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The Sower and the Seed

 

Understanding Biblical Truth

The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds

Mark 4

 

4 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

We just read that Christ began to teach from a ship. His ministry had grown so large, that as the people pressed on Him, to hear Him, they pushed Him into the sea. Therefore, to combat the overcrowded conditions, He taught from the sea, in the little ship.

² And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Christ taught the crowd, many things by parables, and on this day, He shared with them this doctrine.

³ Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

Understanding Biblical Truth:

This parable starts with the notion that there was a sower, or a dispenser of seeds, a farmer, who began to spread his seeds to the ground.

⁴ And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

As this farmer spread out his seeds, some seeds fell upon the edge of the road.  Remember, a road is usually a section of compacted ground, where people have walked over, or it has intentionally been prepared, thickened, and packed, for the purpose of walking. The seed which landed upon the edge of the road was found by the birds, who then ingested the seeds. The soil was so thick that the seeds could not penetrate the dirt. Therefore, it was easy for the birds to find the seeds, and completely devour them.

⁵ And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Some of the farmer’s seeds fell on stony ground or ground that was void of soil. Almost immediately, these seeds began to germinate, because the earth was too shallow, for it lacked sufficient earth.

⁶ But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away 

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Because these seeds were on stony ground, they were able to burrow themselves into the earth, unfortunately, the earth’s depth was not sufficient to allow the growth of roots to sustain the plant in its early development, and the hot sun baked the plant, and it died.

⁷ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Now, some of the farmer’s seeds landed on thorny ground. Since thorns had grown there, we know that there existed sufficient earth to allow the seeds to form the root systems they required for growth. Unfortunately, the weeds placed themselves in competition with the farmer’s seeds, for the limited resources, particularly, water. This competition favored the weeds, being indigenous to the ground where they were already growing. Additionally, it is reasonable to believe that these weeds had the benefit of having started to grow first, and therefore, had another advantage of being further developed than the farmer’s seeds. These advantages for the weeds, allowed them to acquire a disproportionate number of resources, particularly water, and therefore, the farmer’s seeds suffered from dehydration and died.

⁸ And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

 

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Now, some of the farmer’s seeds landed on good ground, the ground where the growing conditions were optimal for the development of his seeds. Ground with sufficient soil for the roots to develop, and sufficient water to sustain the plant in the heat of the sun. This allowed the plants to develop until the sun becomes an actual benefit to the plant, allowing them growth thru photosynthesis, rather than being a detriment to them, when the heat boiled and dehydrated the plants. These plants were able to grow and yield thirty, sixty, or a hundred times more seeds than was used to grow the plant.

⁹ And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Then Jesus states to those listening, he who has understanding, let them hear, and understand more, or better. At this moment, all in the crowd were listening, so this must mean that Christ had reserved this statement for a particular group of people, that were to be found amongst those who were currently listening.

⁰ And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Later, after the crowd had dispersed, the people that remained with Christ, and the twelve apostles, inquired of Him, the meaning of the parable that He had shared with the crowd.

¹¹ And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Christ explains to His disciples, the twelve apostles, and the people who remained, “To you is given the blessing of understanding. You will see, hear, learn, and understand the true meaning of God’s kingdom, but to everyone else that has seen, and heard this parable, they will not share in the blessing of understanding, for they are without. But exactly, what are they without?

¹² That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Here we discover the meaning for the phrase “that are without”. One could oversimplify the interpretation, to merely stand for the group of people who lacked understanding, but this is not an accurate account for Christ’s words. Our Savior, so that His interpretation is not errored, goes on to further explain the phrase. He states that there exists something in the people, or around them, or something that they lack, that makes is responsible for them being without. Jesus further defines this condition, though they see with their eyes, they do not see with their minds, and though they hear with their ears, they do not hear with their hearts, therefore, they reject the message. Christ then goes on to say, that if at any time, these individuals were to accept this message, then they would be converted, and enmity toward sin would be found in their hearts, and their sins would be forgiven. So, what is blocking, or lacking in the persons’ brains, that prevents the conversion from one’s experience, thru their own senses, to the realization of its existence, reality, in the mind? What establishes this barrier to the transformation from the brain’s senses to the mind’s reality? How can there be a reality in the brain, but not in the mind. We will address this later.

