Ruth 1:10

And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

And they said {H559} unto her, Surely we will return {H7725} with thee unto thy people {H5971}.

They said to her, "No; we want to return with you to your people."

and said, โ€œSurely we will return with you to your people.โ€

And they said unto her, Nay, but we will return with thee unto thy people.

Commentary

Ruth 1:10 captures a pivotal moment of deep affection and loyalty in the early narrative of the Book of Ruth. Following the tragic deaths of Naomi's husband and two sons, and her subsequent decision to return to her homeland of Judah, her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, express their unwavering commitment to her.

Context

The family of Elimelech and Naomi had migrated from Bethlehem in Judah to Moab due to a severe famine. There, their two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After approximately ten years, tragedy struck: Elimelech and both sons died, leaving the three women as widows. Naomi, hearing that the famine in Judah had ended, decided to return home. In the preceding verses (Ruth 1:8-9), Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own people and seek new husbands, wishing them God's kindness. Verse 1:10 is their immediate, heartfelt response, indicating their strong desire to remain with her despite the practical difficulties and uncertainties of leaving their homeland.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Devotion: This verse powerfully demonstrates the deep bond and loyalty that Orpah and Ruth felt towards Naomi. Their declaration to return with her, even before Ruth's later, more famous commitment, highlights an extraordinary level of devotion that transcends cultural and familial expectations.
  • Compassionate Relationships: The interaction reveals the strong, loving relationship that had developed between Naomi and her daughters-in-law, a testament to Naomi's character and the genuine affection shared.
  • Difficult Choices: The women faced a significant crossroads. Staying with Naomi meant leaving their familiar culture, family support, and the prospect of remarriage in Moab, a choice that would be fully realized by Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "return" is shuv (ืฉืื•ึผื‘), which appears repeatedly in this chapter, emphasizing the physical journey back to Bethlehem but also hinting at a spiritual turning or returning. While not explicit in this verse, the underlying theme of the entire Book of Ruth, particularly exemplified by Ruth's actions, is hesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“), often translated as "loyal love," "steadfast love," or "covenant faithfulness." This type of unwavering devotion is evident in the daughters-in-law's initial response.

Practical Application

Ruth 1:10 reminds us of the profound impact of genuine love and commitment in relationships. It encourages us to consider:

  • The importance of standing by those we love, especially during times of loss or uncertainty.
  • How our actions of compassion and loyalty can inspire similar devotion in others.
  • The courage required to make difficult decisions rooted in faithfulness and care for others, even when it means personal sacrifice.
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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 8:23 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Psalms 119:63 (3 votes)

    ยถ I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

  • Psalms 16:3 (3 votes)

    [But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.