Ruth Chapter One

One of my recent bible studies is on Ruth. The story begins with a famine in the her country of Judah and Naomi moving to a distant land to escape starvation. She is moving away from all of the women in her life. That may sound like a small thing but it isn’t.


Today we live in a time when we can jump on a plane or bus or in a car and be some place else in at least 60 miles an hour. We can call, send a letter, an email or a text for immediate contact with our loved ones from almost any where in the world. But when Naomi, followed her husband and sons to Moab she was leaving behind every shred of sisterhood, support and encouragement that she had known since childhood. Mother, aunts, sisters, friends, all were gone. She knew she may never see their faces or hear their voices again. I imagine as she left, the women in her life came to see her off. I can see them weeping and hugging and following after the small caravan for a time before they had to reluctantly turn away, return to their lives and leaving Naomi to her journey.


Doing this study has inspried me to try to recreate what life may have been for Naomi and her daughter in law Ruth. Maybe the story begins something like this:

As Elimelech checked the load on the last donkey he hollered to Mahlon, “ Start the donkeys out, Kilion and I will follow up with the goats. Naomi, you’ve said your goodbyes, it is time to go.”


Hiya!” Mahlon goaded the lead donkey. And with a clanking of pots and shuffling of hooves the small caravan began to move out.


With her hand to her mouth as if to hold back the gasp of sorrow and fear, Naomi looked at her life passing before her. Abigail reached out and embraced her cousin, “ May God bless you my sister, may you be renewed and sustained and may you come back to us full.”


“Naomi!” her husbands seemingly stern insistence cut through the lamentation of the other women.


“OOhh,” she wept as she pulled away from the arms that held her. The arms she had know since she was a child. “Shall I never see you again?” she cried as she stepped into the unknown…

What journey are you stepping into my sisters that is carrying you beyond your comfort zone. Are you like Naomi, being forced into change by famine or some other life altering event?

Come and join me on this journey into the lives of Naomi and Ruth.
We left off the other day with Naomi having to leave all she knew to escape the heart ache of famine. Having arrived in Moab, her feelings of isolation probably intensify as they settle into their new home and the men go off to make a living. Perhaps they hire themselves out to work in the fields or to press wine. Perhaps they are shepherds and are away from home for extended periods. The loneliness she must have felt! Did anyone of the Moabite women befriend her? Were they able to communicate? Did they dislike her? Did they even acknowledge her presence?

Go with me as with imagine how it may have been:


Traveling southeast from Bethlehem they arrived just outside the town of Zoar.  Knowing his wife was tired after six days of travel,  Elimelch decided it would be best to find a place in town to spend the night. It would also be easier to observe the sabbath in town. So the family entered the small unwalled city and found lodging in a house.

The house consisted of a courtyard with several booths were travelers could have a fire for cooking and a roof over their heads.

As the boys unpacked the donkeys and corralled the goats, Elimelech and Naomi had their first real conversation since they had left Bethlehem. "We have made good time, traveling about 8 miles a days. I think we will stay close to Zoar until I find us a suitable place to live." Elimelech said.

"Whatever you say husband."

"In the morning I will take you to draw water and to the market the day after the sabbath. It will give you an opportunity to look around. Would you like that?"

"It is a necessity." she breathed out her reply.

Hurt and frustrated by her response He hissed angrily at his wife, "So was our coming here woman! The crops had failed, the livestock were dying. We would have been next. I know your sad, so am I. But don't you know that it is better for us to be sad and alive than dead! We will find our way home when the drought has lifted."


At this Mahlon signaled for Kilion to follow him out of the booth. "Give me a hand brother."

Turning to face her husband with tears rolling down her eyes she answered, "I said I know it is a necessity. But Elimelech I can not be happy about it."


"Then be happy we are together." He demanded.


"I feel as if this is wrong and something bad will happen. But I will try." she answered him. Then calling to her sons "Bring me the lamp. It is time."


As the boys obediently stepped back into the shelter. Kilion reached into a pack and pulled a clay lamp out and handed it to his mother. Elimelech opened a small box and took out two stones. Then kneeling next to the dug out pit were previous guest had built their fires, he took some hay and placed it in a pile. He struck the rocks together and caused a spark. As it caught he blew gently to encourage the spark. As the hay began to burn ,Mahlon handed his father some kindling they had brought with them.


Naomi knelt down in the corner of the booth. Brushing the hay and dirt away she cleared a spot for the lamp. Gently She sat it on the ground as her husband handed her a small stick with a flame to light the wick. As she did Naomi began to pray ushering in the sabbath.

Even in this foreign land the sabbath passed uneventfully.  As the first day of the week burst in upon them Elimelech told his wife "Let us go to the town gate this morning, perhaps you will meet some of the women."

Nervously, Naomi wrapped herself in her shawl and picked up a bag to carry supplies. Then obediently she followed her husband and his donkey out into the street.  As they walked Naomi listened carefully to the words people were saying. Elimelech had told her that the Moabite language was not to terrible different from the Jewish language. As they neared the gate, Naomi drew closer to her husband. "Relax women. They will not hurt you" As they walked out the gate the smells of the market assailed them. Very shortly Elimelech stopped in front of a booth.  Here, didn't you say you needed corn meal?" he said stopping in front of some baskets of grain. "Just talk to him. I will help you if you need it."

"Yes." She said then looking at the merchant she asked "How much for an ephah of corn meal and the barley too?"

"A half a shekel for the barley but the corn is a full shekel of silver."

Reaching into her tunic she removed the two coins and placed them in the mans hand. Then as he and Elimelech loaded the grains on the donkey Naomi wandered over to an olive merchant and purchased a carafe of olive oil from his wife. "You are new here." The woman said as she handed the carafe to Naomi.
"Yes." She answered as she placed the craft in her bag on her shoulder.
"Are you staying long?" The woman asked eyeing Naomi.
"I do not know." She replied.
"You are an Israelite?" She asked Naomi.
"Yes." she said as she looked the woman in the eye.
"You are fleeing the famine." It was a statement not a question.
"Yes." she answered as she walked to where her husband was standing.

He too was in a conversation with a local. However he was more involved and even laughing. Naomi waited on him as she tried to decided if the woman was being friendly or nosy.

As he joined her he seemed to be in an especially good mood.

"Something good happened?" She asked.

"Yes," he said smiling. "There is a local man called Amin. He is always looking for a few hired hands to shepherd his sheep. He will allow us to take you with us. We will start out tomorrow."

Naomi smiled at her husband but secretly her heart sank. She had decided the woman was being friendly. That is life she thought to herself.

Nothing Good to Say
The following morning the family sat out to the camp of the man Elimelech called Amin. It was a journey of a day and a half. As she walked, she had to pay careful attention to where she placed her feet as the ground was littered with small rocks. It would be easy enough to twist her ankle. Such an accident would slow them up and frustrate her husband. It would also make her job in this strange land more difficult. If she were at home, friends and family would come to her aide. But here, it would make more work for her sons and husband or go undone until she healed.
‘O, Abigail, how I miss you my sister.’ Naomi lamented. Suddenly she thought she heard the sound of bleating. As she lifted her eyes, Naomi could see a very large camp in the distance.

“Is that it husband?” She called to her husband who was signaling to his sons to halt and set up a temporary camp.

“Yes, he fly’s a red and gold colored banner. That is it there above the center tent.” He said as he began to give orders. “Kilion stay here with your mother. Don’t set up camp yet. Wait till I return. Mahlon bring some cheese and your mothers good bread. I will grab a skin of wine.”

As her husband and son left, Naomi unpacked a blanket from one of the donkeys as Kilion pulled out three poles from another.

“You have been so quiet since we left Bethlehem, mother.” Kilion said as he made a small shelter from the sun for Naomi.

“Yes, well your grandmother says, ‘Don’t say anything if you have nothing good to say.” she sounded resigned but sad.

“Can’t you see that Father had no choice! We were losing everything. He is doing what is best.” Kilion loved his mother but his loyalty was to his father.

“That is true. He is a good man.” Her heart wanted to cry but there were no tears left. “I know he believes he is doing the right thing. It is just that I am lonely, that is all. I miss my sisters, especially Abigail. I miss going to draw water and our laughter. We have not laughed since we left home.”
“Laughter mother? This is not a journey of laughter.”

“How do I make you understand?“ She asked in exasperation. “Kilion you have your brother and your father. At night you talk about the days travel, the animals and your work. You talk about the people you meet on our journey. Tonight you will sit with your father and discuss the work he has arranged for you to do. I will sit and listen. You will not care what made me decide what we shall eat tonight or how I will clean up. You will not wonder as I, if Abigail’s daughter has given birth yet or how the wedding feast for Moshe and her new husband will be since there is such famine in the land. You will not even consider that I met a woman back in Zoar and then we left. I am feeling all of these things and only one sabbath has passed since we left.” she finished staring at her bewildered son.

“Perhaps there will be women in the camp who you can be friends with.” he said sadly. “ I am going to check the animals.”

