The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-06
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
LESSON FOR DEC. Z
RUTH AND NAOMI.
Ruth. i:16-22.
Secretary of American Society of Re-
ligious Education.

There is much diversity of opinion con-
cerning the authorship of the little book
from which our lesson is taken. Conser-
vativc scholars following the views of
Jewish rabbs and many of the Christian
fathers. assign it to Samuel, or TO some
member of the school OF the prophets.
They hold 1t as connecting link between
the books of Judges and OF First Samuel.
Recent critics are disposed to Il later date,
giving ii to some unknown writer. whose
chief purpose was as they think, to trace
the pedigree of David CRuth, iv:lS-2a).
The book has been highly and Justly
priced by all classes. Prof. Steenstra. OF
Cambridge Divinity school, says. what
most students will approve, that ait In
closes a garden of roses as fragrant and
full of mystic calyXcs rs those which
modern travellers find twining and bloom
ing about the solitary ruins OF Israel and
Moab" Its dclineationS of character, its
descriptions Of oriental domestic life its
high moral and religious tone, render it
especially valuable to students of human
nature, or archaeology, and Of religion.
STORY-The book will be best appre-
ciated If read entire at a single sitting.
But the following outline OF its narrative
vii! prepare for the study Of our selected
passage In the time of the judges, the
date not precisely known, severe FAM
lehem-Judah. to emigrate to Noah. a
country lying east of the Dead Sea. There
after n brief residence he died, leaving
wife and two sons. The latter. contrary
to Mosaic law CDeut., vii:3), married wo-
men of the country, and in few years
died. With more than ordinary affection
the three widows clung together. At
length. learning OF renewed prosperity in
her own land, Naomi, the mother-in-law,
resolved to return thther. and the daugh-
tcrs-in-law set out with her. In the way.
considerations We're presented which led
Orpah to turn back. while Ruth, resisting
all argument, pressed forward to make
her home in Bethlehem. There the two
awakened the sympathy and surprise Of
the friends and ueighbors OF the earlier
years. While cleaning in the field Ruth
makes the acquaintance of Boaz. kins-
man of her deceased husband. Marriage
follows and their first born, Obed. be-
comes the grandfather of David the king.
PARTlNG--Our narrative opens III the
point in the lesson where Orpah Is separ-
ated from the others, They We're doubt
le.s approaching The border OF Judah.
The journey thus far may have been re-
ga,Ged as Il friendly escort. But us the
purpose 10 proceed becomes evident,
Naomi was more anxious for the dauSh-
tors than for herself, She was old, and
her Gun of sorrow was fun, but they
were young and might hope for better
days. She pleads with them, therefore.
to return to their homes. reminding them
och, i:S-9) that by remaining in Moab
they might he welded again and find rest
in the home of their husbands, This plea
did not avail. With expressions Of afec-
tion they declared their purpose, showing
that in the land of judah they might
not expect marriage oversees HE'D An
Oriental woman TO whom domestic life is
the goal OF all ambition, would see in
this future of powerful sorrow and
disappointment. SO Graph, with tears
and kisses. turned her steps homeward,
but Ruth adhered to Naomi This part
ing must have been particularly painful
to AL
ENrREATY-Once more Naomi renew
ed her efforts with Ruth. moved by the
genuine desire of u true mother to meet
the natural longings of the young heart.
In u single sentence she presented "A
three-fold argument. "'rhy sister-n-aw
has gone back" she said Ordinarily the
example of young associate would be
more influential than affection for one
who is many years older, Gone back
to her people," Naomi continued. This
must have awakened many emotions.
Father and mother. brothers and sisters,
kindred and friends or else their graves
these We're all in the land they We're leav-
ing. Tho remembrance of those among
Ruth had associated in years gone by,
with whom she had held sweet converse,
it is expected would prevent her from
TO a strange land. Naomi added
further, "gone back to her gods" to
Chcmosh and Baal-Peor (Judses, ii:2D.
Woman responds most of all to the in,
huence OF religion, and clings tenaciously
TO the gods of her ancestors (Numb
Ni:esl Here, then, were the powerful
motives to turn Ruth from her attach
inent-a sisters example and companions
ship, the remembrance of native land |
the homes and Joys OF religion.
RESoL.yE-Ruth was unmoved. Her |
answer was beautiful, prompt. concise, |
conclusive. respectful. She begged Naomi |
10 cease her entreaties. thrice made, the |
very thought OF separation being painful. |
Every consideration, personal. national, |
convinced her that her choice |
was wise; and every argument only con- |
hrmed her choice She had resolved 20 |
her mother-in-law at all ha2- |
ards; to adopt her home. her people and |
ner god. She would even make her grave |
in the same land, separated only by !