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Of all the passages taken out of context, perhaps Ruth 1:16-17 is one of the biggest!
During the time of the judges, an Israelite woman named Naomi found herself a widow. She had left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons to go to Moab, due to a severe famine. While there, her husband died. Her two sons both married Moabite women, and then both sons died. All three women were then widows. When Naomi decided to return to her homeland, one of the daughters-in-law, Ruth, said to Naomi:
“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
This passage is read in many modern weddings, but it is not about romantic love. It is about dedicated family love, and also expresses faith and commitment to God.
Matt Clifton
Fast Bible Facts podcast
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