Ruth, what a remarkable book. Here is an interesting portrayal of three women -- Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth. Against the brutal setting of a famine in Judah, Elimelech flees from Judah with his wife Naomi and their two sons to the country of Moab in search of food. After their arrival in Moab Elimelech dies leaving his wife Naomi alone with her two sons Mahlon and Chilion. The two sons marry Moabite women, Naomi and Ruth. Ten years later the husbands of Ruth and Naomi die leaving all three woman widowed. Naomi decides to return to Judah and her two daughters-in-law travel with her.

On her journey to her homeland Naomi insists that Orpah and Ruth should return to Moab. She urges them, "Go back each of you to your mother's house and may the Lord deal kindly with you as you have dealt with me." …