Chapter One
A COMMITMENT TO BE THERERuth 1
There is an old saying that when times are hardest you
know who your friends are. That summarizes the first
chapter of the book of Ruth.
Naomi's situation was at its worst. She had lost her
husband and sons, which meant that she had also lost
her source of income, security, and identity. She was
without hope. It is at this point that Ruth, her daughter-in-law, does an astonishing thing-she decides to stay
with Naomi. Ruth demonstrates a commitment to be
there.
Warming Up
1. Why is faithfulness an important quality in friendship?
Digging In
2. Read Ruth 1. What do we learn about Naomi in verses 1-5?
3. Ruth and Orpah are introduced as Naomi's daughters-in-law (v. 4).
What basis do these three women have for mutual trust (vv. 1-5)?
4. Consider a time when you shared a difficult experience with someone.
How did it strengthen your friendship?
5. What do verses 6-13 reveal about Naomi's relationship to God?
6. When you have faced a painful experience, how has it affected your
attitude toward God?
7. The famine is over, and Naomi prepares to return to Bethlehem
with her daughters-in-law. Why does Naomi encourage Ruth and
Orpah to stay in Moab (vv. 8-14)?
8. What cost does Naomi face by encouraging Ruth and Orpah to
stay in Moab?
How do both Ruth and Orpah show faithfulness to Naomi by
their different responses?
9. What does it cost you to be faithful to those you love?
(Continues.)