It had been a good beginning for them in Moab and Elimelech was pleased. The family had gone to work for Amin and joined his camp. They had set their tent up on the eastern edge. They were just one of eight families besides Amin’s that tended the sheep. Three of the families were slave families that had been with Amin’s family for years. Though he and his sons had minimal experience shepherding sheep, they learned quickly and Amin took good care of them considering they were Jews.

The years passed and life had settled and become pleasant for Naomi‘s family. As the laugher began to return to their lives Elimelech teased that he was glad to have his pleasant wife back. the Moabites however never fully accepted this Jewish family and their strange ways.

Amin did not cause Elimelech and his sons to work on their sabbath and occasionally Elimelech allowed the family to participate in the feast that did not center on the worship of Chemosh. But this did little too assuage the separateness between the families.

Naomi, believing that one day God would allow them to return home, learned to be a woman alone. Most days she relied upon Yahweh to sustain her needs for a sisterhood. But, taking joy in her family and believing God for restoration did not remove the loneliness which still sometimes caused problems for them, as did the fact that the boys were coming of age in this foreign land. Naomi found herself encouraging Elimelech to take wives for her sons.

Dealing with Loss

“You amaze me woman. You hate this place. You despise the child sacrifice and the temple prostitution. The women here barely let you associate with them and yet you want to take wives for our sons from among them.” he responded the same way each time she brought up the subject.

“That is not what I want. I want to return home! But that is not what is happening. Our sons have become men. They are noticing the women. It is time to do something, before they are attracted by the temple prostitution.” Naomi would counter.


In this one thing their sons agreed with Naomi.

“It does not seem like we will ever return home. God seems to have forsaken Israel.” Mahlon argued with his father.

“I barely remember what home is like” Kilion admitted.
“God has not forsaken His people. We will return home when the famine is over. You are young. You can wait to start your families then.” Elimelech would snap.

His wife and sons respected him so Elimelech always had the last word. That is until Naomi would bring it up again. Naomi knew in her heart that her desire for her sons to marry was also rooted in her loneliness.

“Oh to have daughters and grandchildren would make my life so much more bearable Lord God.” she would whisper in her prayers each day. “Even if they were Moabites.”

The loneliness wasn’t just a day at a time. The men would be gone for ten to fifteen days at a stretch. They rotated tending the sheep that were in their care, with another family. While they were gone the care of their own animals fell to Naomi and an occasional slave boy Elimelech would hire out from Amin.
Naomi did have some reprieve from her loneliness when she went to the cistern to draw water. She would load the jars on the donkey and take off to the center of the camp. It was the only time she entered from the edges where they had camped. The women acknowledged her and occasionally spoke. Even when they did, they, as she finished the job quickly and returned to their daily chores.

Occasionally one of the women would come by to trade with Naomi, and make small talk. Because she had so much time when the men were gone she took to walking and collecting the fringed rue that grew wild in the area. The Moabites were notorious for their drunken feast to honor their god Chemosh. Naomi used the fringed rue to make a tonic to relieve the effects of the hang over. Though not in great demand it brought in an occasional customer and few coins. But most important for Naomi was the interaction with the other women.
Still Naomi ached for a sisterhood. She was so alone.

It was cold and blustery that last day the men returned from the fields, and Mahlon was ill.
“You are burning up and that cough sounds deep in your lungs.” Naomi worried aloud as she prepared a poultice for his chest.

“I only need to rest.” was his reply as he collapsed in a heap upon his mothers mat in the far corner of her tent.

Those were the last words he spoke for days. When he awoke he found his father and brother had also succumbed to the illness. Exhausted Naomi had cared for them alone.

“How is it that you are not ill? Mahlon asked his mother as she prepared a small bowl of lentil soup.
“It is God’s grace.”

“God’s grace?“ he questioned. “It is grace that has driven us so far from our people, and allowed us to fall ill? Is it grace that has us so tired? Is it grace that keeps these Moabites so distant from us that no one offers to help you?” he stormed at his mother in his weakened state.

Be quiet!” she bellowed in an uncharacteristic fashion. “Be quiet before you incur the wrath of God upon us. “Yes it is His grace!” Do I understand? No. But I believe just the same. Now finish the soup and get some rest so that you may be of use to me again!”

He did not know as he laid his head down that when he arose his father would be dead.

Naomi, stunned by her husbands death was not ready for the confrontation with Amin.
“The tent must be burned.” he demanded. “It is our way. You can not live in a tent in which someone has died.” As he spoke his men entered and began to remove Naomi’s possessions.
“No!” she cried out as she tried to stop the men.

“Take your mother to your tent!” Amin shouted at Mahlon.

Knowing he could do nothing to stop him, Mahlon’s only response was, “Kilion is inside. He is better but he will need some assistance getting into our tent.”
As the men drug Kilion out of the tent, others removed Naomi’s belongings.

“Can’t we bury our father?“ Mahlon asked the elder man as they stood and watched the last of the belongings brought out and thrown on the ground.

“No, the body will be burned and the ashes offered to Chemosh. You are in Moab, not Canaan.” Then tossing the torch he had in his hand at the now empty tent he turned and walked away.
Sitting on the ground groaning with sorrow, Naomi heard Mahlon questioning God, “What grace?”Naomi could only weep. 

Wiping Away The Tears

Though concerned at the slow pace of it, her son’s health was returning. Naomi had been grateful for their company in those first days following the death of her husband. Still, the day finally came when Mahlon went and spoke with Amin about returning to the flock. As he and Kilion prepared their packs for the journey Naomi sat quietly looking off toward the wilderness.

“She hasn’t said anything all morning.” Kilion’s concern was evident in his voice.

“She will be fine. I have a plan to keep her busy.”

“A plan for what?” his brother looked puzzled.

“It is time we took wives. The caravan is due through here any day. I am going to suggest she make arrangements with Karzi for two of his daughters. There is more than enough silver coins for the brides price in Father’s money bag he had buried beneath mother’s tent.”

Kilion’s smile gave him away as he protested, “ But, Father wanted us to wait until we returned to Israel, and mother doesn‘t care much for Karzi or his daughters.”

Ignoring his comment  Mahlon told his brother, “Come on, and scoop her a cup of warm milk from the pot. I want to discuss it with her before we leave.” then quietly he headed off to where his mother was sitting.”

As he sat down their eyes met, and once again she was overwhelmed at the resemblance to her husband and she sighed heavily. Sleeping in her sons tent had been a blessing these nights. Their breathing made the darkness more bearable. It was the light of day that caused her to struggle. Each time they approached her from one angle or another she would see him. Or when they stood at a distance she would catch herself thinking she should call to him. She could hardly remember a time when he had not been there, and now he was gone. But in the dark, the smells were the same and the breathing was his. In the quiet of the day as she worked she would think of others who had lost their mates before her. Her mother had died first leaving her Father. Soon enough he married, not wanting to be alone. It was the same with all of the men, marrying or taking a concubine. But the women, unless they were young took their solace in their children and grand children. Naomi could feel the anger rising as she looked out and despised this place that had taken her husband and was not her home. Elimelech, dead as he was did not escape her anger, as he was the one who brought her here. How dare he die. “How dare he!” she muttered as the tears welled up in her eyes.

“What did you say mother?” Kilion asked as he pressed the cup into his mother’s hand.

“It is nothing.” she answered surprised she had spoken out loud and blinking ways the tears.

“Mother, we are going to be gone for 15 days, just as before. I know that you will be fine. But I have a request.”

Naomi looked at her son knowing what would be his request.

“I know that Father wanted us to wait until we returned to Israel.” Mahlon waited for his mother’s reaction. When she gave none, he continued. “I mean him no disrespect. But there is no reason to think that the famine is going to let up anytime soon." He paused for effect then said, "I want you to arrange marriages for myself and Kilion. You are very discerning and know what makes a good wife. We trust your judgment. The caravan will be returning to Zoar any day now. They will surely pass through here to barter with Amin. When it arrives speak to Karzi. Surely among his eleven daughters you will find two suitable wives.” he wanted to sound like the head of the family that he was, but he wanted to remain respectful.

“And if I don’t?” she challenged watching her son closely.

He had not considered she might not do as he asked, still he did not blink, as he answered sincerely. “You will do this. I trust your judgment. If you don’t find two suitable women, we will look elsewhere. The choice will be yours.”

Naomi was pleased. Not only that her sons left the choosing to her, but that now there would be life in her camp again. Suddenly she felt like laughing.

"I will do take care of it." she smiled at her sons.

After they had left, Naomi went into the camp. She needed to speak with Amin. She had no intention of taking wives of the daughter’s of Karzi. They were raucous and loud women. They had no respect for themselves. She would have none of that for her son’s. As she nervously approached Amin’s tent she lowered her head and bowed forward respectfully.

Amin sat atop several mats and pillows in the opening of his tent talking with some of his men. After a few moments he looked up and said “What do you want old woman?”

Naomi answered him with more bravado than she felt. “When the caravan arrives I will be going with it into Zoar. Will the tent of my sons and their possessions be safe, or should I worry for them while I am gone?”

“Am I a thief, now that your husband is dead?” He hissed angrily.

