Ruth (8)

In this verse we read, “so they two went.” This is a remarkable pair, for the one, a return, and for the other, a journey to Bethlehem.

This verse has much to inform us if we think in the first place about Naomi; who is the one that is returning to Bethlehem. We read in the first verse of this chapter, “Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.”

If we think about verse 1 and verse 19, many questions arise in our hearts, and not only our hearts, but imagine the questions and the thoughts that went through the heart of Naomi. What that has been for Naomi has to be experienced to be understood. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem-judah. We read that two returned. These two were both women who returned, the one an Israelite and the other a Moabite. What a contrast between the two! In outward appearance they have no similarity. It was a long journey from Moab to Bethlehem, and they went until they came to Bethlehem.

That in itself tells us that there was a specific place that they were journeying. They were journeying to Bethlehem. What is Bethlehem, my dear friends? That is the house of bread. And they were journeying to Bethlehem. In verse 1 it tells us that there was a famine in Bethlehem, but we read that this also has changed.

Verse 6 tells us that the Lord has visited His people in giving them bread. So the famine had ceased. There was bread in Bethlehem for a tried soul as Naomi. There was bread in Bethlehem for a hungry soul as Ruth. Therefore they both had need to come to Bethlehem, that house of bread. They both by the grace of God are privileged to come to Bethlehem. A privilege that the Lord gives out of free mercy to His church.

He is that compassionate High Priest for people who realize so many times that they are sinful and need such a compassionate High Priest who forgives time and again. We find this in Naomi in her return to Bethlehem. Oh, unchangeable faithfulness of God!

“How can the faithfulness and love of God be shown to Naomi when she went out with four and came back to her house alone?”

Friends, stand still and meditate upon the unchangeable love of God, as you in thought see Naomi returning to Bethlehem. I know many would say, “How can the faithfulness and love of God be shown to Naomi when she went out with four and came back to her house alone?” When she returns to Bethlehem, there is no Elimelech, no Mahlon, no Chilion.

We read in Isaiah 43:1-2, “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When you passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

So we see fulfilled in the life of Naomi that the word of God remains true. He never forsakes the work that His hand has begun. The Lord works in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform, and plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. The Bible tells that all things will work for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).

Ruth, by the grace of God, is making the first trip from Moab to Bethlehem with a returning Naomi. When we see these two coming to their destination that was Bethlehem, we know much has transpired along the way. Ruth was brought by the grace of God to be a true companion of Naomi so that together they may journey. They truly may receive from each other.

“And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?” Finally, they arrive in Bethlehem. All the city was moved about them. Many have forgotten the departure of the unbelieving Elimelech. Many had thought, “What will ever become of Elimelech?” Many questions were asked, some out of enmity and some out of love. It was a mixed multitude. Is it not true today that many are leaving the truth and going according to their own foolishness, seeking happiness in riches or in the pleasures of sin, but sometimes by grace they are privileged to return?

When Naomi and Ruth are seen the questions center on Naomi. The question is, “Is this Naomi?” The main question is, young and old: Where are we traveling? Are we traveling to Moab, the Molech of this world, death and sin, or are we by grace traveling on that narrow road that leads to Bethlehem? What does our city say about us, about our walk and talk?

How wonderful when the Lord works in the hearts of young people and older ones. Then it is noised abroad. The Lord will care for His work. It shall be seen and heard. ?

Rev. J. Spaans is pastor of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Norwich, Ontario.

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