Disclaimer: The following message is mere speculation. The author is by no means a Bible Scholar and does not promote misinterpretation of the Bible. The author does promote the discussing of the Word and encourages others to share, agree, and rebuke any of the following commentary. You have been warned.

My two married special education cohorts and I recently decided to do a study on the book of Ruth. I wanted to type an e-mail to them (Jen and Deb) to comment and discuss, and then I thought.. "How cool would it be to get other people involved in this discussion?" There you have it. Fellow bloggers (all five of you who look at my blog) I hope you will assist me in this effort.
Chapter 1:
Setting the stage-- Isn't it amazing how God uses our most desperate and painful moments to show us His amazing grace? I know I'm jumping ahead a bit, but from the first part of chapter one you see everything meaningful to Naomi is taken from her. By the end of the chapter she is so full of sorrow she doesn't even want her own name: "Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Lord has brought misfortune unpon me. " Now if I were Ruth I might be thinking, "Whoa, what am I? Chopped liver??" Blinded by her grief, Naomi can't see the true jem God has given her; the one who will be a key player in bringing back the hope in Naomi's life....Ruth.

Now I know I have glossed over some really beautiful parts of chapter one... I think that I will never cease to be touched in some way by the parting of Orpah, Ruth and Naomi. One of the most beautiful moments in scripture is the dedication, determination and bravery Ruth displays when she begs Naomi to let her stay. This brings tears to my eyes: But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. "

Can you just picture saying those words in prayer to God? What about your husband? I think I am moved by these words because it indicates a desperation on Ruth's behalf to leave (or dare I say escape from) the people, lifestyle and religion she knew and grew up with. A little background on Moab's origin compliments of The Bible Knowledge Commentary... Lot's two daughter's were upset and ready to do anything to secure a future after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah so they came up with a twisted plan- they got their dad drunk, slept with him and became pregnant. Great beginning huh? Well their sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi went on to become founders of the Moabites and Ammonites. Yikes. Anyway, Ruth is at a ground breaking moment... She is shutting the door on her culture, religion and roots.

Let me know what you think.