“No, Amin.” Naomi tried quickly to recover. “ That is not what I meant. Elimelech said you are a shrewd but honest man in all of your dealings.” She knew she needed his protection while she was gone or the others would steal her blind. “ I only mean that others may not be so honest. I know you are a busy man. But this is a journey that I must take. So I am begging for your mercy and protection on what little my son’s own.”

“Did your sons know of this Journey?” his eyes narrowed.

“They are aware of what I am doing.” she avoided the question.

Amused that she would sidestep his question, he was now curious about her important journey. Amin questioned her. “So what is in Zoar that you would risk so much?”

Naomi saw the flash of curiosity. “I have to find wives for my sons, and Zoar is the closest town.”

“Hah!” he laughed. “Moabite wives for the Israelites princes? Have you decided our daughter’s are good enough?”

“There are many fine daughter’s in Moab. And I am sure that there are two set aside by God in Zoar for my sons.” Naomi sounded as if she were confiding a secret.

“What of Karzi? He has many daughters. Choose two of those and be done with it!” He flung his hand in the air as if to dismiss her.

Naomi felt her eyes narrow, “They are loud women, who do not know their place.” Her voice now took on a hint of distain. “They have seen much and desire to see more. Are they the type of women you want around here when my sons are out tending your sheep?”

Knowing she spoke the truth about most of Karzi‘s daughters he jeered back, “What would your husband say of any Moabite for his sons, old woman?”

“You know well what he would say. But I am an old woman, not a man. I may never see my home again. I need the joy of seeing children born to my son’s before I die.” she said with a determined plea.

Amin sat looking at her for a long moment. “Go to Zoar. No one will touch what belongs to you, or your sons.” he answered, with what sounded like compassion. “ Balak will take care of your donkeys and goats while you are gone. But don’t delay! There and back, quickly!” he demanded.

“Yes, Amin. Yes, and thank you. May the God of Heaven bless you.” she repeated as she backed away.

Then turning she almost ran back to her tent. Not only would she need to purchase two wives, but she would also need to purchase enough hides to make this one large tent into three tents. One for each son and one for herself.

As she sized up the existing tent, she realized she only needed to buy enough hide for one tent and two sides. It was then she realized with a wave of discomfort soon she would be sleeping alone at night. Then the realization hit her that soon was actually tonight. Naomi began to weep.

Everyone heard the clang and commotion of Karzi’s caravan before it arrived. His daughters were laughing and running ahead of the camels toward the camp. Naomi had all that she would need for the journey prepared for days. She only needed to add a skin of water and some dates, cheese and old bread to the pack. She would call for Balak to load the donkey for her before they left. She sat impatiently watching the caravan approaching. She knew they would stop to water the camels but, there was no telling how long they would stay. Zoar was not so far away. All depended on how anxious Karzi was to reach home.

Naomi was relieved to see the caravan circling just outside the camp. This meant they would stay the night. Had they preceded on into the camp to the well without unloading would have meant she needed to hurry. Naomi began to pray as she recalled the stories of Abraham sending out his faithful bond servant to find a wife for Isaac.

“God of Heaven, I pray that You show kindness to your handmaid and give me success in my journey and the task that lies ahead. I am a tired and lonely old woman who desires a little comfort. Even so, I swear this oath that I will take no wife for my sons that you have not set your seal of approval upon. Selah."

Karzi eagerly agreed to allow Naomi to travel with the caravan in hopes he would convince her to choose one of his many daughters. He had no sons, only a few lazy son in laws. Naomi seeing an opportunity to profit from the old mans desire to marry off a few of his daughters negotiated with him to buy the skins she needed for tents. Making a good deal in spite of being a woman, or perhaps because of it. Then leaving her camp in the capable hands of Balak and under the watchful eye of Amin, she and her donkey departed with the caravan to Zoar. Karzi still hopeful they would strike a deal for a least one of his girls was very solicitous of her the whole way.

As they arrived in Zoar Karzi offered for her to stay with he and his family in town, but Naomi feeling as if she was slipping into something she would not easily undo declined his request.

“But where will you stay? A woman alone?” he shouted at her, knowing that all was lost.

But taking her donkey she turned and headed back toward the city gate.

Since joining Amin she had only journeyed here with Elimelech once a year, so it was not a familiar place. The noise and the smells disturbed her more than she remembered. She was jostled from side to side by people who paid her no mind.

‘Perhaps Karzi was right.’ she thought for only a moment, seeking a place to sit down.
Finding a large clay brick that jutted out from one of the buildings she sat slowly. ‘I am getting old she thought to herself. This journey has not been easy. It is longer and hotter than I recall.” As she sat there holding on to the donkeys lead rope she heard what sounded like a familiar laugh.

“Naomi” called out the still laughing woman. “Is that you wife of Elimelech?” she asked. “You have come to Zoar early this year. Will you take part in the festivities? And where is that husband of yours?”

As the woman talked Naomi remembered. It was Keturah, wife of the olive merchant, she had met when they had first come to Zoar. He husband produced the best Olive oil for miles around. Perhaps there was none better.

“Keturah! It is good to see a friendly face.” glancing away she wondered if she sounded desperate. “My husband Elimelech is dead. I have come to town alone.”

“Dead! What happened? Are you returning to Israel then? Where are your sons?” Naomi thought she sounded concerned.

“Yes, dead. My sons are still working for Amin. I am here to find wives.”

“Aha!” she laughed again. “ I told Elimelech over and over, he should take wives for his sons.”

“Well, …” Naomi didn’t know what to say that would not be an insult to Moab or disrespectful to her husband so she didn‘t finish the sentence.

“Where are you staying?” Keturah asked.

“I, I have not found a place yet.” Naomi admitted.

“Then you will stay with us. We can not leave you a woman, alone in the street. Besides, I know all of the unmarried girls in town, one of which is my own.”

Naomi thanked Keturah barely managing to not cry. She began to quietly praise God for her good fortune, as Keturah told her son to take Naomi to their home. He took the donkey’s rope and led the way through a gate behind the booth. She was surprised by the brightness of the courtyard she entered into. The wall and gate seemed to block out most of the noise from the street, and Naomi suddenly realized how tired she was.

“Ruth! Ruth, we have a guest. Ruth come out here!” he called out impatiently.

“I am here!” the exasperated young girl answered as she bounded into the courtyard. “I was putting the baby down for a…” she stopped short seeing Naomi. “I am sorry.” she smiled at Naomi. “I thought you would have been one of Jacobs friend. “My name is Ruth.” she bowed her head respectfully.

“Mother wants you to make her comfortable. She will be staying with us for a few days.” the young man said to his sister as he led the donkey to the lean to out of the bright sun. “I will see to your animal, and then bring your pack shortly.” he said over his shoulder.

“No wait.” Naomi tried to say calmly as she reached for the rope. “There is this one thing.” she said as she untied the side bundle and pulled out the sack containing her coins. “Thank you.” she said hoping they did not realize what she had just done.

Turning back to the young girl she mustered a smile at the generosity she was receiving.
“Have you come far? Ruth ask.

“Yes and No.” she laughed. “My home is in Israel, a town called Bethlehem. But I am leaving here not very far outside of Zoar.”

“Oh yes, I know of you. I was only a little girl when you first arrived. Your husband works for Amin.”

“Yes.” She said watching the beautiful young woman who motioned for Naomi to sit down on a bench.

“A lot of people come through our town but foreigners don’t usually stay. Especially Israelites.” She was dipping water out of a shallow cistern.

Naomi laughed. “Yes well, they might be more inclined to stay if they new how hospitable you are.” She said as the young girl sat down in from of Naomi and began to bathe her feet.

As the young girl spoke, Naomi began to speak in her heart to her God. ‘Yahweh, this is your handmaid once again. I sit here in front of a lovely girl and I see the qualities any mother would desire for her son. If this is to be the bride for Mahlon let her now offer me a drink and a drink for my mule as her brother has not yet done so.’

As she had finished her prayer and opened her eyes she saw Ruth had stopped washing her feet and reached for a skin of water. “I am sorry, I should have offered you water first. You looked for a moment as if you would pass out.

Taking the skin she replied as the girl walked away. “I was only praying. But thank you I am thirsty.” Then as she took a sip the girl answered.

“Jacob has unloaded your pack and carried it inside, but he has not watered your donkey. I will and then we will go inside where it is cool.”


While Ruth watered the donkey, Naomi wept and quietly praised Yahweh.




Trusting G_d

Once inside the home, Ruth offered Naomi dried figs and a beautifully juicy pomegranate.

“So will your husband or sons also be staying with us, this night?” the girl asked her guest.

“No.” Naomi answered. “My sons are watching Amin’s sheep in the fields and my husband is now dead for over a month.” She felt the hot tears rolling down her cheeks as she thought of Elimelech.

Lowering her head, Ruth voice filled with sadness. “I am so sorry. I did not know. It seems that the gods send us unexpected sorrows and then take pleasure in our distress over them.”

“Not the God of Israel child.” she smiled at the girl gently as she dabbed away at her tears, while speaking her heart to Yahweh. ‘Give me the words to say to this child that she may have understanding of your ways.’

“Ruth, that is your name, right?” Naomi asked.

