Beth Eden Baptist Church

Dr. Craig M. Jenkins, Pastor

Sunday School

 

Mother-Daughter Covenant
Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18
Lesson 12 August 11, 2019

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Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons were Israelites from the tribe of Judah. In an attempt to escape a famine in their area, they sojourned (to move temporarily) to the pagan country of Moab (Ruth 1:1 KJV). But Elimelech soon died, leaving Naomi and her two sons (Ruth 1:3) alone.

After they had lived there about 10 years, her two sons married Moab women giving Naomi two daughters-in-law—Ruth and Orpah (Ruth 1:4). Unfortunately, both sons also died, leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah alone (Ruth 1:5).

When Naomi heard things had gotten better in her home country Judah, she decided to go back there. She and her two daughters-in-law had started on the road back to Judah when Naomi encouraged Ruth and Orpah to return to their families in Moab where perhaps they could find new husbands (Ruth 1:9).

Even though both Ruth and Orpah tried to convince Naomi otherwise, Ruth was the one who wouldn't take no for an answer and decided to continue on to Judah with her. Even though obviously Ruth loved Naomi greatly, it still took a certain amount of courage to leave Moab, her home country, and go to a foreign area and to an uncertain future.

Ruth made a covenant with Naomi that she would go willingly and unconditionally with Naomi and be there for the rest of her life (Ruth 1:17). A covenant is a promise but one which is much stronger, more binding, and given in a solemn and sober manner. Often times, a covenant is open-ended and is given in love as opposed to a legally binding contract. We can say that breaking a promise often time is not a big deal whereas breaking a covenant is definitely a big deal.

                 
Based on First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, TN

Submitted by Donna Reed

 
 
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