Ruth Stays with Naomi

Naomi lived in a town called Bethlehem with her husband and two sons. But there was no food growing, so they moved to a different country called Moab.

In Moab, Naomi's sons grew up and got married. One son married a woman named Ruth. But then very sad things happened. Naomi's husband died. Then both her sons died too.

Now Naomi was so sad. She had no husband and no sons. She heard that back home in Bethlehem, food was growing again. 'I should go home,' she thought.

Naomi's two daughters-in-law started walking with her. But Naomi said, 'You should go back to your own families. You've been so kind to me, but I can't help you anymore. Go find new husbands in your own country.'

Orpah, one daughter-in-law, hugged Naomi goodbye and went home. But Ruth said, 'NO! I won't leave you!'

Naomi said, 'Your sister went back. You should too.'

But Ruth said something beautiful: 'Don't ask me to leave you! Where you go, I'll go. Where you live, I'll live. Your people will be my people. Your God will be MY God. I will stay with you forever!'

Ruth loved Naomi SO much. And Ruth wanted to worship Naomi's God—the one true God.

So Naomi and Ruth walked all the way to Bethlehem together. When they got there, people were surprised. 'Is that Naomi?'

Naomi was sad. 'I left with my whole family. Now I'm coming back with nothing.'

But Naomi was wrong! She had Ruth, who loved her and loved God. And they arrived just when the harvest was starting. Good things were about to happen!