Topical Encyclopedia The relationship between a daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law is exemplified in the biblical narrative of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes the daughter-in-law of Naomi, an Israelite. This relationship is a profound example of loyalty, love, and faithfulness, transcending cultural and familial boundaries.Background Ruth's account is found in the Book of Ruth, which is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and religious upheaval in Israel. Naomi, along with her husband Elimelech and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, relocates from Bethlehem to Moab due to a famine. In Moab, Elimelech dies, and Naomi's sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both sons die, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth as widows. Ruth's Loyalty Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the Lord had provided food for His people. She urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers and remarry. Orpah eventually agrees, but Ruth's response is a testament to her unwavering loyalty and filial devotion: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me" (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth's declaration is not only a commitment to Naomi but also an embrace of Naomi's people and faith. This decision marks a significant turning point in Ruth's life, as she leaves her homeland and gods to follow the God of Israel. Ruth's Role in Naomi's Life Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth's filial devotion continues as she takes on the role of provider for Naomi. She gleans in the fields to gather food, demonstrating her willingness to work hard and support her mother-in-law. Her actions catch the attention of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, who shows kindness and protection towards her. Ruth's relationship with Naomi is characterized by mutual respect and care. Naomi, in turn, guides Ruth in seeking Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves marrying the widow to preserve the family lineage. Ruth's obedience to Naomi's instructions and her humility in approaching Boaz further highlight her filial piety. Significance Ruth's account is significant in the biblical narrative as it illustrates the virtues of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. Her relationship with Naomi is a model of how familial bonds can be strengthened through love and commitment, even in the face of adversity. Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) underscores the importance of her faithfulness and the broader theme of God's redemptive plan through unexpected means. The account of Ruth and Naomi serves as an enduring example of the potential for deep, meaningful relationships between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law, grounded in mutual respect and shared faith. Nave's Topical Index Ruth 1:11-18And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will you go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Nave's Topical Index Ruth 4:15 Library Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Another Wonderful Record of 25. Resources Who was Salome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Mishnah? What is a midrash? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Daughter-In-Law: Filial: Instance of, Ruth Daughter-In-Law: Unfilial: Prophecy of Related Terms Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences) Father-in-law (25 Occurrences) Kinsman-redeemers (1 Occurrence) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences) Barley-harvest (3 Occurrences) |
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