In a Nutshell
Chapter one of the book of Ruth introduces us to a family facing tough times. Naomi, an Israelite woman, moves with her husband and two sons to Moab to escape a famine. Sadly, her husband dies, and her sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Tragedy strikes again when Naomi’s sons die too. Now widowed and heartbroken, Naomi decides to return to her homeland, Bethlehem, but she encourages her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab with their families.
Key Characters
- Naomi: A woman who has experienced great loss and hardship but still shows strength and wisdom.
- Ruth: A Moabite woman who demonstrates extraordinary loyalty and love for her mother-in-law, Naomi.
- Orpah: The other daughter-in-law, who makes a different choice than Ruth.
Key Themes
- Loss and Grief: The chapter deals with the pain of losing loved ones.
- Loyalty and Love: Ruth’s unwavering commitment to Naomi is a central theme.
- Faith and Trust: Naomi questions God’s plan, but Ruth’s faith remains strong.
- Choices: The chapter highlights the different choices made by Ruth and Orpah.
Study Questions
- Why did Naomi and her family move to Moab?
- How did Naomi’s sons die?
- Why did Naomi want to return to Bethlehem?
- Why did Ruth decide to go with Naomi?
- What does Ruth’s decision tell us about her character?
- How does Orpah’s decision differ from Ruth’s?
- What challenges might Ruth face by going to Bethlehem with Naomi?
- What do you think this story teaches us about loyalty, love, and faith?
Think About It
Imagine you were in Ruth’s position. Would you have made the same choice? What does this story teach you about making difficult decisions?
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful story filled with emotion and valuable lessons about family, loyalty, and faith. By exploring these questions and themes, you can gain a deeper understanding of this beautiful story.
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