Bible Love Stories: Ruth & Boaz

The caravan finally stopped at Judah since the five days journey from Moab began . It was a fifty mile travel, Naomi was not only fatigued, she looked at Ruth with uncertainty when the merchants started offloading their personal effects.

They had initially argued during the journey to Judah but Ruth’s mind was made up, she will live with Naomi and her people and also serve her God. She felt empty now that there was nothing to pack, except the sling bag Ruth carried with her. The blusterous commands from the merchants offloading their barns from the caravan was quite intimidating. Naomi and Ruth learnt that the barley harvest was in season during the journey.

Alas, Naomi had returned from Moab after almost two decades with nothing!

Ruth came down from the caravan, offering to lift Naomi out. She hesitated and pulled up by herself. As they approached the city gates, it dawned on Ruth that she was dressed like a Moabite, and wondered if she made the right decision following Naomi back to Bethlehem now. As if Naomi could hear her thoughts, Naomi beckoned on her to move closer, whispering in Canaanite dialect she said, "we have to find a place for you to change your clothing".

Ruth felt reassured, her gazed searched until she sighted a lad selling loaves of bread and asked to buy two. He wrapped her grocery when he received one quarter of a shekel. Is there anything else? He quizzed.

Yes, replied Ruth. I would like to change my clothing. Can you offer a place for me to do that in a bit?

Okay, he said and called out to his sister. Zippor! Zippor!

She showed up a little disgruntled, she was milking the cow when she heard her name. She stared at Ruth a little puzzled and then to her brother she barked; Here! What do you want me to do?

The lad said to his sister, would you be kind enough to help this tourist who wants to change her cloths.

Oh! She observed Ruth carefully, then runs behind a stall. Ruth paces after her and finds her in the dim airtight space.

You can change here, Zippor said and turned the other way.

Thank you Ruth said to Zippor, as she changed into Naomi piece of clothing, wrapping her hair just like Naomi would do. As soon as she finished, Zippor skids off to her point of duty.

The young lad smiled at Ruth as she emerged. Enjoy your stay in Judah.

Ah, she paused, I’m actually heading to Bethlehem with my mother-in-law. How can we get there from here?

You didn’t travel down with your husband? he quizzed.

No, she retorted.

A horse ride could have been faster, but you can wait till evening at the market square, perhaps you find a few relatives there. It’s the barley season and there’s influx of movement in and out of Judah he said.

Thank you for your help today, she said.

She struggled a little with her apparel, not too comfortable in her new attire, but managed to smile as Naomi looked startled.

Naomi smiled, a little relieved, don’t worry my dear, we could just tag along until we find our way around in the coming days.

Then she told her about the conversation she had with the lad.

In the evening as the women of Judah closed for the day, it was a custom to wait at the market square, to find fellow neighbours who'd be heading towards the same direction.

As the women and children gathered together in different groups her gaze waded through the company waiting and there she was found by Peninnah, Tohu’s wife and her sisters -in-law.

Who do I see Peninnah screamed!!! Elimelech is back from Moab! Look at his wife Naomi. Is this really Naomi? They
all chimed as they turned towards her direction. Who’s that maiden with her they choroused.

Weakened with so much regret, Naomi broke down in tears. Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara because the Almighty God has made my life sad.