Even after Orpah left and her mother-in-law’s encouragements to follow suit, Ruth adamantly refused to leave Naomi alone. She was dedicated to Naomi despite whatever possible circumstances, including death. Ruth tells Naomi, “Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if even death parts me from you” (Revised Standard Version, Ruth 1.16-17). Ruth was beyond being able to negotiate with. She was too determined to stay by Naomi’s side, to be there for her and love
Even after Orpah left and her mother-in-law’s encouragements to follow suit, Ruth adamantly refused to leave Naomi alone. She was dedicated to Naomi despite whatever possible circumstances, including death. Ruth tells Naomi, “Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if even death parts me from you” (Revised Standard Version, Ruth 1.16-17). Ruth was beyond being able to negotiate with. She was too determined to stay by Naomi’s side, to be there for her and love