Ruth 3
Obviously the manner in which people in ancient Israel chose a spouse was very different than how we do. They had a custom that if a woman's husband died, the next closet relative to her husband would marry her. Normally, this would be a brother-in-law. But Ruth brother-in-law had died. That is why Naomi told Ruth to go back to her family. There was no one in the immediate family for Ruth to marry. That is what makes Ruth's decision to go with Naomi amazing. We can see Ruth carrying for Naomi by going out and gathering food. The question is who will care for Ruth as she grows old. She will have no family. A woman alone in that culture was most likely a disaster for the woman. Ruth was willing to sacrifice her future to care for Naomi.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am thankful to be living in a time and place where things are much different than in this story. It sometimes amazes me how women survived in Biblical times!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to hear similar comments as Ken's in this day and time. Many of us hope that our children (especially our daughters) will marry and find someone to help care for them in their old age.
I praise God for His loving care!