¹³ And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Understanding Biblical Truth:

The Savior then goes on to ask His disciples, the twelve, and those who remained behind. Those who crave spiritual food, or satisfaction of their spiritual needs, over the satisfaction of their hunger, or their physical needs. This establishes the first commandment, that nothing should come before God, not even our most basic needs of life. For this reason, Christ did not turn the stones to bread (Matthew 4:4). Christ then asks of His disciples, those who desire truth, don’t you understand this parable? Jehovah then makes the statement, if you do not rid yourselves (the plank in your eye – Matthew 7:5) or acquire for yourselves (the eye salve – Revelation 3:18) those things that block, or those things that remove, the transformation of your senses (brain) to your intellect (mind), then you shall never understand any parable. For this reason, Christ states that we must become like little children (Matthew 18:3), with no preconceived conditions in our minds or hearts, lest they block our understanding of truth. This establishes the difference in existence and function between the brain and the mind.

Now there was a specific reason why Christ taught the others, in parables, they simply were not ready for the truth. If Christ would have shared this truth with them, and they, existing in a state of unreadiness, this knowledge would have led to the rejection of truth, and this would have become the road to destruction. They would have been held to a level of understanding, even though they were not prepared for it, and failure would have been imminent. By Christ teaching in a parable, He showed His love for them, creating a layer of mercy, where they could have time to remove the plank, or obtain the eye salve, and then be ready for acceptance. Otherwise, their defeat would be ensured.

¹⁴ The sower soweth the word.

Understanding Biblical Truth –

Now Christ elaborates on the meaning of “the seed”. He explains the farmer plants the “word of God” in man’s heart. So, we need to uncover two things, who is the Sower, and what does the seed lead to? What is the grown plant’s equivalent?

¹⁵ And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Understanding Biblical Truth -

Again, Christ repeats the story and continues to explain its meaning. The seed, or truth, that lands by side of the road, where the road has been packed, therefore, the condition of the roadside is, condensed, impenetrable ground, our hearts are hardened. Ground that nothing can sink or burrow into. This is done for the purpose of walking so that as one steps, they do not sink into the soil and trip. Therefore, this seed has no ability to cover or burrow itself into the soil. Therefore, this plant never germinates or starts the process of root production. These are those people, who hear the truth, and immediately reject it. Therefore, there is no establishment of plant growth at all, and without growth, plant death quickly ensues. This seed is easy for Satan to find, and steal by eating it. Satan is the bird.

¹⁶ And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Christ then explains the condition of the stony ground. Remember, the roadside’s condition is so condensed or packed so tightly, that the seed of truth cannot penetrate from the eyes or ears, the senses, into the mind or belief, the soil. In the stony ground, there is some soil above the stones, but insufficient for there to establish adequate root development. This person experiences the seed, or truth, within their senses, and gladly accepts it, within their senses. There is initial cultivation of this seed, and root development initiates.

¹⁷ And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Christ then expounds upon the fact that the environment is not conducive to adequate growth. Even though the roots begin to sprout, they are inadequately sufficient to sustain the further development of the plant. The seed, the truth, all though successfully planted, only has the ability for minimal growth. This plant has the capability to survive, but only for a limited time. The unprepared soil allows for scant growth, and when difficulty develops, the undeveloped plant is incapable of adapting to the changes and quickly dies from malnourishment and dehydration. Satan’s temptations are the scorching sun that causes our truth to wither away.

¹⁸ And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Christ explains to his followers, the apostles, and those who remained. Next, we find an environment where optimal growth has the potential to occur. Unfortunately, there existed other plants, weeds that sprung up first, and these weeds were not removed prior to the dispersal of the seeds, insufficient preparation of soil. As the seed germinates, it must compete with the weeds for the limited resources, minerals, water, and sunlight. Since the weeds have deeper roots, and taller leaves, having commenced their growth prior to the germination of our seeds, have an unfair advantage over our little seed, and easily overcome it. The weed absorbs most of the available water since its root system is vast. The weed blocks out the sun since its leaves envelop the tiny leaves of our little seed. Therefore, the weeds choke our seeds to death, by depriving them of what is needed for growth.

¹⁹ And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

So, our little seed has some growth, unfortunately, it is limited by the circumstances that the weeds present. As we can see, the weeds can be anything from the lust of the eyes, the deceitfulness of riches, the lust of the flesh, cares and needs of this world, and the pride of life, the lust of other things entering in. These conditions, some preconceived, others we experience as life goes on, choke the truth out of us, and lead us to compromise when we are weak.