“Yes, Ruth.” She answered.

“Ruth, in Israel we believe that a man should plan his course. But, it is the one true G_d who determines a mans steps. Yahweh, does not play with us and our feelings. There is a purpose even for my being here.”

“But what purpose could there be in taking a man in his prime? Then leaving a wife behind to struggle and try to survive, and in a foreign land?” Ruth sounded apologetic for even asking.

“God’s ways are not our ways. But He is good and His love endures forever. I do not know His reason, His purpose for all of this but I trust Him even in my sorrow, and fear. Yahweh knows my sorrow and my fears. He is near to me. He is near to all who call upon Him in truth. He is righteous and loving toward us. He sorrows with me as a parent sorrows over disciplining a child.” Naomi watched the girl closely.

“So who is your God disciplining? You? Your husband? Your sons?” the girl’s sincerity was evident, as she peered deeply into Naomi‘s eyes.

Naomi had not considered that Elimelech’s death was a punishment. “I…I…don’t know if his death was discipline or not. I do not think so. He was a godly man. He loved Yahweh. What I mean is the sorrow a parent feels when their child is going through something is the way He is with us. Discipline is instruction, not always is it punishment. God’s love is as a Father.” the tears were running down her cheeks again.

“Oh, I have made you cry. I am sorry.” the girls said as she got up and wet Naomi‘s towel again. Then placing it against Naomi’s face she said. “I would like to hear more about your god as I prepare our evening meal. That is if you don’t mind.”

So, Naomi spent the evening speaking with Ruth about the God of Israel and her reason for her visit. Ruth paid close attention to everything the woman said.

Her parents were hospitable people and made sure Naomi had everything she needed. But it was Ruth who brought up the reason for the visit to Zoar.

“Father, Mother, I have a request.” Ruth interjected at the right time.

“Go ahead girl.” her father answered.

“Naomi has come to Zoar look for wives for her sons. Perhaps she will consider myself and my cousin Orpah. We are of age, and you have been discussing our futures.”

“No, my daughter.” Her father said shaking his head no. “Perhaps I am a selfish old man. But you are my youngest. I do not want you to one day move away from me, never to see you again.” Her Father answered gently. “This woman and her sons are Jews, they will not stay here.”

Looking sadly at Naomi the girl knew better than to argue with her father in front of a guest.

“I know,” replied her mother. “ We shall invite all of the young girls of the town to come for a visit and to meet Naomi. It will save so much time and it will be fun.”

“That,” said the father is a good idea. “We too can consider them for Jacob.”

“Well then it is settled. Naomi, we have much to do. Lets see, how many available girls are there in town? Jasmine, Hannah, Orpah, Deborah, Rachel, and you Ruth. That will be 6 girls.”

“Don’t forget Sarah!” she is a very good seamstress.” Ruth chimed in.

“Yes, 7 girls.” smiled Keturah.

“Oh my, what will we prepare?” Keturah said suddenly, sounding but not looking at all concerned.

“Mother, loves a feast.” Ruth whispered in Naomi’s ear. “Father likes to see her happy.” she said with a wide smile.

Though it did not take long to set everything in motion Naomi felt as if the days dragged on. Finally, the day came, and even though she was excited, she had mixed feelings. She still needed to find a wife for Kilion, she was convinced that Ruth was the girl for her oldest son. Each night she had prayed, ‘ Oh G_d of heaven and earth you have shown me the girl for my eldest, yet her family is against it. They understand she will move far away with us to Israel one day. I trust You Oh G_d, to make a way and a path. Now show me as well this day which if any of these girls will make a wife for Kilion. Amen’

As the girls and their families arrived, Naomi stood in the back ground as Keturah’s husband greeted his guest. The young women went into the court yard with their mothers, to be inspected by Naomi. While the fathers stayed with Haggai, Keturah joined the women.

As they looked at each girl, Naomi also spoke with them. They were all lovely girls. Naomi asked different questions of all the girls and their mothers, but there was one particular question she asked of each girl.

“What is the most important thing for a bride during her first year of marriage?”

Each young girl answered in various ways, “…to get to know her husband and make him happy.” All that is except Orpah, the cousin of Ruth.

Ruth had told her cousin, “Find some way to let Naomi know how important it is to you to know her god. Father will only let me go if you go, I am sure of it.”

So when Naomi approached and begin to ask her many questions, Orpah looked for an opportunity to speak of god.

“And your name?” Naomi asked.

“Orpah.” the girl smiled, her veil hanging off of her face as there were no men present in the courtyard.

“How old are you?’

“HHmm, I think I have 15 summers.”

“Do you have any brothers and sisters?”

“I am the second of five children and the second daughter. I have 2 sisters, one younger and one older. I also have 2 brothers. Both are younger.”

“What do you think is the most important thing for a bride during her first year of marriage?” Naomi watched closely.

“ Oh, that is easy. To learn as much as possible of the god my husband serves. My father serves Chemosh. Who does your son serve?” the girl asked coyly.

Naomi was not to be fooled. She understood instantly that Ruth had a plan, and it involved her cousin.
“I like this girl.” Naomi whispered to Keturah.

“Are there any others?” she asked warily, eyeing her daughter.

“No. It must be her. What is the bride price?”

“I will speak to my husband.” Keturah walked inside the house were the men were sitting.

After a while, Keturah returned and shared with her the bride price and Naomi agreed. It was settled quickly and as the excitement mounted it was difficult to keep the feasting from beginning, even though only half of the job had been accomplished.

Trusting G-d, Naomi was only slightly worried that she may have spent more than she planned on Orpah’s bride price.

Keturah and Ruth spoke with Orpah and her mother for sometime. They kept looking in Naomi’s direction.

Then Keturah left and returned a second time. Naomi saw a look of concern in her eyes. She watched as Keturah walked up to Orpah and her mother. As the two older women seemed to haggle over something, Naomi realized Ruth had left the room.

She wanted to walk over and ask the women what the problem was, but it went against protocol, so she sat trying to look confident.

Suddenly Ruth broke into the room with a great smile upon her face. “Mother!” she almost shouted. Then seeing the flash of anger cross her mothers face, she controlled herself and in a more demure voice she said, “Father wants to see you.”

After Keturah left the room, Ruth whispered something in Orpah’s ear and both girls giggled. Orpah’s mother chastised them both and they settled down just as Keturah re-entered the room. This time she approached Naomi.

“We have a dilemma, my friend.” she said with a half smile.

“ A dilemma?” Naomi was immediately concerned.

“Yes, Jarmuth has agreed to the bride price, but Orpah refuses to go unless Ruth goes also.”

Naomi understood Keturah’s smile. “What does your husband say?” she asked.

“He says Orpah should be beaten and made to go. I assured him you would not want Orpah unless she was willing. He now has myself, Ruth and Jarmuth pressuring him to say yes to your offer. My daughter is quite taken with you. You must promise me you will guard her with your life. I love her so. She is my treasure. But she wants to go.”

The evening had been a great success. Now a week later, Naomi and her new daughters were all packed and prepared to travel with a small caravan provided by Jarmuth and Haggai. The families would travel with their daughters to meet the husbands. Naomi would prepare a wedding feast. She told no one that purchasing so many items had cost her the last of her money.


Preparations & Forgiveness

The evening had been a great success. Now a week later, Naomi was returning to Amin and her sons to begin the process and to make preparations. Although they lived in Moab, Naomi had insisted that Jewish customs be observed with some slight alterations due to their circumstance and location.

The Betrothal, the first major step in a Jewish wedding was sealed with the payment of the bride price. Now Naomi would return home to the camp were her sons were surely returning from the fields and looking for her.

One of the accommodations she would have to make was the order of the betrothal period and the fetching of the bride. Normally the couples would observe a betrothal period of at least one year while the bride remained in her fathers house. Then at the end of that period the groom and his best friend would journey to the brides home to take possession of her. There would then be a procession back to the grooms home and wedding feast would ensue.

Instead, Naomi has arranged for her sons to journey to take possession of their brides in one month. The bridal procession would then follow the bride and groom to their new home where she would then throw the wedding feast. She told no one that the purchase of the items for the feast had cost her the last of her money. After the feast the marriage would not be consummated. The young brides would instead live in the tent of their mother-in-law where they would be trained to be good Jewish wives. At the end of the year the parents of the bride would join them in the camp for the final marriage ceremony and a private feast.
Keturah’s husband made arrangements for Naomi’s return and just as she thought, her sons were back from the fields and preparing to go and find her.

“Kilion, Mahlon, I am home!” she called out unnecessarily as they had already seen her walking along with the caravan.

Kilion was the first to reach his mother. He greeted her with a hug and a laugh. “You are the sly one aren’t you mother, running off to Zoar.”

Mahlon who had taken his time reaching her, was not in a laughing mood. Looking at her slowly after he reached her he asked, “Did I not tell you to take wives for us from among the daughters of Karzi?”

She had not considered that he would be upset, but pulling herself up to her full height, she looked up into his eyes, “Will you now that your father is dead, speak to me as if you are the parent?”

