The Blessing Received

Ruth 4:1-22

“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.” (Ruth 4:1) 

Unwilling to damage either his own or Ruth’s by allowing rumors, Boaz went to entrance to the city and waited for his kinsman to come into town.  If it was like most small towns, people fall into certain patterns of behavior, and it was easy to guess about what time he would come in for coffee or whatever they used back then.  Even the greeting, “Ho such an one” sounds like a typical small town “Hey stranger” to someone they had seen only day or two before.  4000 years later, not much has changed.

“And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.  And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee.” (Ruth 4:2-4a)

Even today in communities where people know each other well, it is not uncommon to conduct business in public restaurant with whoever happens to be present as witnesses.  Boaz reviewed Naomi’s situation, to be sure everyone knew what was going on and asked his relative if he wished to redeem the land as the law provided.  If not, Boaz would willingly take the responsibility, but he needed to know how to proceed.

“And he said, I will redeem it. 

Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.” (Ruth 4:4b-6)

The relative first said he’d be glad to buy back the land, and increase his property holdings.  Boaz then reminded him that if he did he would also have to take Ruth as his wife and when the time came her first son would be considered Mahlon’s son rather than his own.  Fearing that would leave him no heir of his own, the relative refused to marry her, freeing Boaz to redeem the land because he would put his own inheritance in jeopardy by marrying Ruth.

“Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.  Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.” (Ruth 4:7) 

Different cultures have use different things as a sign of good faith.  Today we sign a contract, but a few years ago, a handshake was considered as good as a contract.  By taking off his shoe, the relative signified that he was surrendering his rights to the property and Ruth, in essence signing a quitclaim deed.

“And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. 

Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.” (Ruth 4:9-10)

Boaz then repeated exactly what had been agreed to all the people present, that he was authorized to buy Elimelech’s property from Naomi with no encumberances by the rest of the family.  In addition, declared his intention to make Ruth his wife, and raise a son to take her first husband’s name and inheritance.  They were recognized as witnesses of the transaction should there ever be a question.

“And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.” (Ruth 4:11-12)

The people agreed to serve as witnesses, congratulating him on the decision to marry Ruth and wishing him well, and that God would bless her like he had some of her predecessors.

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.  And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him.  And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. 

And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:13-17) 

With no further ado, Boaz claimed Ruth as his wife.  She conceived and presented him with a baby that they named Obed, who later became King David’s grandfather.  Naomi claimed the child as her grandson and served as his nanny.  The women reminded her how much she had been blessed, in that her daughter in law was better to her than her sons would have been, and that she had had a relative like Boaz who was willing to step up, going beyond just what the law required, giving her a family she otherwise would not have had.

“Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, Ru 4:20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” (Ruth 4:18-22)

Pharez was Judah’s son, born before Israel went into Egypt.  About five hundred years later, when Joshua invaded Canaan, Rahab delivered the spies at Jericho, and was spared.  She married Pharez’s great great great grandson, Salmon, and had a son named Boaz.  It is this Boaz who married Ruth and became David’s grandfather.  David was born between five and six hundred years after the victory at Jericho.

It sure makes you think about modern medicine’s claims to have extended our lifespan when we look at the length of time these men lived, doesn’t it?  Remember that God had promised that if they would obey his law they would not be subject to the diseases others were.

Putting Her Reputation On The Line

Ruth 3:1-18

“Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. 

Wash thy self therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.  And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.” (Ruth 3:1-4)

Naomi had been concerned that Ruth was sacrificing her future by staying with her.  After seeing how hard Ruth had worked for almost three months, she was even more concerned.  During that time Boaz had gone to considerable expense to see that Naomi and Ruth were provided for, and as a relative, he had a moral obligation to them.  Deuteronomy 25:5 commands, “If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.” 

That same obligation to care for the family in the New Testament.  I Timothy 5:4 commands, “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.”  Failure to take the responsibility effectively states that we don’t trust God to provide and don’t believe he has the authority to tell us what to do.  I Timothy 5: 8 warns, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”  Jesus warned, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven,” in Matthew 10:33.  It is a measure of ones commitment and faith.

Rather than returning to the city at night, Boaz was camping with his workers at the threshing floor, obviously enjoying their camaraderie.  Naomi instructed Ruth to put him in  somewhat compromising position, slipping into camp after they had gone to bed and crawling into Boaz’ blankets with him.  He would be forced to take some kind of action to preserve his reputation.

“And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.  And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her. 

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 

And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.  And he said, Who art thou? 

And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” (Ruth 3:5-9)

Waking in the middle of the night to find himself in bed with a woman scared Boaz.  It would be very hard to explain an if accusations were made of adultery, he would face the death penalty.  He asked who it was immediately.  Ruth then told him who she was and asked him to take the responsibility of a man to his relatives.