²⁰ And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Finally, Christ gives the “Good News”. There is some seed, that lands on perfectly prepared soil. The soil where there are plentiful minerals and water. The soil where the weeds have been removed. The soil where the access to the sunlight is perfect. These seeds, where the soil has been prepared for growth, give the seeds their maximum opportunity for growth and grow they do. Some seed geminates into a bush that provides thirty times more than was started with, others sixty times, and still others one hundred times.

Conclusion:

Now, this is truly a beautiful story, but what does it mean? Why did Christ share this “Good News” with his followers? Why did those who left, failed to understand what Christ was saying? Does God favor man? 

We need to understand the following, what is the seed? What is the roadside ground? What is stony ground? What is the weed-filled ground? What is good ground? Lastly, who is the Sower of seeds?

Let us start to answer these questions by turning back to the source, it is written.

Romans 12:3 – For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

This verse clearly states that every person is given a measure of faith. So how does this “faith” have any significance with our seed? The seed is our given faith. When Christ created His children, he placed in them, an innate need to search for that which is greater than himself. This desire causes man to seek knowledge and truth, unfortunately, knowledge does not always equate to truth, and often man’s journey has been derailed by the search for knowledge, rather than the search for truth. So, this innate desire is the seed. God gave everyone this seed.

So, what is the ground? The ground is what we do, and how we prepare to cultivate our seed. The ground is our hearts and minds. When our hearts are so packed with deception, that no level of truth can penetrate, there can be no growth for our little seed. Then Satan comes to destroy our little seed, or faith, creating in us disbelief. This often leads to the rejection of God’s word or atheism.

When our faith lands upon a heart in stony ground, there is some level of soil, so initially, there is growth, as when we are born again in our nature. Unfortunately, we do not prepare our soil by removing the stones, and the things that plagued us, and separated us from God, before our rebirth, return and do the same again. We return to the way we were before. Let us see what “it is written” has to say.

Matthew 12:43-45

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Here Christ explains the cause-effect relationship of having our faith cast upon stony ground. First, He explains that the unclean spirit leaves the man. The man is free to think, to search, and to accept. The man searches for rest but finds none. So, what the man was searching for was rest, but finds none, truth. Most likely this man searched in that which he knew, knowledge, and since that was inadequate before, it remained inadequate. Therefore, the man lost hope and returned to his house, or the way his heart condition was before his rebirth. The man become bitter against all that is God, and now evil has increased in his heart against God, and we find him seven times worse than before. His enmity against Jehovah has increased seven times. This man failed to search for truth, the word of God, rather he searched for knowledge, the word of men. This knowledge, along with Satan’s works, led this man back to where he began, confused, angry, alone. If only this man would have searched elsewhere. Today, many professed Christians are willing to accept the “word of men” without confirming these words to the “word of God”, therefore, we are witnessing the same pattern, and these unfortunate souls will eventually find their knowledge lacking truth. This will lead many to despise our Creator, and they will choose to believe in alternative knowledge, evolution, atheism, and apostate Protestantism. 

Again, we find our seed land upon the soil that has been improperly prepared, yes, we removed the stones, but we failed to destroy the weeds. Our weed-filled soil, although sufficient in minerals and water, has a problem, it has weeds. The weeds create a competition for the available resources, water, and minerals. This is like when we accept the truth, but we lose our first love, our desire to know more, and our drive for growth thru truth.

Revelation 2:2-4

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

³ And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

⁴ Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Here our Savior recognizes the achievements of the early church. He commends their works, their knowledge of the truth, their recognition of error, and their implementation of learned behaviors for Christ. Unfortunately, Christ also condemns them for the one thing that may eventually cause them to depart from the truth, which is their first love. The church is of the impression that it knows enough, it does enough, and it behaves well enough. These ideals potentially lead the church to a pagan doctrine, righteousness by works. The church, because of its belief, that it was good enough, lost its desire to learn more, or continue its growth in truth, and its dependence upon God.

The weeds suffocate our desire to have our characters mimic those of our Savior’s. We begin to believe, as the early church, that we are good enough. We forget the description of salvation that Christ gave us, in His sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

When mankind, or even the church, become aware of their inadequacy, then and only then can their hearts soften to examine the truth, and accept it. If ever they believe themselves to be full, or acceptable, they lose this special blessing, that leads to the knowledge of their sins, and the enmity in them. This enmity in sin leads to true AGAPE with Christ, toward God the Father.

