Naomi Loses Her Husband and Sons
1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.
Ruth took place toward the end of the ruling time of the judges. These were dark times. People where doing whatever seemed right to each person. There is always a remnant who remain faithful to God, though. Naomi and Ruth were in that remnant who followed God. They are examples of loyalty, friendship, and commitment to God, as well as, to each other. What characteristics are important to you? Do you do what is right by the world’s standard, or do you do what is right by God’s standard? When you take time to be with God daily, you will know what is right in God’s eyes, and you will hone your loyalty, friendship, and commitment to God.
