What does Ruth 1:13 mean?
Scholars compare Naomi's troubles to the experiences of Job. Both lose their livelihood and their children. Both know God has at least allowed it, both seem to suspect He has deliberately caused it. And both are convinced they've done nothing to deserve it (Job 1:13–22; 9:20–21; Ruth 1:20–21). Neither Naomi nor Job were being punished for sin, nor were they suffering the natural consequences of some unwise decision (Proverbs 1:31; 11:29).Naomi is additionally heartbroken because God's actions against her have hurt her daughters-in-law. She has resolved to return home to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1–5), but she realizes Israel is no place for two young Moabite widows. They can either live with her or find husbands and have a good life. As much as she loves them, she does not want them to join her in her unavoidable poverty and hardship (Ruth 1:6–10).
At first, the women refuse to leave, but Naomi has a convincing argument. There is no chance that she can have more sons for Orpah and Ruth to marry. First, she's too old. Second, who would marry her so that she could even try? Finally, even if she got married that very night and gave birth to sons nine months later, would Orpah and Ruth wait until the boys were old enough to marry? It's much better if they separate now (Ruth 1:11–12).
Naomi's view of God is tragic. She thinks His hand—His authority and power—has "gone out against" her. In her mind, God has intentionally, directly acted to harm her, as He would to punish someone in rebellion (Exodus 9:3; Deuteronomy 2:15; Judges 2:15). She's even further grieved to think that the two women she loves most have been caught in the crossfire.
Eventually, Orpah sees her point and returns home (Ruth 1:8, 14). Ruth, however, stays. She hears Naomi's lament against God, but has lived with the family and probably suspects this can't be the whole story. She loves Naomi enough that she will disavow her own people and call herself an Israelite. She will even abandon her gods and claim Yahweh (Ruth 1:16–17).