Finally, some of our seeds fall upon good ground. This is ground that has been adequately prepared to receive the seed. It is when we remove “everything” from our hearts and minds that can become a barrier between the seed, truth, and our spiritual growth, the plant. Only then can the seed, truth, that the Sower, our Christ has planted, continue to grow. It can only continue to grow when we have complete dependence upon the Son of God. If ever we depend upon ourselves, we return to our empty home, and acquire the seven devils, and find ourselves seven times worse than before.

 

So let us review: 

Christ is the Sower of seeds. He implants in every man, a measure of faith. A longing to, and desire, to meet his creator. Our hearts are the soil, and they can only germinate the seed to the level of our willingness to prepare our soil by removing the barriers between the Holy Spirit and our minds. Christ provides the rain, minerals, and the sun, all that is needed for the plant, or our faith, to grow. If we depend upon ourselves, we will never obtain an adequate amount of water, minerals, and sun for us to grow, and we will die. Our growth requires complete dependence upon our Father in heaven. We only need to get out of the way as He, thru the Holy Spirit remove the obstacles. If we do not interfere in this process, God will always be successful.

Let us answer the last question, does God favor men?

Romans 2:11 - For there is no respect of persons with God.

Understanding Biblical Truth:

Because there is no favor of men, we are all equals in God’s eyes, and in His church. There is no hierarchy, and therefore we come together as one. If there were favoritism, it would go against the very character that is God’s, God is Love. Therefore, let us rejoice, for the greater the sin, the greater God’s grace. We can come boldly to His throne of Grace and find His love of us. 

Amen.

Ruth Chapter One - Time of Apostasy

 

 

The Book of Ruth Chapter One – Time of Apostasy

1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

Note:  In this first text, we find time, structure and status.  History places the time of the Judges to have been from 1254 – 1104 BC (TIME).  Israel’s structure during this time was, the Judges ruled Israel, as regent’s for God, and Jehovah was their King.  The status of this relationship, between Israel and God is made evident by comparing the situation in the land to Deuteronomy 28:15-17: ¹⁵ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:  ¹⁶ Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.  ¹⁷ Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.

Deuteronomy 11:17 - ¹⁷ And then the Lord's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you.

Therefore, since the text clearly states, that there was famine in the land, we can infer a time of apostasy against God.  A time when the established relationship between God and His people had been compromised, and a severance from the Covenant between the Master and His children, leading to the misfortunes that befell upon Israel.

2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites (Judeans) of Bethlehemjudah (Bethlehem of Judah). And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

Note:  In this text, we find the status of Elimelech and Naomi, toward Jehovah.  It is clearly expressed in the Deuteronomy 29:28 - ²⁸ And the Lord rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day. 

Here we see that Elimelech and Naomi are in great rebellion, and mistrust, against God, enough to cause them to leave Bethlehem of Judea, and relocate in the Pagan province of Moab.  Their state of enmity against the Elohim went so deep that it affected the future choices they made, and created a self-inflicted curse upon Elimelech and Naomi, and later their children.

3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

Elimelech, who knowingly placed himself in harm’s way, by rejecting the security of God’s commandments and statutes, finally confronts the consequences of sin, he dies.  Romans 6:23 - ²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah (Turned Back-Back of Neck), and the name of the other Ruth (Compassion for the Misery of another): and they dwelled there about ten years.

5 And Mahlon (destruction) and Chilion (sickness) died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

Note:  These texts clearly show how the poor decisions of Elimelech and Naomi would eventually have an influence on their children.  Mahlon (married Ruth) and Chilion (married Orpha) would continue the enmity against God, by marrying two pagan women of Moab.  The belief system of these pagans would further cause a division between Naomi, Mahlon, Chilion and the Great I am.  The fault for this transgression against God lies not with the ignorant Moabite women, but rather with the compromising Judeans, particularly Naomi for allowing compromise in her home.  Since Naomi and her sons resolved in Moab for 10 years, there were at least 30 mandatory events that her sons intentionally missed, ones which they were required to partake of in Shiloh (An act of Omission).  Deuteronomy 28:14 - ¹⁴ And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.  Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:  Naomi was guilty for allowing paganism in her home, and her sons were guilty of knowingly bringing it in.  Additionally, both were guilty of not adhering (omission) to the Commandments or Statutes that the Lord had created.  This animosity against the Almighty, increased the curse against them, and there were consequences to be felt. II Corinthians 6:14 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  The children of Israel were warned not to take as wives, the women of the Gentiles, and that such unions would lead the men of Israel into Idolatry.  Deuteronomy 28:36 - ³⁶ The Lord shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.  Here we find Children of Israel, of the tribe of Judah, who have forsaken their King, residing in a foreign land, Moab.  Here we find them compromising their faith, and rejecting the warnings that God gave them, to preserve them.  Therefore, we find willing participants who place themselves under the governance of another (SATAN), which leads them to worship pagan gods.  Mahlon and Chilion would also face the consequences of their treason, they would die young, and leave their wives without children.  This would leave Naomi without an inheritance.  Deuteronomy 28:18 - ¹⁸ Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

