◄ Ruth 1:16 ►
But Ruth replied: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
Study Bible
But Ruth replied:
Ruth's response is a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing her loyalty and commitment. This reply is significant as it marks a turning point in her life and in the story of Naomi's family. Ruth, a Moabite, is making a conscious decision to align herself with Naomi, an Israelite, which is a profound act of devotion and love.

Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you.
Ruth's insistence on staying with Naomi highlights the depth of her loyalty. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, family ties were paramount, and Ruth's determination to remain with Naomi, despite the cultural and ethnic differences, underscores her steadfastness. This mirrors the biblical theme of covenant loyalty, akin to God's unwavering faithfulness to His people.

For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live;
Ruth's commitment to Naomi is total and unconditional. This phrase reflects the biblical principle of leaving one's past behind to embrace a new future, similar to Abraham's call to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1). Ruth's willingness to adopt a new land and lifestyle is a testament to her faith and courage.

your people will be my people,
Ruth's declaration to adopt Naomi's people signifies her acceptance of a new identity. This is a profound step, as it involves leaving behind her Moabite heritage. It echoes the biblical theme of inclusion and foreshadows the New Testament message of the Gentiles being grafted into the people of God (Romans 11:17-24).

and your God will be my God.
This is the climax of Ruth's declaration, indicating her conversion and acceptance of the God of Israel. In a polytheistic society, choosing to follow the God of Israel was a significant spiritual decision. Ruth's faith is a precursor to the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant community, and her story is a type of Christ's redemptive work, where all nations are invited to become part of God's family.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ruth
A Moabite woman, widow of Mahlon, who demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi.

2. Naomi
An Israelite woman who loses her husband and sons in Moab and decides to return to Bethlehem.

3. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel, where Naomi's family sought refuge during a famine.

4. Bethlehem
Naomi's hometown in Judah, known as the "House of Bread," to which she returns with Ruth.

5. The Journey
The physical and spiritual journey from Moab to Bethlehem, symbolizing Ruth's transition from paganism to faith in the God of Israel.
Teaching Points
Loyalty and Commitment
Ruth's declaration to Naomi is a profound example of loyalty. In our relationships, we are called to be steadfast and faithful, reflecting God's unwavering love for us.

Faith and Conversion
Ruth's decision to adopt Naomi's people and God signifies a conversion experience. It challenges us to examine our own faith journey and commitment to God.

Cross-Cultural Acceptance
Ruth, a Moabite, is accepted into the Israelite community, illustrating God's heart for all nations and the breaking down of cultural barriers in Christ.

God's Providence
Ruth's account is a testament to God's providence and how He works through ordinary people and circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.

Legacy of Faith
Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and Jesus highlights the impact of a life lived in faith and obedience, encouraging us to consider the legacy we are leaving.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ruth's commitment to Naomi challenge our understanding of loyalty in our own relationships?

2. In what ways does Ruth's journey from Moab to Bethlehem reflect a spiritual journey of faith and conversion?

3. How can Ruth's acceptance into the Israelite community inspire us to embrace diversity and unity within the body of Christ?

4. What does Ruth's account teach us about God's providence and His ability to use our circumstances for His greater purpose?

5. How can we apply the legacy of Ruth's faithfulness in our own lives, and what impact might it have on future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12
Ruth's commitment mirrors Abraham's call to leave his homeland and follow God's leading, highlighting faith and obedience.

Matthew 1
Ruth is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, showing God's inclusive plan of salvation and the importance of faithfulness.

1 Samuel 18
The covenant friendship between David and Jonathan parallels Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, emphasizing steadfast love and commitment.

Hebrews 11
Ruth's faith can be seen as part of the "great cloud of witnesses," exemplifying trust in God's promises.

