Ruth Chooses to Stay

Naomi has lost her husband and sons in Moab. She prepares to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to remain where they can build new lives. Orpah leaves with tears, but Ruth holds on to Naomi.

Ruth commits herself to Naomi’s people and God. Together they travel to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi returns in grief, calling herself bitter. Ruth’s loyalty does not instantly remove that grief, but she stays beside Naomi as the next chapter begins.