"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." Ruth 1:15
This verse could be seen two ways. The first is that she is a grumpy old lady, who does not want companionship, especially someone that will remind her of her son. The other way is that she knows that it will be a hard life, she knows that it will not be easy for Ruth to change all her ways, her eating habits, her religion, her house...
Which way do you see it?
About Me
- Country Girl
- I am the oldest of four children. I have two brothers (one is my twin) and a sister. I have moved all over Canada as my dad is a Helicopter pilot with the Canadian military. I have been interested in horses for as long as I can remember, and I would love to have my own ranch for abused children and animals one day. I became a Christian when I was five, on Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper, Alberta.
3 comments:
If Naomi's husband had already died 10 years earlier, you would think she would be close to death herself. If Ruth went just because of Naomi, what would she do once Naomi died? I think Naomi didn't want to feel the guilt of being the reason for Ruth wasting the rest of her youth. I think Naomi was looking out for Ruth's best interests, know which life would be easier and hold a better future for Ruth.
What do you think?
My first thought was that she was a grumpy old lady who wanted to wallow in self-pity and have everyone feel sorry for her. The name Naomi means pleasant and a few verses later she asks to be called Mara, which means bitter. So she obviously wasn't a happy woman. However, you both have me thinking. Good question.
I see her as a sad and lonely woman. She is leaving the home she has known for some time and Ruth has offered to go with her. Naomi knows that the changes will be difficult but she can see Ruth's faithfulness and decisiveness. I think that she also sees the fact that Ruth will take care of her when she needs it most! (I guess she may have hoped that Ruth would remarry and continue to take care of her).
I agree with Armin that Naomi was probably looking out for Ruth's best interests but she must have been grumpy too so I guess I am left thinking too!
Post a Comment