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A Life of Rebellion

“Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth.” Ruth 1:3-4a

Did Naomi truly leave Bethlehem full and return empty, as she claims in verse 21? From the first words of our book, we see that her complaint is not completely accurate: “In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land.” Remember, the time of the judges was marked by rebellion, and famine indicates to us that God’s people were under His judgment. Times were not good.

Rather than crying out to God, Naomi and her family travel to Moab. There is a sad irony in this journey. Bethlehem literally means “house of bread” in Hebrew, but Naomi’s family departs from the “house of bread” to go to Moab, a land of people specifically condemned by God.

Naomi’s husband then dies in Moab. At that time, death in a foreign land was considered accursed. Naomi’s two sons marry Moabite women—marriages specifically forbidden then and akin to marrying foreign gods. Next, both sons die as well. And indeed, Naomi’s life is plagued with agony after agony. Still, in her misery, the Lord has not forsaken her. Take heart—He is near to you, too.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Ruth 1:1-5

INSIGHT
We are quick to accuse God, but shouldn’t we accuse ourselves? It is God alone who can acquit us.

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Numbers 5-6
Psalm 63
John 4

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