“And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.  And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.” (Ruth 3:10-13)

For almost three months, Boaz had observed how Ruth worked and how circumspectly she behaved around men much closer to her own age, both rich and poor.  It was obvious she was not just looking for a man.  That she had chosen to make herself available to him if he chose touched him.  Unfortunately, he was not the closest relative, and the other would have the final say as to how this would be settled.  Boaz was not free to act without his approval.

Boaz did not send her home in the middle of the night, but allowed her to stay, promising that he would confront the other relative in the morning.  If the other man wanted to take the responsibility, Boaz would walk away with a clear conscience, but if not, Boaz would make her his wife and fulfill the responsibility.

“And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. 

And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.  Also he said, Bring the veil that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.” (Ruth 3:14-15)

To prevent any damage to her reputation, Boaz asked his men not to mention that a woman had come to the camp, and gave her six measures of Barley, about what she would get from a day’s gleaning to allay any questions from Naomi.  Though nothing had happened, people would talk if they suspected anything, and denials would only fuel rumors.

 “And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? 

And she told her all that the man had done to her.  And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. 

Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” (Ruth 3:16-18)

It had been Naomi’s idea for Ruth to get into bed with Boaz.  He could have just ordered her to leave to protect his reputation, and cut off any further help.  He also could have treated her as a prostitute and made her an outcast, or he could choose to make her his wife.  Since he hadn’t just sent her home she had to be either an outcast or his wife.

After Ruth explained what had happened,  Naomi knew Boaz would not waste any time settling things.  He had cared too much to make her leave in the middle of the night and had taken precautions to protect both his own and her reputations.  Delay would increase the likelihood of somebody talking.  The faster it was settled the better for everyone.  They could just wait and see what happened.

Seeing God Provide

Ruth 1:22-2:23

“So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.” (Ruth 1:22)

Barley is one of the first crops to ripen so Naomi and Ruth probably returned in early to mid summer.    Under the Jewish system, farmers were not to pick up anything that was dropped or missed and they were not to take the time to completely reap the corners of the fields.  Leviticus 23:22 commands, “And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.”  It was the ideal time to return, providing the opportunity to gather adequate food for the following winter.

“And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. 

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.  And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.” (Ruth 2:1-3) 

Although Naomi still owned the land and house that Elimelech had inherited, no one was farming it so it would not produce a crop.  The only food they would have was what they could get by gleaning the fields, picking up what the harvesters left behind.  Being young and strong, Ruth offered to go out and glean wherever she could.  As it happened she went into a field belonging to a relative of Elimelech’s, and began to glean in the part of the field where they had finished.

“And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.  Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? 

And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.” (Ruth 2:4-7)

In most small communities everyone knows everyone for miles around.  When Boaz came out to check on his workers and help a little, he didn’t recognize Ruth and questioned who she was.  Explaining that she was Naomi’s Moabite daughter in law, the foreman told how polite she’d been and how hard and long she’d been working, spending little time at her house.

“Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.” (Ruth 2:8-9) 

Approaching Ruth, Boaz informed her that he had given orders she was not to be bothered by the guys and that she was welcome to drink from the water he provided for them.  He also told her he would rather she moved from field to field with his crew so there wouldn’t be any problems getting permission to glean or of the guys trying to take advantage of her.  Boaz seems to have been quite a bit older, referring to her as daughter.

“Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? 

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.  The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” (Ruth 2:10-12) 

Surprised that he would welcome a foreigner in such a manner, Ruth asked why he was doing that.  Boaz explained that he appreciated what she was doing for Naomi, in leaving her home to accompany her.   He was just providing a little token of the blessing that she was earning from God.

“Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. 

And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.  And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.” (Ruth 2:13-16)

In farm country it is still common for the farmer to provide lunch for his workers.  Seeing her appreciation for his help, Boaz invited Ruth to share in their meal, going out of his way to be sure she got enough.  He also instructed his employees to deliberately drop some extra grain occasionally to be sure Ruth would get enough without making it apparent he was trying to help her.

“So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.  And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.” (Ruth 2:17-18)

Ruth worked just as long as the men in the field, collecting and threshing out a little less than a bushel of grain.  It was far more than would normally be expected thanks to Boaz’ instructions and generosity.

“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. 

And she showed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. 

And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.” (Ruth 2:19-20)

Naomi was surprised that Ruth had been able to gather so much and that she hadn’t been run out of the fields, and wanted to know who had been so kind.  Learning that it was Boaz who had been so helpful, Naomi was especially thankful that God didn’t forget his people.  It was quite a change from her attitude in Ruth 1:13, “…for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” 

“And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. 

And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. 

So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.” (Ruth 2:21-23)

Naomi acknowledged that it would avoid problems if Ruth worked only in Boaz’ fields, so Ruth worked in his fields throughout both the barley and wheat harvests,  living with Naomi.  They would have enough grain to last the entire year.

