The book of Ruth, written years ago and read in synagogues around the world, is a window for understanding some aspects of current Israeli political issues. In fact, we believe it is a blueprint for political action. What is the precise connection between events occurring today that unite Jews with Christians, and the ancient story of Ruth and Naomi?
Recall the story: To escape the famine in Bethlehem, Naomi and Elimelich journeyed to Moab where they settled with their two sons. Both sons married foreigners, the first Ruth, and the second Orpah. Many years later, after losing her husband and sons, Naomi planned to leave behind her daughter-in-laws Ruth and Orpah, and journey home to Bethlehem. However, Orpah preferred to leave her Jewish family and accompany Naomi. In doing so, Orpah left the one and only God — the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — to return to her old ways. When Ruth attempted to follow her too, Naomi resisted. She saw no value in continuing the relationship with her foreign daughter-in-law of pagan origins. Still, Ruth clung to her until Naomi relented.
Naomi’s terrible losses had left her weary and bitter. She found herself drawing both sustenance and companionship from Ruth as they traveled the long road home.
In Bethlehem, again Naomi relied on Ruth’s strength as she ate grain the younger woman had gleaned while working from dawn to dusk in the harvest fields. Ruth provided a cocoon of rest for the grieving Naomi. In the midst of this rest, Naomi began to recover.
As Naomi emerged from mourning, Naomi reconsidered Ruth’s tireless commitment to her well-being. While the clouds of depression cleared, Naomi’s perception of the tag-a-long Ruth as a cast-off faded. Realizing that Ruth had unselfishly been her lifeline, Naomi resolved to return the kindness.
In her first recorded project after her homecoming, Naomi focused on Ruth’s well-being, thus, returning to Ruth the very kindness Ruth had provided for Naomi—rest. Naomi watched Ruth bring in sustenance day after day. The young woman demanded no rights, privileges, benefits, or connection to land or to family. Keenly aware of the bleak future awaiting foreigners in Bethlehem, Naomi broke cultural mores and scrapped politics of the day, and proclaimed Ruth “like family.” Her proclamation to the greater Jewish community was no less than revolutionary. She sought to ensure a solid future for her Gentile daughter-in-law by securing the young widow’s marriage in such a way that would tie her to Naomi’s own parcel of land as well as to her family—the same rights any Jewish heiress would have enjoyed. Naomi packaged this controversial deal and pitched the offer to Boaz, to whom she was related through Elimelich, by way of a fair messenger, Ruth herself.
“Naomi’s rest” is a two-edged sword: One side has Naomi receiving rest from Ruth, the other Ruth receiving rest from Naomi. As the Book of Ruth describes, Naomi’s perception of Ruth as a hanger-on to be cast off faded. Ruth’s role as Naomi’s lifeline is brought into sharp focus.
If the Book of Ruth does, in fact, contain portions of the script being played out in Israeli politics today, then both Christians and Jews can easily find their roles by asking themselves some simple questions.
We, here at the HWC encourage both Jews and Christians to “enter Naomi’s rest.” For more information, please read the FAQ.