6 Then she (Naomi) arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

Note:  This text shows a change in the relationship between God and the Children of Israel, for now we find an end to the curse of famine.  Therefore, we find and can infer that there had been a revival in the land.  Deuteronomy 28:9 - ⁹ The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.  The Judeans had become aware of the consequences of their decisions and returned to the Covenant, and the Lord forgave their transgressions, and reestablished them.  Just as He (Christ) reestablishes His children today.

7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

Note:  Here, Naomi (Pleasantness) realizes that she has nothing.  She has no inheritance, for she has no male husband, or male heir, because her husband and two sons were dead, and left no male children.  She understands that to remain in Moab was to become an untouchable.  Her choices had led her to the consequences, and she is left wanting.  She decides to return to Bethlehem of Judea, since things have gotten better there, and the same law which her and her family had rejected, could be the source of her salvation.  Leviticus 23:22 - And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God. 

Deuteronomy 28:29 - ²⁹ And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

So what is the motivation of Naomi in returning to Bethlehem (Bread Basket), is it because of repentance, or self-preservation?  She is willing to use the law that God had created to protect her, as a means of having others preserve her. She places the her responsibility on others.  What type of love is this, Filos, Eros, Agape or Hedonism?  Remember, later Naomi changes her name to Mara, which means bitterness.  Which of these types of love could bitterness best reflect?  Naomi, once again lacks bread, first in Judea, now in Moab. 

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

Note:  These texts clearly show that Naomi asks her daughters-in-laws to return to their mothers, severing the familial relationship created between them and Naomi thru marriage. Naomi then encourages Orpha and Ruth to find another husband, one who would be responsible for them, again deferring her responsibilities to another.  Naomi hopes that God will grant them solace (rest), and that they will be blessed in these new relationships with Pagan men.  Initially, both Orpha and Ruth are insistent upon remaining with Naomi and preserving the family ties.  Does Naomi’s character seen to reflect the character of the Mother-in-laws we find in fairy tales?

11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Note:  Naomi’s first plea for Orpha and Ruth to return their mothers in Moab has failed.  Therefore, Naomi gives and additional reason why it would be better for them to go back, Naomi has nothing to offer them.  Naomi can not offer them security, a home, or a family, since she has no sons.  This is the second plea for Orpha and Ruth to break the familial bond, it fails.

12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

Note:  Here Naomi emphasizes her case, stating that even if she would become pregnant that night, the child she bares would not be able, or perhaps not willing to accept either Orpha or Ruth as a wife.  She has no way of giving them what they need, or she cannot guarantee that it would happen.  This is the third plea for Orpha and Ruth to break the familial bond, it fails. 

13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

Note:  Here we witness a change in the tone of Naomi’s suggestion.  Before she was expressing that it would be better for Orpha and Ruth to return to Moab, and she gave many reasons, three.  Now she clearly states that to follow her (Naomi) to Bethlehem would be worse for Orpha and Ruth.  The tone goes from one of concern, to one of fear.  Imagine, why would it be worse for Orpha and Ruth, to become residents of the Promise land, the land protected by Jehovah Himself, the land now flowing with milk and honey?  Is it truly worse for Orpha and Ruth, or worse for Naomi?  Here Naomi clearly blames God for what she is experiencing, she has not formed in her heart a sense of repentance, but harbors only malice and anger toward God.  This is a much different state that Judah finds herself in, having experience revival.  Should Naomi be returning to Judah in her present state?  Could it be that Naomi refuses to accept responsibility for her sins against God?  Remember, that she allowed pagan woman to marry her sons, and paganism influenced the home.  Here is the fourth plea for Orpha and Ruth to return, this time with fear as the motivator, it succeeds. 