He was not moved. “ You left here alone!” he stormed back at her quietly. “Had I known that is what you would do, I would never have permitted it. YOU knew this or you would have told me your plan! Amin said you came to him immediately after we left for the field. And since I don‘t see any women it must not have been worth the danger you put yourself in.” As he looked at her in exasperation Naomi, picked up the hem of her skirt and walked around him and toward the camp.

“You have no right to disrespect her!” Kilion got in his older brother’s face. “And you did it in front of these people! How could you.” he said shoving his brother aside.

He caught up with his mother and asked, “Are you all right?”

She did not stop, or turn toward him, but he could see she was crying. “Mother, he, we were worried. Anything could have happened. We have just lost father. We were so afraid. Mahlon shouted at Amin and called him stupid.”

This stopped Naomi in her tracks. Then turning she looked to find Mahlon. Kilion realizing what she was doing said, “He ran ahead. I guess he is going to try to talk to Amin.”

Naomi then turned in the direction of Amin’s tent and went to join her son, with Kilion following.

As she neared, she could make out Mahlon standing before Amin with his head lowered. She hurried her steps. She did not know what she would say, so she said a quick prayer, “Oh Jehovah, give your servant favor in the eyes of this man.”

Just then she heard Amin’s voice. “Well here she is, the trouble maker. The one who convinced me I should be worried about the daughter’s of Karzi.”

Mahlon turned to see his mother. “Go to the tent.”

“I will not.” she answered. “This is my fault. I will speak.”

“Yes let’s hear what she has to say. She is a shrewd woman,” he paused eyeing her and smirking. “Let’s see how she will get out of this one.”

“Yes Amin, and I have made a shrewd bargain for two lovely Moabite women. Women of good stock. They will join us in a months time. But now I must confess, I had not told my sons that I planned to go into Zoar.”

Then turning to her eldest, she said “Mahlon, I as much as lied to this fine man. I avoided his question. I am sorry it caused such a problem.”

Turning back to her son’s employer, “Amin, please lay the blame at my feet. You too had a mother. I am sure you would be concerned with her safety and may even yell at the wrong person, in such a time as this.”

“I would have whipped her!” he countered. “Perhaps, I shall whip you old woman.” he said eyeing her closely.

“NO!” Mahlon and Kilion shouted in unison as Amin ‘s men grabbed them.

Naomi didn’t flinch, even as her sons struggled. She would not let this Moabite see her fear. “A whipping would kill this old woman.” she answered calmly. “And then my son’s would surely need to be killed for they are honorable young men. That is a lot of blood for one day. In all of the time we have been here you have prospered, Praise be to God.” Naomi lifted her eyes and hands to heaven. “But if killing me is necessary of course you have no other choice.”

With a burst of laughter, Amin called out to Naomi. “I didn’t know my mother old woman, but if I had I would hope she were as sharp and brave as you.” Then shifting his attention to Mahlon he said firmly, “ Settle down. Am I a monster that beats old women. For speaking to me the way you did, I shall cut your wage in half for this month. If you ever disrespect me again I will beat you!” With a wave of his hand his men released Mahlon and he walked to his tent. Then over his shoulder he said to Naomi, “I expect a full report tomorrow as to your journey and your results. Come alone before the noon meal.”

“Yes Amin.” she answered as she walked quickly away from her sons.

Mahlon told Kilion to go and fetch Naomi’s donkey and belongings from the caravan where she had left it.

“What are you going to do?” He asked his brother.

“ I am going to find out what she is going to tell Amin tomorrow.” he said.

“And that is all?” Kilion was puzzled.

“Amin was like clay in her hands. What chance do I have.” he even caught himself smiling. “I wonder if father had any idea?” he mumbled to himself.

As his younger brother walked away, Mahlon stood for a moment just gathering his thoughts. He had acted rashly and foolishly. He could almost hear his father telling him, “A man must pray before he thinks, pray before he acts, and do nothing until he hears from God, for we can accomplish nothing apart from God.”

Now rather than follow his mother, Mahlon turned and began to walk into the wilderness. He did not go far, just enough to find a place to be alone with God. His father also said it is never too late to turn from our evil ways and seek God. Mahlon realized he had not given the search for wives over to God.

Naomi too, was seeking God. Had she made a mistake. She knew that if she had told her sons her plans they would have insisted she wait. She had to admit she had not wanted to wait any longer. Loneliness had overtaken her to the point that she wanted what she wanted.

“O Lord of all Creation,” she prayed in side the tent upon her knees, “Forgive and vindicate this old woman. I have served You my Master all the days of my life. I have been a good wife to a godly husband. I have nursed and raised up two sons who you have granted me. I have trusted you without wavering. I have lived blameless before You, though I am only a woman. I do not sit with deceitful women, nor do I consort with gossips. I proclaim aloud Your praise and tell all who will listen of Your wonderful deeds. Perhaps I acted in haste, or out of loneliness. If so let not my evil fall upon my sons or daughters.” Her heart skipped a beat from joy as she said that word. “Is it wrong O God of Heaven? If so forgive me this joy. If so forgive this old woman, but do not heap punishment upon these my children. Now today, as You gave me favor before Amin, will You redeem me from my son’s anger. Let him rejoice in the coming of the bride You have secured for him. Redeem me and be merciful to me. In You I stand upon level unshakable ground. I will ever praise you, my Lord and God.” (* Psalms 26)

As she wiped her tears away Mahlon entered the tent and seeing his mother on her knees knew she too had prayed to Yahweh. Then taking her hands and lifting her to her feet, he said. “I was so worried. I was so worried we would lose you and never know what had happened to you. My mind just wouldn’t stop. I felt I should never had charge you with such a task. I felt I had failed father.”

“God is so gracious, He heard me in my loneliness and sorrow. He guarded my life and rescued me from any seen and unseen dangers. He guided His humble servant and showed me the way to your wives, my son. They are strong, lovely and goodly women. You will be pleased.” (Psalms 25)

“Do you forgive me?” He asked

“We will forgive each other. And we must seek Kilion’s forgiveness as well.”

From the tent entrance, where he had been standing since he saw Mahlon enter, Kilion replied with a smile “All is forgiven, but what are their names?”

With understanding Naomi answered her son, “Your wife is Orpah. She is strong and very beautiful.” Then looking at Mahlon, “And yours is Ruth, my son. She also is beautiful and strong. They carry wisdom as a companion and are eager to learn the ways of Yahweh’s people. I believe you will be pleased. I will tell you all of it tonight after we have eaten.” she said as she remembered she had to speak with Amin tomorrow before noon.
 


Receiving the Bride


As we go into this section of chapter one I am compelled to remind the reader that this is historical fiction. We actually know little of the series of events between verse one where we are told there is a famine and the family moves to Moab.

There is nothing written about the process whereby the brothers take wives. This portion of the story only encompasses Ruth 1: 1 - 4. So you can see that I have taken a lot of liberty .

When I read this story I can see it play out in my heart and mind. I see how the lives of this woman are paralleled to mine and possibly yours. I see how God’s truths are eternal and are applicable even today.

Let us take a look at the first verse.
“In the days when the Judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.” (Ruth 1:1 NIV)

Have you ever suffered financial set backs, been pulled way from family, moved to a new place? This one verse is so full of life and living and dealing with that struggle. I know there seems to be very little to pull from, regarding Naomi herself. Still, there so much to be seen in this woman, please don’t miss it.

Women didn’t have many rights in those times and a woman who abandoned her family would not be looked on favorably. Women were considered to be the mainstay of the Jewish home and they took this role seriously.

When Elimelech decided to flee the hand of God, Naomi in agreement or not, as a good Jewish wife saw no alternative but to follow her husband, even though this meant leaving all she had ever known. Possibly to never see friends and family again. No phones, no mail service, even if she could write.

Often times we are faced with decisions where there seems to be no right or rational path to follow. Sometimes we are trapped by our circumstance.

Even in these times there is Gods eternal truths. Naomi believed Moses when he told Israel in Deuteronomy 7: 9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”

Naomi knew that God had made the woman to be a helper to her husband. He had given her the role of caretaker and nurturer. I believe that Elimelech had the kind of confidence in Naomi that is spoken of in Proverbs 31: 10-12. He never doubted her faithfulness.

Ladies what do you do when faced with circumstances that seem confusing and that go against what you desire for yourself and your family? Do you know God’s word well enough to recognize the path you must take? Do you have the type of relationship with Christ that you can easily seek His will? Do you have the type of relationship that would lead you to follow, regardless of the difficulty?

This type doesn’t happen by chance. It happens only with a purposeful heart. The wife of Naomi’s day had to purposefully choose to usher in each day by lighting the candles. She had to purposely choose to praise God even as she milked the goat or carried water. She had to purposely choose to think on these things of God as she didn’t have the written word lying on her coffee table or beside her bed.

A relationship with Christ comes at a cost. The cost of purposing in ones heart that it matters more than anything else.

Remember as you read, this is historical fiction, with a heavy emphasis on fiction. At the end of this page I have included a spreadsheet of names. It identifies who are real characters and who I have imagined in order to write this story. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

Recieving The Bride

 
Naomi’s meeting with Amin went extremely well. He even offered to supply the meat for the feast. This was a blessing, to not have to use her small flock of goats. They and the donkey’s were all she had now that the money was gone. She still had not told her sons.

