In our study of the book of Ruth we now find Naomi facing another decision. She was widowed as were her two daughters-in-law. In addition she heard that the famine in
But what to do about her two daughters-in-law? If she takes them with her back to
She had very little to offer them. They would have better possibilities of finding a husband by staying in
At this juncture Naomi affirmed Orpa in her decision to go back to her people and her gods. She was complicit in Orpa’s decision, knowing whatever Orpa’s understanding was of having a relationship with Israel’s God she had encouraged her to go back to her gods.
Orpa too, made a choice. She was exposed to the true and living God, married into a possible small inheritance, but chose to go back, rejecting what little she had. She was never mentioned again in the Bible. Choices matter!