbearing age, the levirate option is gone; she urges the young women to seek husbands elsewhere. The High Value Placed on Lineage • Ancient Israel treasured the preservation of a man’s name and estate (cf. Numbers 27:1-11; Ruth 4:5-10). • Children were viewed as God’s covenant blessing (Psalm 127:3-5). • Without sons, Elimelech’s line appeared extinguished; Naomi feels responsible but powerless to remedy that loss. Women’s Security Through Marriage • In patriarchal society, widows had limited economic options (Deuteronomy 24:19-22 encourages gleaning as relief). • A husband meant: ◦ Provision (food, land, shelter) ◦ Protection from exploitation (Isaiah 1:17) ◦ Social status and “rest” (Ruth 1:9). • Naomi releases Orpah and Ruth so they can pursue the accepted path to stability. The Pull of National and Family Identity • “Return home” echoes the norm that a widow would revert to her father’s household (Genesis 38:11). • Remaining in Moab would align the women with their native gods, customs, and kinship networks—far less risky than relocating as foreigners (Ruth 2:10). • Naomi assumes they will prefer familiar cultural surroundings over uncertain life in Bethlehem. Grace Within the Norms • Though bound by cultural conventions, Naomi’s advice flows from selfless love: she forfeits her own companionship for her daughters-in-law’s welfare (Philippians 2:4). • Her realistic appraisal of the era’s expectations highlights God’s later providence; Ruth’s counter-cultural loyalty opens the door for Boaz’s redemption (Ruth 4:13-17), culminating in the lineage of David and, ultimately, the Messiah (Matthew 1:5-6). |
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