Soon the preparations had been made and the time had arrived for the days journey to Zoar.

Naomi had been surprised by the help that the other women in the camp had been to her. Was it she wondered at Amin’s direction, or because she was gaining Moabite daughters. They had willing stepped up to finish the preparations for the festivities in Naomi‘s absence.

The small caravan departed just before daylight. They would arrive in the early evening. Amin had permitted Naomi to bring Balek and his younger brother to assist in the journey.

“I am very excited to meet my bride.” Kilion told his mother as they journeyed that morning.

“I have been practicing her name all night. ‘Orpah’. It falls off my lips like a dew.”

As his mother gently chuckled under her breath, Mahlon chastised his brother. “You are like a poet singing songs with your lyre in the wilderness. You should think on more practical things. You only get yourself all worked up and you can’t even touch her for a year.”

Naomi listened as the young men bantered good naturedly with one another.

“You forget, there are many musicians in our family.” she volunteered.

“Are they all dreamers like my brother?” he countered.

“I may be a dreamer, but I am a happy dreamer. You on the other hand are so practical that you forget how to smile.”

“True.” he admitted. “Perhaps Ruth shall change that.” finally offering his own chuckle.

As they set up camp outside of the city for the night, Naomi knew that none of them would sleep well. For it was in the morning they would enter the city to claim their brides. They ate light and spoke little as the night drew to a close. Each understood the solemn moment that stood before them. There lives would be changed forever.

Early the next morning they arose and made preparations to enter the city. Naomi had brought with her two crafts of wine and two cups, one for each bride. For the bride of her eldest son, she had brought the very cup that she had been presented by Elimelech so many years before.

Having all dressed in their ceremonial clothes, and taking with them all of the necessary items they proceeded to the home of Haggai and Keturah. Both families awaited the young men. Booths had been erected in the courtyard where they were escorted. Naomi sat upon pillows in a shaded area between the two booths were she could easily speak and laugh with her sons. As a musician played the flute, everyone laughed and drank wine. Soon the music changed to a quieter sweeter melody. The families of the brides left their own booth's and entered the house. Then as the families reemerged the crowd quieted as the brides were escorted into the courtyard.

Naomi felt the tears rolling down her face and realized once again that her husband was not here to celebrate with his sons. Knowing where her strength came from and to stave off the sadness she began quietly praising G_d for His great mercy and compassion.

As each bride took their seat beside their husband there was many smiles and nervous laughter. Naomi found herself looking from side to side at each of her sons. She could not see their faces. Her daughter in laws of course were veiled.

As the music died down Haggai announced to the guest, “I present to Mahlon my daughter Ruth.“

The guest responded with the rolling and clicking of their tongues and clapping of their hands.

Mahlon then took the craft of wine and poured it into that special cup that brought back so many memories for Naomi. Then handing the gift to his bride, Naomi thought for a moment she saw him holding his breath.

Gently the beautiful young woman lifted her decorated hand and accepted the gift. She dropped her veil and drank from the cup. With this simple act shouts joy went up from all that were present.

It was now Kilion’s turn. Not to be outdone Jarmuth stood and looking into the face of his daughter he called out to the jubilant crowd. “ Today in sight of all of Zoar and Chemosh, I present my daughter Orpah to Kilion.
The already excited crowd could not contain itself as Jarmuth acknowledge his god before these Jewish visitors.

Naomi cringed, and lowering her head quietly cried out to G_d for forgiveness.

Kilion who could only hear with his heart, did not hear Jarmuth’s words. Then pouring the wine into the cup, he offered to his bride his gift. As Orpah lifted her hand to take the cup she also dropped her veil. As she drank from the cup the crowd erupted into a sort of mayhem and began to dance and shout.

As Naomi wept she saw Mahlon looking around concerned that the festivities had interrupted the ceremony.
Getting up from her place of honor as the mother of the bridegrooms, she knelt beside Mahlon and Ruth.
“It does not matter whether they observe this solemn occasion or not my son. It only matters that God sees and knows your heart.” she said as she reached for the contract and placed it in his hand.
So with his mother kneeling beside him he handed Ruth her contract and began to praise God for his bride.

“How great is the Lord and how worthy He is to be praised. I will sing a song, I will not be quieted. I will sing Your praise all the day long. I worship You in the splendor of Your glory. All the gods of the nation are only idols before you. You are to be feared O glorious God of Israel. You Lord God, you made the heavens and earth and all that is in it. Now I will praise you for this delightful and beautiful creature You have given me. You created all things and all peoples and you have drawn out of Moab one for Your own. She who is called woman. You have given her to me and I will cleave to her and we shall be as one. Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad. (Ps. 96)

As Mahlon completed this blessing of his bride, Naomi reached out an took the bag with the remainder of the money for the Mohar, or bride price from beside him. She then made her way over to Kilion and Orpah.
“Son, you must present her with her contract and offer the blessing.” she cried over the noise.

Yes, yes” he said laughing at the excitement that surrounded him. Then taking the contract he placed it in Orpah’s hand and said, “ Blessed am I among men. For God is good and great and has taken delight in bringing me this Moabite wife."

Then taking from his hand the remainder of the bride price, she went to the fathers and herself placed a bag in each man’s hands. Solemnly returned to her place to await a good time to depart.

The following morning Naomi, back at the camp outside the gates of Zoar was up early as usual. Thinking the rest of the family was still sleeping she dressed quietly. She did not need to be in a hurry. As was the custom her sons would bring their new wives home under torch light. As she stepped outside the makeshift tent she had shared with her new daughters she threw her shawl over her shoulders. Suddenly she heard a rustling sound as if someone was rummaging about the camp. Standing very still she called out “Who is there?”

“It is I, your, your daughter Ruth.” came the nervous voice.

With a moment of surprise and confusion, Naomi responded, “What are you doing child? I did not realize you were awake.”

“Trying to find something to start a fire with.” came the tender reply. “Did I wake you?”

Suddenly joy filled her soul, “Yes my daughter you have awaken me, and I am delighted.” Then moving over to where the young woman’s voice emanated from, she embraced her. “We will build the fire together my daughter, together.”

It was not long before the sleepy camp began to waken with the breaking of the day. Balak and his brother watered the donkey’s in preparation of the journey that lay ahead. Both were very interested in the two young women who were not much older than themselves.

“Balak, you and your brother pack mother’s things on the donkey.” Mahlon directed, “and then you can sit down and have a bite to eat.”

“Yes sir,” the boys replied in unison. Then moving together they began to lift the items onto the donkey that Naomi had already laid into a pile.

Mahlon and Kilion worked on dismantling the little shelter they had made the day before for the women to sleep in. Except for two small bags, all of their wives belongings were still packed on a cart that now belonged to Ruth, a gift from her father at Keturah’s urging. Packed on the cart the women were able to bring all of their belongings and gifts, they would have had to otherwise had to make several trips to carry to their new home.
Balak and his brother were not the only ones who were curious. As he and his brother finished packing the tent, Kilion made his way over to the fire were Orpah presented him with warm milk and a fig paste on dried bread. “How far is it to the camp?” she asked with her head down and a blush on her cheeks.

“Thank you, We will arrive tonight.” he smiled at her. “It is our custom at the end of the betrothal period for the groom and the men in his family to go by torchlight in the night to retrieve the bride. But because you will be living with my mother instead of the home of your father we are performing the ceremony now.” His excitement was intensified by her stolen glance. “You have beautiful eyes.” he whispered. Unsure of what to say she hurried away to find Ruth.

They timed their arrival in camp with sunset, and as planned the brothers escorted their new brides into camp on donkeys by torchlight. Just as it had been arranged, the women had prepared an elaborate feast which began immediately after presenting the wives to Amin. Naomi allowed herself to enjoy this celebration as there was no homage to Chemosh, and the women who she had known at a distance for so long now seemed to clamor around her. For a moment she felt like she was at home. But not really.

The following morning Naomi wasted no time, in the instruction of her daughters.

As they set about cleaning up after breakfast she began to share with the girls, “In Israel when a foreign maid is taken captive, and a man finds her beautiful and wants to take her for his wife, the young woman is brought into the home and her head is shaved and her nails trimmed back. She is then allowed to mourn the loss of her family and home for one month before he is allowed to marry her. I believe that the two of you should also undergo this ritual.”

The girls listened intently to Naomi as she spoke, but it was obvious to her that they did not understand. Orpah spoke first, “We were not taken captive, and I don’t want to shave my head. Must I do this?”

“No, you were not taken captive in a war. Even so, you are being taken out of your homes, away from your families. One day we will return to Bethlehem. You must not wait until that day to embrace God‘s destiny and grace for bringing you into His fold.”

“I think I understand.” Ruth offered. It is a time for us to be set apart from who we were, that we may fully embrace who we are to become.”

Naomi was delighted that Ruth understood. “Exactly!” she answered. “I know what it is to be torn from those you love. It does not mean you are not dedicated to the new life and the new family when you mourn what was. It is to honor what was in your life, and to allow you to go forward.”

