The relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law is beautifully exemplified in the biblical narrative of Naomi and Ruth. This account, found in the Book of Ruth, highlights themes of loyalty, love, and faithfulness, offering a profound example of familial bonds transcending bloodlines.

Naomi and Ruth: A Unique Bond

Naomi, a woman from Bethlehem, becomes a widow while residing in Moab with her husband Elimelech and their two sons. Her sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Tragedy strikes again as both sons die, leaving Naomi with her daughters-in-law. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the LORD had provided food for His people. She urges Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab and remarry, but Ruth's response is one of unwavering devotion.

Ruth's declaration to Naomi is one of the most poignant expressions of loyalty in Scripture: "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" (Ruth 1:16). This commitment signifies Ruth's deep love and respect for Naomi, choosing to embrace Naomi's people and faith as her own.

Naomi's Role and Influence

Naomi's influence on Ruth is evident in Ruth's willingness to leave her homeland and adopt Naomi's God and people. Naomi, despite her initial bitterness over her losses, becomes a guiding figure for Ruth. Upon their return to Bethlehem, Naomi advises Ruth on how to glean in the fields and later instructs her on approaching Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, as a potential kinsman-redeemer.

Naomi's wisdom and guidance play a crucial role in Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz, which secures both their futures and restores Naomi's hope. Through Naomi's counsel, Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

The account of Naomi and Ruth underscores the importance of family loyalty and the blessings that can arise from such devotion. It also highlights the inclusivity of God's plan, as Ruth, a Moabite, becomes an integral part of the Israelite community and the messianic lineage. This narrative demonstrates that God's covenant love extends beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries, welcoming all who seek Him with a sincere heart.

Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the role of a mother-in-law was significant, often involving mentorship and support for the daughter-in-law. Naomi's relationship with Ruth exemplifies this dynamic, as Naomi provides Ruth with the knowledge and guidance necessary to navigate her new life in Bethlehem. The mutual respect and love between Naomi and Ruth challenge the often negative stereotypes associated with mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships.

Conclusion

The account of Naomi and Ruth offers a timeless example of love, loyalty, and faith. It serves as a reminder of the potential for deep, meaningful relationships within families, even those formed through marriage. Through their account, believers are encouraged to embrace and honor the familial bonds God has placed in their lives, recognizing the divine purpose and blessing that can flow from such relationships.Ruth 1:14-17
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth joined to her.
Nave's Topical Index

Ruth.
... He told her that he knew all her kindness to her mother-in-law since the death of
her husband, and how ... So Ruth became the honored and beloved wife of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvi ruth.htm

A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert
... is to give itself away to the object beloved. ... Apparently Ruth's adhesion to the worship
of Jehovah was originally due to her love for her mother-in-law. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a gentle heroine a gentile.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... Xerxes, the Hebrews went to work on the beloved city with a ... to each other and to
God, of Ruth the Moabitess, and her Hebrew mother-in-law Naomi, who ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... beloved, he who knoweth the Father, and the Son ... the streets of Bethlehem did Boaz
and Ruth receive a ... mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And Naomi said unto Ruth, my daughter, 'Tis good that thou observe to follow ... and
wheat harvest both, she saw Were done, and she dwelt with her mother-in-law. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... purity. He places Boaz and his wife Ruth side by side in his repository,
and traces the descent of Jesse and David from them. He ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... This is, no doubt, superfluous for you, my well-beloved son, since you know the
whole affair as it occurred; yet it is desirable that those who are ignorant of ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Let them acquainted be, too, how they are Beloved of their King, under His care:
What ... for thou hast given credit to the truth.[89] Thou art a Ruth, who did ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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