“Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. “With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah. But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.” But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. ““Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.”
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Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭6-18 NLT

This passage is often seen as an important passage in scripture because it demonstrates an extreme faith. A lot is given to the fact of Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, but it needs to be noted that besides the commitment, Naomi had good reason to dissuade her. Beyond the fact that Naomi had lost her husband, and therefore her means, she was also right to think that God would be justified in being angry with her. Though not expressly forbidden, Naomi had allowed her sons to intermarry with the Moabites. She would be seen as compromised and an idol worshipper. Though there is every evidence that she didn’t turn to idolatry, she probably felt as if she was doing wrong living amongst them. Bringing Ruth home would only add speculation to this end and bring gossip of punishment. For Ruth to commit to Naomi was not simply a living arrangement. It was a commitment to being ostracized and living destitute. Yet, as Naomi had followed her husband, she seemed to inspire a faith worth emulating in Ruth. Ironically, this of course, would be her legacy. Not in the offspring of her physical sons, but rather in the offspring of her spiritual daughter. The passage highlights that one’s faith and fealty can be inspired by honest meekness and a warm spirit rather than great acts or treatise on God and theology. Naomi inspired Ruth because she felt safe with her. We ought to remember this for our relationships as well.

Ruth’s Commitment: Ruth’s commitment to Naomi was significant, especially considering the hardships and potential ostracism Ruth would face.

Naomi’s Situation: Naomi had lost her husband and means, and felt justified anger from God due to her sons’ intermarriage with Moabite women.

Naomi’s Legacy: Naomi’s meekness and warm spirit inspired Ruth’s faith, demonstrating that faith can be fostered through relationships rather than grand gestures.