Profession vs. Possession

The aftermath of the deaths of Mahlon and Chilion left Naomi thinking of returning to Bethlehem. But she did her best to dissuade Orpah and Ruth from accompanying her. She used various arguments and tried to cloak her advice in pious language. But the reality was that she was urging the two Moabite women to return to their old lives and to take up again the worship of their false gods. Orpah took that advice and turned back to the old life. But Ruth refused and would not listen to any of Naomi's arguments. Clearly, Ruth had been affected by the power of God's Spirit, and in spite of Naomi's strong efforts, Ruth resolved that she would go with her and take up a new life among the people of God.