Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1902-12-04
THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
International Lesson Comments For
December 7.
Subject: Ruth and Naomi, Ruth |, l6.22-Gold'
en- Text, Rom. Kill, l0-Memory Verses,
Is, l7-COmmentary on the Days
Lesson.

Lesson.
Is. "And Ruth said" After Orpah had
returned Naomi again put the test upon
Ruth. Naomi would have her know and
realize fully the Importance of her decision
and urge upon her to decide it for God.
This also would help her to contrast the
difference between heathen woman and
an 1sraelte. The question would then be
settled upon the side of religion. 1t wac
homeland with its comforts and famlliarl
ties and idols, or it was a strange land,
among strangers. in the service of lsraels
God. 1t was a separation from all her for
mer life to go with Naomi. "Jntreat me
not to leave thee" Here came the answer
from the heart At this great crisis in her
life Ruth kept close company with one
who served the God whom she now chose
She plead for the personal help and fellow
ship of Naomi She desired that she would
not refer to her idols. relatives and home
while she was in such a trying position:
At once she decided on her associates, and
broke away from every opposing influence.
"Whither thou goest will go Thus Ruth
ends the debate Nothng could be more
decisive or brave than this: she seems to
have had another spirit and another speech
now her sister was gone, and 1t Is an IN
stance of the grace of God inchning the
soul to the resolute choice OF the better
part Though to country unknown to
her and one of which she had been trained
to have low opinion she would trave'
there with Naomi. Where thou lodgest
| will lodge BY her firm resolutions she
declared her purpose to be one with Mao
mis- people. Though Naomi was under at
fiction. and returning to her own country
in humility, Ruth was firm in her purpose
to share in her lot. "Thy people shall be
my people" Thus she would renounce all
her connections and prospects in the land
of Moab, and live according to all the rules
of Naomi's people in Canaan. And thy
God my God" ! will adore the God OF
Israel. the only living and true God, trust
in Him alone, serve klim, and in every
thing be ruled by Him.
II. 'Will | die" Ruth made this her
lifetime choice. There will be buried
Not desiring to have SO much as her dead
body carried back to the country OF Moab,
in token of any remaining kindness for it.
She would by this choice, desire to forget
all relationship vita her own people or
their religion She was ready to make the
change with all it mcant. The Lord do
So etc. To prove her sincerity in this
matter Ruth called God to witness. and
asked Him to multiply her troubles if she
did not keep true to this solemn vow. Her
words were an ancient form of an oath.
BY thus calling God t. witness she would
fix lasting Obligation upon herself never
to leave this way. II ,2oe to pass, even a.
they desire inr whea Naomi became old
she lived with Ruth and Boaz and was the
nurse OF their son Obcd Chap. 4: 10. Is.
Is. Then she left speaking There
could be no room to doubt her sincerity
and true motive. Her VOW was convincing
Since Ruth's purposes reached beyond a
mere impulse and family affection, Naomi
was safe III allowing her to tace all the con
sequences with her.
10. "Thev two went" When they were
both of the same mind they could walk low
mgv together. When they We're pledged
to be true to God they then could find
abundance of love for each other and fe!
lowship so dear. The journey could he
made with JOY. even though they liecnv
felt their loss and bereavement in their
widowhood. The city was moved It
appears that Naomi was not only well
known but highly respected also at Beth
lehem; rroof that Elimelech was of high
consideration in that place. is this Mao
m?" Her friends had remembered her as
they last saw her. What their sorrow was
at having to go into a heather country we
do not read, but they eagerly met her. The
change which afliction had wrought sur.
prised Naomi'a friends. They probably
were surprised at her poverty, since she
had left Canaan to escape the famine,
20. Call me Mara Her former name
was fitting in her former life, as Naomi
means beautiful. pleasant, sweetness. Now
that affection had changed her lot Mara,
meaning bitterness, was a more suitable
name. They had known her young, happy
and free from care. BY this request in the
change of her name Naomi showed her sub
mission to her lonely lot, and also her pa,
tent spirit toward those who commented
upon her affairs. "lhe Almighty hath
dealt" She acknowledges the hand OF
God. His mighty hand IN the atflction 1t
was duty and her interest to submit to
Him. She had not chosen the atfiiction.
She felt the bitterness of her lonely life
and circumstances yet her heart yearned
to serve Him among His people.
81. "Wcnt out full" Having husband
and two sons. Her cup of JOY was full.
Home again empty" The Lord spared
her life and enabled her TO return. but He
had taken all her family, Testified
against me-" Since God had wrought the
change in her life. according to His wis
dom, she would not hold to the name that
spoke contrary to His dealings. With her
atfliction there was humility. Gods rod
of atilicton was as His voice. She humbly
considered her ,atfiiction as coming. from
the Lords hand upon her and her family
for sim Perhaps she considered herself as
guilty in not having left Moab Immediately
on the death of her husband. Yet we con.
clude that Naomi was receiving the. peace
able fruits of righteousness, from her af.
fiction. since she held her integrity, and
sought humble place among Gods .peo'
pie, offering her humble confession to them,
90. Barley harvest" Usually in the
-