Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the days when Israel was governed by judges, a severe famine swept through the land. A man from Bethlehem-judah, along with his wife and their two sons, traveled to the country of Moab in search of sustenance.

Elimelech, Naomi's husband, had been one of those who left Judah for Moab with his family. They settled there about ten years ago, and during that time Elimelech passed away, leaving Naomi alone with her two sons.

Naomi's sons eventually married women from the area: Orpah was named one, and Ruth the other. But fate was cruel to these families as well; Mahlon and Chilion, Naomi's beloved sons, died soon after their marriages.

Naomi was heartbroken, but she decided it was time to return home to Judah. She knew that the Lord had shown his people kindness by providing bread during the famine. So, with her daughters-in-law in tow, they set out from Moab on a long and arduous journey back to their homeland.

As they traveled, Naomi encouraged her daughters to return to their own families, promising them that the Lord would show them kindness as they had shown it to her and the dead. She asked the Almighty to grant each of them rest in the house of their husband.

But Ruth and Orpah refused to leave Naomi's side. They promised to accompany her back to Judah, where she could find some measure of comfort among her people. Naomi, however, was realistic about her prospects; she knew that she was too old to have another child or marry again.

In the face of such uncertainty, Naomi urged Orpah and Ruth to return home, but it grieved her deeply as she watched them weep and refuse to leave. While Orpah ultimately parted ways with Naomi, Ruth clung tightly to her mother-in-law, vowing to remain by her side through thick and thin.

Ruth declared that wherever Naomi went, she would go; where she lodged, she would lodge; and among her people, Ruth would find a new family. She pledged to die alongside Naomi and be buried with her, if only the Lord saw fit to bless them with such longevity.

When they finally arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest, the city was abuzz with news of their return. As Naomi shared her story with the townspeople, she asked them not to call her Naomi anymore, but Mara – a name that reflected the bitter affliction she had suffered at the hands of the Almighty.

Naomi's words were a testament to the pain and loss she had endured, and the city took notice as she and Ruth settled back into their old life in Bethlehem.