Topical Bible: Friendship: Ruth and Naomi

◄ Friendship: Ruth and Naomi ►

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The account of Ruth and Naomi is a profound biblical example of friendship, loyalty, and faithfulness. It is found in the Book of Ruth, which is part of the Old Testament. This narrative not only highlights the bond between two women but also illustrates the divine providence and covenantal faithfulness of God.

Background

Naomi, an Israelite woman, moved to Moab with her husband Elimelech and their two sons due to a famine in Bethlehem. In Moab, Elimelech died, and Naomi's sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both of Naomi's sons also died, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed and vulnerable.

Naomi's Decision to Return

Hearing that the Lord had provided food for His people in Bethlehem, Naomi decided to return to her homeland. She urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry, as she had no more sons to offer them. Orpah eventually agreed, but Ruth's response was markedly different.

Ruth's Loyalty

Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi is one of the most poignant expressions of friendship and commitment in the Scriptures. Ruth said:

"Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17)

This vow signifies Ruth's unwavering dedication not only to Naomi but also to the God of Israel, marking her conversion and commitment to the covenant community.

The Journey to Bethlehem

Ruth's decision to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem was a significant act of friendship and sacrifice. As a Moabite, Ruth faced potential discrimination and hardship in Israel. Nevertheless, her loyalty to Naomi and her newfound faith in the God of Israel propelled her forward.

Life in Bethlehem

Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth took the initiative to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields. Her diligence and humility caught the attention of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, who showed kindness and protection towards her. Boaz's actions were in accordance with the Levirate laws and the spirit of the kinsman-redeemer, which ultimately led to his marriage to Ruth.

The Legacy of Ruth and Naomi's Friendship

The friendship between Ruth and Naomi is a testament to the power of selfless love and faithfulness. Through Ruth's loyalty, God orchestrated a plan that not only provided for Naomi and Ruth but also wove them into the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Ruth became the great-grandmother of David, highlighting the significant role she played in God's redemptive history.

The account of Ruth and Naomi serves as an enduring example of how God can use friendship to fulfill His purposes and demonstrate His steadfast love.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 1:16,17
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after 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:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Friendship.
... Such was the friendship of Ruth and Naomi. Orpha loved Naomi, kissed her, and returned
satisfied to her early home; but Ruth cleaved unto her, saying: ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/viii friendship.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... of this world is enmity with God?" If therefore you are in friendship with the ... You
are now all following with zeal, as Ruth and Orpah did Naomi, and may ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And Naomi said unto Ruth, my daughter, 'Tis good that thou observe to follow
after His maidens, that they meet thee not elsewhere. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... together: makes our nature lovely to God, and God's nature lovely to us; by his
death, causes friendship, yea, union ... You that are now Naomi, may be Mara ... Ruth 1:20 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Thy setting out is good, for thou hast given credit to the truth.[89] Thou art a
Ruth, who did, for the love she bare to Naomi, and to the Lord her God, leave ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm