V.6 Naomi (her name means “pleasantness”) decides to go back to the land of Israel.
V.7 She and her two daughters-in-law (three widows) start back — a good beginning.
V.8-9 But instead of encouraging them to keep on with her, here is what she says! This shows us that Naomi still thought it all right to stay in that wicked land. A careless believer does not see any harm in staying in worldly things. Believers lose their discernment when they get out of daily communion with the Lord.
V.11-13 What arguments she uses!
V.14 A moment of decision for two girls. Are you in a similar condition? Follow Ruth’s decision! Orpah disappears into oblivion forever.
V.15-17 What a contrast.
V.19-22 Naomi’s life of disobedience has so changed her appearance that the people hardly recognize her. We have far more responsibility to obey than Naomi ever had for we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (1 Cor. 6:2020For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:20)). So for the believer, we can say that chapter 1 is “deciding to follow Christ.”