Some ten years later, Naomi received a word that the Lord was again recognized as the sole provider in Judah. After hearing how God had visited the land of Judah with bread, Naomi decided to return to the place she once called home alone. She never had any intentions of taking either of her daughters-in-law. Naomi’s plea to them was, “... Go, return each to your mother’s house; the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband...,” Ruth 1:8-9.

            Naomi wished the two women well and believed God’s favor would give them rest because of their kindness to her family. Naomi then gave them a farewell kiss expecting to end their relationship forever, disregarding their covenant with God that was established through marriage. Initially, the two women cried out to Naomi making every intention to show their loyalty to her.

            Naomi attempted to dissuade them from following her. She painted a grim picture of hopelessness. She even blamed the God she served for all her misfortunes. God only has a covenant to add and multiply, while satan only has a contract to subtract and divide. While God extends mercy, satan always makes you pay. (to be continued)