Topical Bible: Benedictions by Naomi, Upon Ruth and Orpah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:
The benedictions pronounced by Naomi upon her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, are found in the Book of Ruth, specifically in Ruth 1:8-9. This passage is set during the time of the judges, a period characterized by social and religious upheaval in Israel. Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons had moved to Moab due to a famine in Bethlehem. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab.

Scriptural Reference:
Ruth 1:8-9 : "Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, 'Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead and to me. May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.' Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud."

Analysis:
Naomi's benedictions are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they reflect her deep affection and gratitude towards Ruth and Orpah for their loyalty and kindness. Despite her own grief and loss, Naomi selflessly desires their well-being and future happiness. Her invocation of the LORD's kindness (Hebrew: "chesed") underscores the covenantal love and faithfulness that God extends to His people, a theme that permeates the narrative of Ruth.

Secondly, Naomi's blessing for Ruth and Orpah to find "rest" in the home of another husband highlights the cultural and social realities of the time. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a woman's security and status were largely dependent on her marital status. Naomi's wish for them to remarry is a practical expression of her concern for their future security and prosperity.

Theological Implications:
Naomi's benedictions reveal a profound trust in God's providence, even amidst personal tragedy. Her faith in the LORD's ability to provide for Ruth and Orpah serves as a testament to her belief in God's sovereignty and goodness. This trust is later vindicated in the narrative as Ruth's loyalty leads her to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, through whom God orchestrates redemption and restoration.

Furthermore, Naomi's blessings foreshadow the redemptive arc of the Book of Ruth, where themes of loyalty, kindness, and divine providence culminate in the lineage of King David, and ultimately, the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Naomi's invocation of God's kindness is a precursor to the unfolding of His redemptive plan through ordinary human relationships and decisions.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The act of blessing in the ancient world was not merely a wish but carried a sense of invoking divine favor and intervention. Naomi's use of the term "chesed" is particularly poignant, as it encapsulates the steadfast love and mercy that God extends to His covenant people. This concept of "chesed" is central to understanding the relational dynamics in the Book of Ruth and the broader narrative of God's dealings with Israel.

Naomi's benedictions also reflect the societal norms and expectations of women in the ancient Near East. Her concern for Ruth and Orpah's remarriage underscores the limited avenues available to women for securing their future, highlighting the vulnerability and dependency that characterized their social standing.

Conclusion:
Naomi's benedictions upon Ruth and Orpah are a profound expression of love, faith, and hope. They encapsulate the themes of divine providence and human loyalty that are central to the Book of Ruth, offering a glimpse into the heart of a woman who, despite her own suffering, seeks the welfare of others through the invocation of God's enduring kindness.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 1:8,9
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.
Nave's Topical Index