Don't Send Them Back

“Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”” (Ruth 1:15, NASB95)

Kyra Markham: Ruth, Naomi and Orpah

In Ruth 1:14-22, we witness Naomi’s deep grief and spiritual confusion. After losing her husband and sons in a foreign land, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their families and gods in Moab. At first glance, her advice makes sense in light of the ancient world, where nations were defined by ethnicity, land, and—importantly—by their gods. To a Moabite, Chemosh was god; to an Israelite, Yahweh.

But Naomi’s words go further. By telling Ruth and Orpah to return to their gods, she unintentionally puts Yahweh on the same level as other deities. This theological mix-up is significant. In Israel’s faith, Yahweh alone is the true God; all others are false. Yet, in her pain and short-sightedness, Naomi treats all gods as equal options. Commentator Daniel Block even notes Naomi’s thinking here is no more orthodox than the chaotic period of the Judges.

This isn’t just ancient history. Today, we often hear people speak as if all religions are equally valid. "He’s a Jew; she’s a Christian; they’re Muslims"—as if these are simply labels, not matters of eternal significance. But Jesus himself said, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already” (John 3:18). For Christians, the truth of Christ’s claims is exclusive and urgent.

Let’s learn from Naomi’s mistake. In our desire to comfort or be inclusive, let’s not send people back to “Moab”—to a life apart from the one true God. Instead, let us point others to the hope and salvation found in Christ alone.