Philippians 2
Ruth's selflessness and humility reflect the attitude of Christ, who put others before Himself.
Sermons
A Good ResolutionEssex RemembrancerRuth 1:16-17
Conduct of Orpah and Ruth ContrastedCharles M. Southgate.Ruth 1:16-17
Entreaty May Prove Too EarnestW.M. Statham Ruth 1:16, 17
InfluenceE. Biscombe.Ruth 1:16-17
Religion a Powerful BondC. Ness.Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth and NaomiSermons by the Monday ClubRuth 1:16-17
Ruth Deciding for GodSpurgeon, Charles HaddonRuth 1:16-17
Ruth the True-HeartedC. H. Payne, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth: Mind, its Purposes and PowersHomilistRuth 1:16-17
Ruth; Or, Decision for GodAubrey C. Price, B. A.Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth's ChoiceCharles M. Southgate.Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth's DecisionF. Ellaby, B. A.Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth's Spiritual Affinity with NaomiA. Thomson, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth's Trial and DecisionA. Thomson, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
The Faithful ChoiceS. H. Tyng, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
The Influence of FriendsS. Cooke, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
The Noble ChoiceT. De Witt Talmage.Ruth 1:16-17
The Power of Christian CharacterRuth 1:16-17
True DecisionS.H.Tyng, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
Trueheartedness and the Tests of True-HeartednessE. H. Chapin, D. D.Ruth 1:16-17
ConstancyJ.R. Thomson Ruth 1:16-18
People
Chilion, Elimelech, Ephrathites, Mahlon, Mara, Naomi, Orpah, Ruth
Places
Bethlehem, Moab
Topics
Entreat, Goest, Intreat, Leave, Lodge, Lodgest, Replied, Requesting, Rest, Return, Ruth, Stay, Turn, Urge, Whither
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 1:16

     5895   intimacy
     6622   choice
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love

Ruth 1:3-17

     5674   daughters

Ruth 1:6-18

     5339   home

Ruth 1:11-18

     5681   family, nature of

Ruth 1:15-16

     8410   decision-making, examples

Ruth 1:15-17

     8225   devotion

Ruth 1:16-17

     5424   nationalism
     5691   friends, good
     5743   widows
     5745   women
     5746   youth
     7032   unity, God's people
     8300   love, and the world
     8304   loyalty
     8341   separation
     8356   unselfishness

Ruth 1:16-18

     5117   Ruth
     8252   faithfulness, relationships

Library
A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert
'And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. 18. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. 19. So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch: …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Bands of Love
P. G. Ruth i. 16, 17 A homeless Stranger amongst us came To this land of death and mourning; He walked in a path of sorrow and shame, Through insult, and hate, and scorning. A Man of sorrows, of toil and tears, An outcast Man and a lonely; But He looked on me, and through endless years Him must I love--Him only. Then from this sad and sorrowful land, From this land of tears He departed; But the light of His eyes and the touch of His hand Had left me broken-hearted. And I clave to Him as He turned …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

What is Thy Beloved, More than Another Beloved, O Thou Fairest among Women! what is Thy Beloved, More than Another Beloved, that Thou Dost So Charge Us?
The daughters of Jerusalem do not cease to call her the fairest among women, because her most painful wounds are hidden, and those which are exposed even add lustre to her beauty. They are astonished at beholding a love so strong, so constant and so faithful in the midst of so many disasters. They inquire, Who is this Well-beloved? For, say they, He must be of unequalled attraction, thus to engage His Spouse; for though these souls are spiritual, they are not yet sufficiently advanced to comprehend …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Epistle xxxii. To Narses the Patrician.
To Narses the Patrician. Gregory to Narses, &c. Your most sweet Charity has said much to me in your letters in praise of my good deeds, to all which I briefly reply, Call me not Noemi, that is beautiful; but call me Mara, that is bitter; for I am full of bitterness (Ruth i. 20). But as to the cause of the presbyters [1555] , which is pending with my brother and fellow-bishop, the most reverend Patriarch John, we have, as I think, for our adversary the very man whom you assert to be desirous of observing …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Man.
THE IMAGE OF GOD. MAN is God's image, and to curse wickedly the image of God, is to curse God himself. Suppose that a man should say with his mouth, I wish that the king's picture were burned; would not this man's so saying render him as an enemy to the person of the king? Even so it is with them that by cursing wish evil to their neighbors or themselves; they contemn the image of God himself. This world, as it dropped from the fingers of God, was far more glorious than it is now. VALUE OF THE SOUL. …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Epistle vi. To Narses, Patrician .
To Narses, Patrician [1305] . Gregory to Narses, &c. In describing loftily the sweetness of contemplation, you have renewed the groans of my fallen state, since I hear what I have lost inwardly while mounting outwardly, though undeserving, to the topmost height of rule. Know then that I am stricken with so great sorrow that I can scarcely speak; for the dark shades of grief block up the eyes of my soul. Whatever is beheld is sad, whatever is thought delightful appears to my heart lamentable. For …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
Here my meditation dazzles, and my pen falls out of my hand; the one being not able to conceive, nor the other to describe, that most excellent bliss, and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. iv. 17; Rom. viii. 18)--whereof all the afflictions of this present life are not worthy--which all the elect shall with the blessed Trinity enjoy, from that time that they shall be received with Christ, as joint-heirs (Rom. viii. 17) into that everlasting kingdom of joy. Notwithstanding, we may take a scantling thereof. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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