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by Katie Erickson

At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.
"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
- Ruth 1:14-18

This passage is one of the most moving passages in the Bible, demonstrating the themes of loyalty, love, and faithfulness. It highlights Ruth's remarkable decision to stay with Naomi, a choice that would change the course of her life and ultimately place her in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.

For a refresher on the context, remember that this book begins with tragedy. Naomi, an Israelite woman, moves to Moab with her husband and two sons due to famine. Over time, her husband and both sons die, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows. Hearing that the famine in Israel has ended, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab and remarry. Orpah stays in Moab, but Ruth clings to Naomi and returns to Israel with her.

The Hebrew verb used in verse 14 for "clung" denotes deep attachment and loyalty. This same verb is used in Genesis 2:24 to describe the bond between husband and wife: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Ruth's clinging is not just an emotional response but an intentional, covenant-like commitment to Naomi.

In verse 15, Naomi points out that Orpah has returned to her people and her gods, implying that staying in Moab meant remaining within its religious system. This highlights that Ruth's choice is not just about loyalty to Naomi but also a decision about faith.

Verses 16-17 are one of the most profound expressions of commitment in Scripture. Several key phrases deepen our understanding of Ruth's words:

1. "Where you go, I will go" – Ruth is making a complete transition into Naomi's life, regardless of the consequences and where that road may take her, both literally and figuratively.

2. "Your people will be my people, and your God my God" – This is a declaration of faith. Ruth is renouncing her Moabite identity and embracing Israel's God.

3. "Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried" – Burial was a crucial aspect of identity and belonging in ancient Israel. Ruth is committing not only to Naomi in life but also in death.

4. "May the Lord deal with me... if even death separates you and me." – Ruth invokes God's judgment upon herself if she breaks this vow, further proving the seriousness of her commitment.

In verse 18, Naomi realizes that Ruth is determined and not going to give up. The Hebrew verb for "determined" means to be strong, resolute, or courageous. This verb is often used in contexts of divine encouragement, as in Joshua 1:9, where God tells Joshua to be "strong and courageous." The use of this verb highlights Ruth's unwavering resolve and the spiritual strength behind her decision.

There are many theological and practical insights we can get from this passage. First is the concept of covenant love and loyalty. Ruth's declaration is more than just human affection; it reflects the hesed of God — His steadfast, covenantal love. Ruth embodies this divine loyalty by choosing Naomi over her own interests.

Next, we see that Ruth's choice to follow Naomi is also a choice to follow the one true God, demonstrating that faith is not merely an inheritance but a personal commitment. Ruth pledged to live her life following and honoring this God rather than the gods of her people, the Moabites. We don’t know how much Ruth knew about God at this point, but her desire to stay with Naomi meant that she would also take on Naomi’s spiritual practices and faith.

Finally, Ruth's love is selfless and sacrificial; she willingly enters uncertainty and hardship for Naomi's sake. This points to Christ's sacrificial love, making Ruth a foreshadowing of Jesus' redemptive mission. While our culture typically focuses on love as only being romantic love, there are multiple types of love. This self-sacrificial love does not necessarily occur in the same relationships as romantic love; you can have one without the other.

Ruth's choice to cling to Naomi and embrace the God of Israel serves as a model for believers today. Her story challenges us to reflect on our own faith and loyalty — to God and to those He places in our lives. Ruth's decision was not made lightly; it was a bold, life-altering act of devotion that literally changed history. May we strive to embody the same covenantal love, unwavering faith, and courageous commitment that Ruth displayed.

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