Study of Ruth 1:6-13

Then Naomi arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the land of Moab that the Lord had attended to His people by providing them with food. Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road back to the land of Judah.

But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord grant each of you rest in the home of another husband.” She kissed them as they wept aloud and said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.”

But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? Return home, my daughters. I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons, would you wait for them to grow up? Would you refrain from remarriage for them? No, my daughters. It grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.”
— Ruth 1:6-13


This passage captures Naomi’s decision to return to Bethlehem after hearing that the Lord had provided for His people there. Her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, initially begin the journey with her. However, Naomi encourages them to return to their families and seek new lives, convinced she has nothing to offer them. Naomi’s words reflect her deep grief and the belief that God’s favor has turned against her.

This moment is significant because it shows Naomi’s selflessness—she wants her daughters-in-law to have a better future, even if it means they must leave her. At the same time, it reveals her struggle with bitterness and the difficulty of seeing hope amidst hardship.

For us today, this passage reminds us that even when we feel abandoned or hopeless, God is still present and at work in ways we may not yet understand. Naomi’s journey back to Bethlehem will unfold into a story of redemption and restoration, but at this point, she cannot see it.


Questions

1. Naomi believed she had nothing to offer and encouraged her daughters-in-law to leave her. Have you ever felt like you had nothing left to give? How did you find strength or hope?

2. How does this passage challenge us to trust in God’s provision even when life feels overwhelming or uncertain?

3. What does Naomi’s selflessness teach us about showing love and care for others during our own struggles?


Prayer

Heavenly Father,

In Naomi’s story, we see the weight of sorrow and the difficulty of trusting in Your plans during painful times. When we feel abandoned or hopeless, help us to cling to the truth that You are always present and working for our good. Teach us to be selfless in our care for others, even when we are struggling ourselves. Open our hearts to see Your provision and to trust that You are leading us toward restoration and renewal.

All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-

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