No Longer Sweet

Ruth 1:14- 21

“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.” (Ruth 1:14)

Knowing the culture shock and loneliness of moving to another area, ant that there was no probability that they would ever be able to have a life of their own if they accompanied her to Bethlehem, Naomi advised Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab and build a life. Orpah, decided she was right and returned to her family, but Ruth stayed with her.

“And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 

And Ruth said, Entreat 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: 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.” (Ruth 1:15-17)

When Naomi again encouraged her to go back, Ruth made a powerful statement of commitment to stay with Naomi regardless what happened, and calling for God’s judgment if she failed to fulfill.  It is very much like the commitment expressed in the traditional wedding vows, although I have only heard it quoted once.  As so often happens, the woman who quoted it was caught up in the beauty of the words and had no understanding of the commitment she was professing, or of the judgment she was calling on herself.

Ruth was not concerned with the flowery speech, but was stating her commitment to stay with her Mother in law, whatever the cost.  Wherever Naomi went, Ruth would accompany her, staying in whatever home Naomi lived in, whether mansion or shack, in whatever country.  She would accept Naomi’s family as her family,  and Naomi’s god as God, rather than going back to her traditional religion.  She would stay with Naomi until her death, then stay in the same area until she herself died.

This is exactly the level of commitment that Jesus was describing in Luke 14:26.  “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.  So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

Literally, Jesus said that without such a commitment, a person could not be saved.  In the parable of the sower and the seed, in Matthew 13, the seed on the rock failed to develop because according to Matthew 13:20-21, “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”  That lack of sincere commitment causes him to fall away when problems come.  It is why the scripture puts so much emphasis on enduring to the end.

Many quote Romans 10:9-10 without realizing the level of faith that is implied in believing that Jesus has been raised from the dead as payment for their sins.  The great passage on faith in Hebrews 11 demonstrates the commitment required if one is to receive Gods salvation.  Those who view praying the sinner’s prayer or being baptized as a sort of magic spell which produces salvation have trouble understanding the book of Hebrews.  This is not to contradict the statement in Romans 10:9-10, but rather to demonstrate the kind of faith involved.  Sometimes the seed on the rock can be kept alive long enough to put out a root.

“When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.  So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? 

And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.  I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:18-21)

Convinced that Ruth would not be dissuaded, Naomi stopped trying and they went to Bethlehem.  After ten years away, people could hardly believe it was really Naomi come home.  Naomi told them her name, Naomi, (pleasant or sweet) no longer fit because she was so unhappy over the loss of her family.  Instead they should call her Marah, or “bitter” because she felt that God was against her, and that there was no hope.

Defeated By Adversity

Ruth 1:1-13

“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.  And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.” (Ruth 1:1-3) 

While we are never told exactly when the story of Ruth occurred, Matthew 1:5-6 places her about half way between Joshua’s time and David’s, meaning she was probably a contemporary of Gideon.  We also know that the Mindianite invasion of Israel had resulted extreme seven year famine, further supporting this as the proper time frame.  Judges 6:2-5 describes the situation.

“And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them; And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.  For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. Jud 6:6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.”

In an effort to avoid starvation, Elimelech moved his family East across the Jordan and south to the land of Moab, hoping to escape the Middianites, leaving behind land that his family had held for over two hundred years.  Elimelech died shortly after they moved to Moab leaving Naomi and her two sons in Moab.

“And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.  And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. 

Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.  Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. ” (Ruth 1:4-7)

After a time, Elimelech’s sons married Moabite wives, and established a life there.  After about ten years, both of the boys died with no children.  Learning that Israel was free from the Middianites and prospering under Gideon’s leadership. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem where she would have contact with relatives and friends.  In Moab, all she had was two daughters in law who needed to get on with their own lives.

“And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.  The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.  And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” (Ruth 1:8-13)

When Naomi broached the subject of returning to Bethlehem to her Daughters in law, and suggested they return to their homes and get on with their lives both were upset that she would be left alone and offered to go with her.  Knowing how hard it was to give up family ties and establish new relationships in another country, Naomi insisted they should stay in their own land.  Since they were both young, they would not be strongly drawn to her friends, and they had the opportunity to remarry and have families of the own in Moab.  At her age, there was no possibility that she would have other sons for them to marry, so they had no obligation to stay with her, and even if she could, it would be too long in the future to expect them to wait.  She was just sorry they had to suffer because God was mad at her.

Many times people, even sincere Christians, have that same attitude that God doesn’t like them and is being mean when things go wrong.   Sometimes they are like the teenager who is angry that his parents will not overlook his disobedience.  Hebrews 12:6-10 advises, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”  Rather than being an indication that God doesn’t like them, the problems are a display of his love.

Other times the problems simply show that we are no different than other Christians.  John 16:33 warns, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  In ii Timothy 3:12, Paul warned, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”  

I Peter 4:12-16 instructs, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”  

We ought not resent the problems, instead rejoicing in them as a sign that we are experiencing a little of what Christ suffered, and that we will be rewarded accordingly.  Only if the problems are the result of sin on our part do we need to be concerned.