Naomi and Ruth

In Ruth's Book we meet for the first time a woman who loves someone. Ruth sacrifices everything for love. When a biblical woman for the first time, loves someone,it is not one of the Bible's many patriarchs, heros or kings that is the object of her love. Ruth loved another woman.

Ruth and Naomi are not bound to one another against their will, nor are they under the authority of a man.They don't compete with one another for his favour or to be chosen to bear his son. The bonds between Ruth and Naomi are voluntary. Their relationship is characterized by thoughtfulness, collaboration and love.

Naomi migrates to the land of Moab together with her husband and two sons. They are fleeing a famine. Her husband dies and her sons marry two Moabite women named Orpa and Ruth. After ten years the sons die as well. And when Naomi hears that times are better in Bethlehem she decides to return. She implores Orpa and Ruth to return to the home of their childhood. Only there do they have a chance of remarriage. Naomi has her own bitter experiences. A woman can only survive if she has a man. But Ruth won't let herself be persuaded. She follows Naomi. Some researchers point out that Ruth's decision is the most radical in the entire Bible. Ruth who gives up her country, her family and her people in order to follow Naomi has taught Naomi that a woman can fill another woman's life with meaning, support and love. Ruth's Book teaches that love between women is possible and that it is of value.

Ruth says to Naomi:
”...where you go, I will go and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God.”

by
Lillemor Björling, chaplain, 2008.