14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

Note:  Here we see that Naomi’s relentless persuasion finally works, but it only affects Orpha.  Here we see that Orpha has finally been convinced to return to her mother’s house and continue in her Pagan ways.  Orpha kisses her mother-in-law farewell, but Ruth refuses to let go.  Orpha accepts Naomi’s release of duty that existed thru law. 

15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

Note:  Here Naomi finds herself perplexed.  Why has Ruth not responded to Naomi’s insistence?  Why does Ruth not severe the familial bond created thru law.  Why won’t Ruth give Naomi that which she desires, freedom from responsibility and the ability to forget her sin, and its consequences.  The answer lies in the daughter-in-law’s perception of their relationship with Naomi.  This fifth plea is directed only at Ruth, and it fails. 

16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Note:  Ruth begs Naomi not to force her to leave, or to keep her from maintaining the familial bond with her.  Ruth rejects her release by Naomi, from her legal duty, and rather reaffirms her commitment to remaining in a bond with her.  Her commitment to Ruth not only includes the duties of a daughter-in-law, but a complete transformation in customs and worship.  Ruth knew that her manner of worship would not be acceptable in Judah, she would need to give up being a Moabitess, and become a Jew.  Could this be what Naomi is trying to hide from the people of Judah?  Would they become aware of Naomi’s sins against God and reject her, and leave her alone and empty?

17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Note:  We can clearly see that Orpha has a different perception of her relationship with Naomi, then that of Ruth.  Both Orpha and Ruth love Naomi, but one still perceives herself as a daughter-in-law, and when she is released, she is willing to return to the home of her mother, but Ruth’s heart holds Naomi as her mother, and she sees herself as a daughter, not a daughter-in-law.  Orpha’s loyalty to Naomi is based on law, when Naomi releases her from her duty, she accepts her release.  Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is not based on law.  Her devotion to Naomi does not end with the death of her husband, or the release of duty by Naomi.  Ruth’s devotion to Naomi is not based on the law or the customs, but rather something greater. 

Deuteronomy 15:16-17 - ¹⁶ And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;  ¹⁷ Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.  At the year of Jubilee, all servants were to be released from their duty to their masters, but they had a choice to accept or reject the release.  Ruth is willing to undergo any change and suffer any consequence to remain with the one she loves.  This type of devotion, selfless love (Agape), is what is required of every Jew or Christian, according to Jewish Law and customs.  So, between Ruth and Naomi, who is the true Jew?  Naomi seems to be more concerned with herself (Hedonism) and whether she will be accepted, so that the customs and law of Judah will take care of her.  Ruth is acting in a selfless manner, concerned for the one she loves, more that her own benefit, willing to face all perils, not with Naomi, but for her. 

18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Note:  When Naomi realized that Ruth would not be swayed, she stopped trying to convince her.  The text states that Naomi stopped speaking unto her, could this be out of worry for herself and Ruth, or out of anger toward Ruth?

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara (Bitterness): for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

Note:  Naomi tells the people of Bethlehem not to call her Pleasantness, but rather to call her Bitterness.  She then claims that it was Jehovah that had caused her troubles.  Again, this does not reflect a repentance filled heart, but rather a resentful one.  One with enmity toward God.  She has returned to Judah, but she is not a Jew.

21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

Note:  Naomi did not go out full, she needed bread, there was famine in Judah and now there is famine in her home.  Naomi returns to Judah in the state of famine and blames God for her troubles.  She believes that it is the Almighty that testifies against her, and not the Law, which she broke, and continues to break. 

 Revelation 3:17 - ¹⁷ Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

22  So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Review:

We start with Bethlehem of Judea in a state of Apostasy, suffering the consequences of being separated from God.  She finds herself in a famine, but not just a famine of food, but also a famine of Spirit.  Over time, those in Judah, realize the reason for their suffering is their betrayal against God, and not the vengeance of God. 

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   Judah then repents and is restored to her rightful position with God. 

Naomi differs from Israel.  When she finds herself in sufferance, she runs away from it, does not address it, makes excuses for it, and blames God for it.

As Christian we bear a choice.  Since we are sinners, at some point we must decide, either to follow the example of Judah, or the manner of Naomi. 

This beautiful story is all about restoration.  Ruth makes a complete change of heart to be restored, and eventually thru Ruth and Boaz, Naomi is restored.  This is similar for us, in that thru the decedent of Ruth and Boaz all mankind can be restored.  Therefore, salvation is not just of the Jews, but to the Gentile who believes and receives, the most precious Christ, our Lord Jesus.