Ruth 1:11

But Naomi replied, "Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands?

Study Bible

But Naomi replied
The name "Naomi" means "pleasant" in Hebrew, yet her life circumstances have been anything but pleasant. Her reply is a poignant moment of self-awareness and vulnerability. Naomi's response is not just a personal lament but a reflection of the cultural and familial expectations of her time. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a widow's security was often tied to her male relatives, and Naomi's lack of sons underscores her precarious situation.

Return home, my daughters
The phrase "return home" is significant, as it indicates a release from obligation. Naomi refers to Ruth and Orpah as "my daughters," which highlights the deep familial bond that has developed between them, transcending mere in-law relationships. This plea is both an act of selflessness and a recognition of the harsh realities they face. The Hebrew word for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is often used in the context of repentance or turning back, suggesting a deeper spiritual journey.

Why would you go with me?
This rhetorical question reveals Naomi's deep sense of hopelessness and her understanding of the cultural norms of levirate marriage, where a brother of a deceased man was expected to marry the widow. Naomi is acutely aware that she has nothing to offer her daughters-in-law in terms of future security or family lineage. Her question is a reflection of her own despair and the societal limitations placed on women of her time.

Are there still sons in my womb
This phrase is a direct reference to the levirate marriage custom, which is outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Naomi's rhetorical question underscores the impossibility of her providing new husbands for Ruth and Orpah. The imagery of the womb is powerful, symbolizing both life and potential that Naomi feels she no longer possesses. It highlights the cultural importance of progeny and lineage in ancient Israelite society.

to become your husbands?
The concept of marriage here is deeply tied to the idea of security and provision. In the ancient world, a woman's status and protection were often linked to her husband. Naomi's question is not just about the impossibility of her bearing more sons but also about the broader implications of marriage as a means of survival and social standing. This reflects the patriarchal structure of the time, where women's roles and futures were largely determined by their relationships with men.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Naomi
A widow from Bethlehem who moved to Moab with her husband and sons during a famine. She is now returning to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons.

2. Ruth
A Moabite woman, Naomi's daughter-in-law, who shows loyalty and devotion to Naomi.

3. Orpah
Another Moabite woman and Naomi's daughter-in-law, who initially sets out with Naomi but eventually returns to her people.

4. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, where Naomi and her family sought refuge during a famine in Israel.

5. Bethlehem
Naomi's original home in Judah, to which she plans to return after the deaths of her husband and sons.

Teaching Points

Understanding Cultural Context
Naomi's question reflects the practice of levirate marriage, where a widow would marry a brother of her deceased husband to preserve the family line. Understanding this helps us grasp the gravity of Naomi's situation and her daughters-in-law's decisions.

Faith in Uncertainty
Naomi's situation seemed hopeless, yet it sets the stage for God's providence. In our lives, we may face situations that seem bleak, but God can work through them for His purposes.

Loyalty and Commitment
Ruth's eventual decision to stay with Naomi exemplifies steadfast loyalty. In our relationships, we are called to show commitment and faithfulness, even when it is difficult.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the personal tragedies Naomi faced, God's sovereign plan was at work, leading to Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of Christ. We can trust that God is in control, even when we cannot see the full picture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Naomi's question in Ruth 1:11 reflect the cultural practices of her time, and what can we learn from this about understanding biblical accounts?

2. In what ways does the account of Ruth and Naomi challenge us to trust in God's providence during difficult times?

3. How does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi inspire us to demonstrate commitment in our own relationships, and what are some practical ways we can do this?

4. Considering the law of levirate marriage, how does Naomi's situation highlight the challenges faced by widows in biblical times, and what does this teach us about caring for the vulnerable today?

5. How does Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) encourage us about God's ability to use anyone, regardless of their background, for His purposes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 38
The account of Tamar, who also faced the challenge of levirate marriage, highlights the cultural context of Naomi's question about having sons to marry Ruth and Orpah.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, which is the backdrop for Naomi's rhetorical question about having more sons.

Matthew 1:5
Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, showing her significance in God's redemptive plan despite her Moabite origin.