The Story Of Ruth & Naomi | 100 Bible Stories

Long time back, in a place called Moab, there lived a woman named Naomi. Her husband had died a long time back, and now recently, her two sons too died. She was now left with the wives of her sons, Orpha and Rue. There is no point of sitting here and crying. We can do nothing about it now. Ruth, you must listen to what I'm going to tell you. What is it, mother? My daughters, you're still young. Go back to your people and marry again. You can have children of your own one day. Mother, what are you saying? No, Ruth. Stop. You must do what I say. I'm going back to Bethlehem, and you can't come with me. But, why can't I come to Bethlehem with you? Because you're a Moabite woman, and in Israel, you'll always be a foreigner, my dear. Orpha, will you at least listen to me? I will do whatever you wish me to do. Thank you, dear. Thank you so much. Now, Ruth, please. Mother, please don't insist. Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you die, I will die. Your people shall be my people, and your God will be my God. Oh, dear. Ruth refused to part her mother, and they both travelled together to Bethlehem. Do you see that mountain, Ruth? That one? Yes, that's Nebo. It was from there that Moses viewed Canaan. Nebo? Poor Moses. Why did you say that, mother? Oh, that. That's because after leading all the Israelites from Egypt, he died there. He died at the threshold of the promised land. The God of Israel is the God of the poor. He will not abandon me. While they were travelling, Naomi narrated the history of Israel to Ruth. And after many days of travelling, they finally reached Naomi's house in Bethlehem. Hey, look. Who are they? I think I've seen that face before. Isn't that Naomi? Yes, it's her. Come on. Naomi! Naomi, it's you! Naomi! You look so different. Yes, it's been so long since you left. Where is Elimelech and your sons? What happened, Naomi? No, don't call me that anymore. Don't call me Naomi. My life has become like this ruined house. I had everything when I left here. But I've come back empty-handed. I'm no more Naomi, the happy one. I'll be called Mara, the sorrowful from now on. Don't worry, Naomi. It'll be alright. But the God hasn't abandoned me totally. He has left me with her, the wife of my son. She is a good woman. May God bless you! For many days, their neighbours helped them by giving food to eat. Mother! Ruth, what is it? How long are we going to live on this charity? Yes, our neighbours are kind, but we mustn't burden them. Mother, I was thinking. What dear? I was thinking that I can go and work somewhere. What? Yes, mother. Look, I'm healthy and I can work. But dear, I can't bear that. Listen to me, mother. This is harvest season, and I can go into the fields and glean. No, I can't bear to see my daughter glean in a stranger's land. But why should we be ashamed? You have told me that our God is the God of poor. That's right. But they might insult you calling you a foreigner. Mother, don't worry. I shall return by evening. God, father of orphans and protector of widows, please watch over my daughter. And that day, Ruth went to work in the fields. She started collecting the leftover ears of corn. It is scorching and I am thirsty. Where can I get some water? The field that Ruth chose to work that day was owned by Boaz, a relative of Naomi. On that day, Boaz came to the field to oversee the reaping. Who is that young woman? Oh her! Do you remember your aunt Naomi? Naomi? Wife of Elmelech? Yes, that young woman is the daughter-in-law of Naomi. She has me permission to glean in your field and I allowed. Hmm, they are poor widows. She hasn't taken any break all day. Hmm, I remember Naomi. She was a good woman and she was trying very hard. What's your name? Ah, me? Yes, you come here. Yes, master. What's your name? My name is Ruth. I am wife of Naomi's son. I know. I am a relative of Naomi. Oh! You don't have to go anywhere else for gleaning. No one will bother you here. You may drink water from my servant's drawer. Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. But what have I done to deserve this? You? You left everything and came here with your mother-in-law? Come with me. We'll have something to eat.