“Oh,” Orpah said as she began to understand. “It will help us to get through our homesickness.”

“Yes, my darling, and you will get homesick very soon.” Naomi offered a weak smile. So close to Zoar, they may be tempted to run away, returning to their families. “I don’t want your sorrow to surprise you.”

Naomi paused for a moment. Then she added, “It will also be a testimony to those who watch to see if the children of God will be swallowed up into Chemosh, the way He swallows up the Moabite babies. By this ritual you will demonstrate symbolically that you have been adopted into the children of God, who does not require our children’s death, but our lives.”

Naomi then explained to them about the Micvah, or ritual baths. After each girl had their heads shaved, Naomi prepared and demonstrated the special bath. It too was improvise since there was no pool to dip in only a stream.

As they dressed and covered their now bare heads Naomi shared more of Gods truth with her daughters by telling them the story of creation, and the first woman.

“So after God created everything else, he created man and gave Him purpose and value.”

“How did He give man value?” Ruth asked.

“First,” Naomi answered, “God created man in His image. This caused him to identify with His creator, much like a child identifies with his father. He will emulate the one who has created him, the way he moves and speaks and even the way he walks. If that child observes a good man he can respect, he will believe he to is valuable and good. Man sees he is in the image of the true and perfect G-d. He sees worth in himself.

Next man finds self worth in the work of his hands, his accomplishments, his strengths. These things too come from God.

Then a man finds value in the eyes of his helpmate. In Adams case this was Eve.

It is most important for you to know that G_d gave to man, woman, to come along side of him to be his helper. We are made from his side. The man is to be the servant leader, the woman completes the man, and the home. Man and woman were made for each other, and are dependent upon each other. But the woman must always give her husband respect. He must always know she believes in him. He is the provider of her house hold. She must trust a…”
“You believe that the husband is the servant?” Orpah interrupted Naomi with a puzzled look on her face.

“No your husband is the leader of his home. You must trust and obey him. But, ask yourself who can lead that does not understand how to serve?” Naomi asked.

“I don’t understand.” Orpah was still puzzled.

“It will come.” she smiled and then glanced at Ruth as she began to grind the grain. “What are you thinking about Ruth.

“Men need to be honored, especially in their home by their wives and children. But what if they do not act very honorable?”

“You should always align yourself with G-d’s will and then your husbands will. If you do this you will find you are honoring to your husband,”

“What if they do not match up?” Orpah asked. “G-d’s will and my husband’s will.”

“You will find that prayer works things out.” Naomi smiled again. “That prayer starts today. You should speak to Yahweh early in the morning, at midday and in the evening. He should be your constant companion. You should ask G-d to grant your husband wisdom, and to not withhold the rod of punishment from him. Pray G-d will keep his heart on the right path. That path is that his heart belong to G-d even before it belongs to you. As you begin to pray accord to the will of Him who know all and is all, your husbands will begin to act accordingly. You should be a loving servant in your home. Do not forget to pray for your families in Zoar and for your children as well.” she smiled eagerly.

“But we have no children yet.” Orpah laughed.

“Don’t wait till the rain comes to take cover or you will get wet.” Naomi laughed again. Oh how good it felt to laugh.

As the days passed, the girls learned quickly about life as a Jewish wife. One particular morning, Naomi noticed that Ruth and Orpah did not return as quickly as usual from their morning prayers.
“Are you alright my daughters?”

“I was thinking about my hair this morning.” Ruth answered, as she gently rubbed her head.

“It did not fall away without pain.” Naomi suggested.

“The shards, left nicks and tiny cuts upon our heads as you shaved our hair off.” Orpah offered. “Yet that discomfort was not as difficult to accept as the ache that has shown up in our hearts.”

“Come my daughters. Today you will do no work. Today your mourning really begins. Together we will sit and you will tell me of your mothers, and how they raised you and loved you.” then wrapping her thick arms around both girls they walked to the tent. Living will wait while we mourn.

The year passed quickly and the young men fell deeply in love with their wives as they watched them blossom in their mates. Learning to laugh and play and work side by side, all the while remaining chaste and setting a standard for all of the camp to observe.

As the year ended they prepared for the final feast with the families from Zoar. Mahlon and Kilion built special booths. One booth for the family of each mans wife. One booth for Mahlon and one booth for Kilion. Their brides would initially rejoin their families until several hours later. Then the grooms each accompanied by a friend would walk over to their individual families claiming their bride.

Escorting them back to their own booths, they would sit with their brides. Eating lightly they would offer their bride a little wine to assuage their fear. Then in time they would depart to their tent accompanied by their bride and their friend, who would stand guard until the marriage was consummated. The groom would then take the evidence of his brides chastity, her bloody sheet and hand it to the friend. He then would carry it to the brides father who would display it for all to see.

Often times the festivities would go on for days. However, fearing the worse from these incestuous pagans, Naomi had arranged with Amin for the celebrations to last only the night and into the next day.

That night she slept in her tent alone, weeping and praising G-d.


After the marriage was consummated the bride would remain in the tent of her husband for 7 days, while the festivities continued. However, fearing the worse from these incestuous pagans, Naomi had arranged with Amin for the celebrations to last only the night and into the next day.

The brides were permitted to say good bye to their parents the following day, then to go back into the seclusion of their tent to honor their husbands. Once they came out on the seventh day they no longer had to cover their face with a veil.

It was Jewish custom for a groom to stay with his wife for the first year of marriage and not go to war or off to work. This would be a problem for Mahlon and Kilion since they worked for Amin who was a Moabite. A Moabites who did not care for this Jewish custom.

“I pay them to work!” Amin stormed at her. “And they will work, or you will leave!” He had drawn the line in the sand. Though Naomi was becoming a shrewd negotiator, Amin knew that he had her. What would be the use of leaving him, only to have her sons have to find work somewhere else. Work that would start immediately!

“You have never paid them when they did not go into the field, and we do not expect you to pay them now. But you are right!" She said in a matter of fact tone, that did not fool him.
"So," She continued, " you can give them 60 days each instead of a year.”

“Old woman you are pressing your luck with me!” he shook his fist already feeling as if he had lost the battle.

“I will not keep them both at home." She assured him. "If both of my sons stayed home, we might go hungry. So, Mahlon will stay with his bride and begin his 60 days while Kilion goes to your field and works his 30 days. When he returns he will begin his 60 days as Mahlon is completing his.” she smiled knowing that her sons were his most honest and finest workers. More importantly God seemed to be giving her favor with this man. “ Again, I do not expect you to pay them for not working. You will probably want to send Balam or one of the other boys out to the field while my sons are fulfilling their duties to their wives.”

“Whhhy," He growled, knowing his question was concession. "have you chosen 60 days?” he asked in exasperation.

“Six is the number of man.” she smiled as if she had a secret, and she did. She chose 60 because her sons where in the pasture for 30 days at a time. But that was too simple and he would never believe it.

“Alright, it shall be as you say.” he was actually beginning to enjoy this sly old woman. “Now go!” he stormed.


Naomi was ecstatic, she just knew that she would become a grandmother very soon. She could already hear the peels of laughter as they would be born one after another.

The joy was not Naomi's alone. The young women had learned to love their husbands,and longed tp fulfull their duties as wives and daughters. Then there was Naomi. It was as if she were meant to be their mother. She was patient and attentive. She taught them to make the ugly tents they lived in, their home. Having been from town they had not realized what it would be like living in a camp. The women learned to laugh at them selves and depend on one another.

Naomi taught them to cook like an Israelite wife, aware of and attentive to the requirements of the law and the worship of G-d in all they did. She prepared them to become mothers, and yet
much to everyone’s surprise neither of the young brides were with child by the end of the first year. As the second year came to a close there began to be whispers that Naomi and her husband had offended their God and now he was punishing the whole family. Naomi, not to be deterred knew by faith that it was only a matter of time. She continued to encourage her daughters with promises of G-d’s timing. But, as the third year inched along she confided in her G_d that she was a little worried. Then disaster hit!

Several of the children and elders in the camp began to take . It wasn’t long before several died of the illness that was sweeping through every tent.

Amin hoping to keep his help healthy, sent word to the Shepherds to stay in the field until he called for them.

Neither of Naomi’s sons had ever been hearty men. Since the illness that took their father, they were thinner than most, and they always looked tired. Naomi and her daughters had managed to stay well, and attend to many of the others. They cooked and cleaned, as well as making a tonic to help the sick get past the fever and the cough. The camp had been sick for two weeks when Ruth looked up from her chores to see Mahlon walking toward her.

She smiled at first, for he was a generous and loving man. Then remembering that Amin had not given permission for them to return, her heart seemed to stop, something was wrong!

Standing she called to Naomi. “Mother, it’s Mahlon and he is alone. Immediately the other two women joined her. As her husband came closer they could see he was dragging something on a makeshift sled. Others from the camp had also seen him coming in the distance. Many had walked out to see what had happen. All three of the women, began to weep as they made their way to Mahlon who never lifted his head.

