This verse, Ruth 1:9, is a poignant expression of Naomi's love and concern for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, after the deaths of her husband and sons. Let's break it down:
"May Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband." Naomi is blessing her daughters-in-law. "Yahweh" is the Hebrew name for God. "Rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is a loaded term. It signifies more than just physical relaxation. In this context, it refers to security, stability, a home, and a new life. Specifically, Naomi hopes that each of them will find a new husband and a secure, stable, and happy life with him. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's security was largely tied to her marital status and having male descendants.
"Then she kissed them..." This is a gesture of affection and farewell. Naomi is likely aware that by staying with her, Orpah and Ruth will face hardship and a difficult life in a foreign land, as she is returning to her home in Judah. The kiss represents her blessing and love as she sends them on their way.
"...and they lifted up their voices, and wept." This indicates intense sorrow and emotional distress. They are weeping because they are faced with a difficult decision: leave Naomi and seek a new life in their own homeland, or stay with her in a foreign land with uncertain prospects. Their tears reflect the love they have for Naomi, their grief over the loss of their husbands, and the uncertainty of their future.
In summary, the verse portrays a scene of deep affection and sadness. Naomi, feeling responsible for the difficult situation her daughters-in-law are in, blesses them with the hope that they will find new husbands and secure futures. The women's weeping shows their love for Naomi and the pain of their separation. It sets the stage for Ruth's remarkable decision to stay with Naomi, which forms the core of the Book of Ruth.
This verse, Ruth 1:9, is a poignant expression of Naomi's love and concern for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, after the deaths of her husband and sons. Let's break it down:
"May Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband." Naomi is blessing her daughters-in-law. "Yahweh" is the Hebrew name for God. "Rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is a loaded term. It signifies more than just physical relaxation. In this context, it refers to security, stability, a home, and a new life. Specifically, Naomi hopes that each of them will find a new husband and a secure, stable, and happy life with him. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's security was largely tied to her marital status and having male descendants.
"Then she kissed them..." This is a gesture of affection and farewell. Naomi is likely aware that by staying with her, Orpah and Ruth will face hardship and a difficult life in a foreign land, as she is returning to her home in Judah. The kiss represents her blessing and love as she sends them on their way.
"...and they lifted up their voices, and wept." This indicates intense sorrow and emotional distress. They are weeping because they are faced with a difficult decision: leave Naomi and seek a new life in their own homeland, or stay with her in a foreign land with uncertain prospects. Their tears reflect the love they have for Naomi, their grief over the loss of their husbands, and the uncertainty of their future.
In summary, the verse portrays a scene of deep affection and sadness. Naomi, feeling responsible for the difficult situation her daughters-in-law are in, blesses them with the hope that they will find new husbands and secure futures. The women's weeping shows their love for Naomi and the pain of their separation. It sets the stage for Ruth's remarkable decision to stay with Naomi, which forms the core of the Book of Ruth.