Suddenly Ruth heard a ferocious sound come from Naomi as Orpah, screaming, began to run toward her brother.

“No!” Naomi demanded in a guttural voice, then louder. “No, I said! Stop her!”
Stopping, Ruth alone went back to mother in law. Naomi glared at her and said “No! Don't come any closer. Quick! Stop her. Don’t let her go! Orpah don’t go any further! Let it stop. I don’t want it! Don’t go any further Orpah!” Then crumpling to the dry earth she began to wail for her youngest son who she knew Mahlon carried upon the stretcher.

“AAAAGHHHHHHH!!!!!” Everyone knew her pain. As Orpah reached Mahlon he laid down his burden. He stood watching as she collapse over Kilion’s body. Leaving her to her dead he went to comfort his mother.
Ruth, thankful it wasn’t Mahlon went to her cousin, who was in shock. She seemed to not notice the smell that had begun to emanate from the body.

Naomi’s fear began to burst forth from her heart. “ It is my fault!!! Me, mine!” she called out to God. They were only children. They had no choice but to follow us. Be angry with meeee.” she wept in her son’s arms. Unable to cry out to God any longer, it was her mind that raced with thoughts. He is angry with me! Why else would You take my husband and my son. ‘I should have been stronger with Elimelech. I should have refused to come to this god forsaken place.’ With these thoughts swirling in her head she was unsure of who she was really angry with.

Mahlon helped his mother get up, then leaving her standing there, he retrieved the sled as Ruth pulled Orpah off the dead body that had been her husband.

He drug the body toward their small encampment as all three women followed behind. As they walked Naomi realized they were being observed by the entire camp. She could see pity in the eyes of some. Yet others seemed to be oddly satisfied. It seemed as if everyone were watching.

This time the tent was spared since Kilion did not die inside. However Amin met them as they arrived at the tents and ordered the body burned immediately. “It is already stinking.” he was insistent as he covered his face.
So using the sled Mahlon had carried his body on, they cremated Kilion’s remains in a pit that had been dug for the dead. It was a horrifying sight for the family. Mahlon took to his tent in tears.

“It happened so quickly.” Mahlon told his wife later that evening. Lying on their mat Ruth tried to console her husband. “It was only a cough. He had no fever at first, only a cough.” he said as his weeping turned to sobs. “I should have made him come back. It is my fault!” he gasped.
Ruth learned that night that the best comfort she could be to her family, was to simply be there.

The next day brought clearer thoughts to Naomi. As she watched her children suffering, she realized they needed her to be strong. Then drying her tears she went to them full of words of promise. “My sorrow can wait.” She told Ruth, as she watched in awe the love and strength Naomi poured out upon her family. “It must wait.”

Naomi did not repeat her fear aloud again. She assured her family of G_d’s everlasting love. She reminded them that G_d had a plan even when Joseph was thrown into the pit and sold into slavery. She did not tell them that she was still thinking that she had brought this retribution on them all and that God wasn‘t through. ‘Elimelech got off lightly.’ She whispered in her heart. ‘I am left behind to see God’s wrath. I must bare the greater guilt before Him.’ she thought to herself. ‘ What must I do O’ G_d of Abraham? Do not let your daughter bury anymore children. Tell me what I must do!’ she wailed inwardly, ‘that you might forgive me.’

Mahlon was pressed back into work very quickly by Amin, as other’s had also began bringing their dead in from the field soon after he arrived.. Carrying his sorrow heavily upon his shoulders he departed for the sheep fold. Orpah, still a new bride was inconsolable. Naomi thought it best to wait and tell her that Mahlon would take her and raise up seed to his younger brother.

Later, Naomi was impressed with Ruth’s demeanor as she shared with her that as the surviving brother, Mahlon would be expected to raise up seed to his brother with Orpah. Naomi knew Ruth’s fear. She had not yet born a son to her husband. So she was surprised when Ruth said, “ I have a husband. My sister shall need a child. I will pray that God’s will be done.”

She need not have worried, Mahlon did not father any children with either woman. Within the month, the cough and the fever took him as well.

Naomi in disbelief was now comforting two daughters. She felt the heavy weight of the responsibility that her age and wisdom required of her. Yet, try as she might, she could no longer give them hope. “It is my fault.” she wept. She had no more strength or faith. She believed God had forsaken her in her old age.

When Amin came to her tent she feared being thrown out. Where would they go? She was scared and without hope.

“Old woman, get out here!” he demanded.
“Yes Amin, I am here. What is it you want?”
“I have a word for you old woman.”

“Speak on then.” she said warily. “Your wisdom is welcome.” as she gave the customary bow.

“I have a proposition for you. The famine has ended in Israel. Both of my wives are dead. You can stay and I will take your daughters as my wives or you can go.” He paused and tried to read her. Then going on, ‘ If you leave you will need money and a caravan for safe passage. I will purchase the remaining goats and the donkey.” He was sure she would take his first offer.

“What of our things?” Naomi asked.

“You have nothing I want.” he told her after a moment. “Pack up what you can carry if you leave, the rest will be burned. “She had lost favor with him. Now he only wanted her daughters. But if word got back to their families that he took them against their will, he knew he might have a problem.

“The tents Amin, are valuable.” she glared having nothing to lose.

“I will give you $$$$$$for the lot. Otherwise stay, and I take your daughters. They will care for you when they are not tending to my needs.” It infuriated him that she showed no emotion as he spoke. “You have a ten days to decide. Karzi will be thorough here then. He can take you to your Bethlehem.”

“I will take your offer,” she answered him. “ to buy our belongings. We will keep one of the donkey’s and three of the goats. But,” she said watching him closely. “we will leave tomorrow. There is another caravan that Karzi once told me of. It bypasses your camp, because of some disagreement. Karzi said it is usually a week ahead of him. I think we can catch it just west of here.” Not waiting for his reply, she said. “Daughters, only pack what you can carry we leave in the morning.”

“It is settled then.” he said as he threw a small bag of coins in her direction. He was disappointed, and it showed. What he could not see was Naomi‘s disappointment. The bag did not sound very heavy as it fell at her feet. Money or not she knew, it was time to leave.

As Naomi and Orpah packed what they could carry, Ruth took two of the smaller tent poles and made a small sled upon which they placed there belongs and some food for the journey.

That night they ate their meal in silence. Each of the women lost in their own thoughts. Naomi, who longed for home could only think of her loss. If God had truly abandoned her perhaps he would not allow her to see Bethlehem again. ‘Surely I will die along the way.’ she thought to herself. She could feel it as her sorrows began to turn into hopelessness and bitterness.

Orpah worried about leaving Moab. Her family, her parents were here. It was one thing to follow Ruth to this camp for a husband, but to leave with no idea of where or to what she would be going. To leave with no assurance of who would care for her. She would be a foreigner in a strange land. Even as much as she had grown to love Naomi she felt fear gripping her heart. Naomi had taught her to be a woman, a wife and even prepared her to be a mother. But that would not do her any good in a foreign country. She feared she would be an outcast.

Ruth prayed. Her sorrow was great. She had never known such pain. She had learned to love her husband. He was very much like his father, Naomi had told her. She too felt the fear of the unknown, yet something inside of her whispered of a promise. She watched her mother in law as she prayed to her God. Then Ruth too prayed to Naomi’s God. ‘I think I hear you calling to me, O God of Israel. But, how can that be I am a Moabite. I am an offense to You. Is it possible that You would forgive me. Is it be possible that You would let me be a true daughter to this my mother. Her love and guidance this few years have been my good pleasure. O to be a help to her. If You can but hear me’ she prayed.
Before they started out the next morning, Orpah tied the three youngest goats together and then to her belt. Ruth picked up the sled and attached it to the donkey. Naomi threw the water skins over the withers of the donkey and then slapping him on the rump, she shouted “Giaya!”

As the small caravan started out, Amin appeared outside his tent. He stood watching the women leave.
“Oh God of Israel, do not abandon us to this man. Let him not pursue us. Grant us Your protection.” Naomi prayed under her breath. Much to her relief he turned away from them.

Her relief however was short lived. Within three hours they reached the rutted out road Karzi had told her about. As they came to a stop near a large bolder, Naomi sat down and began to weep.

“Mother, why are you weeping? What is wrong?” Ruth asked as she knelt next to the old woman.

“It’s the heat.” said Orpah.

“No.” moaned Naomi. “We have missed the caravan. See the ruts, the tracks are fresh.”

“Oh no!” cried Ruth. “What will we do? We can’t go on alone.”

“That is why Amin did not try to stop us this morning. He knew what we would find. He expects us to turn around and go crawling back.”

“But Zoar is as close as the camp.” smiled Orpah. “We can go there. Our parents will know what to do.”

Naomi smiled at this beautiful child, her daughter. “I have been so selfish. I am sorry. I must send you home to your mothers. What was I thinking?” she asked herself, as much as these young women.

"Go back, each of you, to your mother's home." she said as Ruth stared in disbelief. "May the Lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and me. may the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband." Then she kissed them as they fell upon her weeping.

"We will go back with You to your people!" they insisted

"No!" she answered them. "Return home , why would you come with me? Am I going to have anymore sons?



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