MBS Newsletter
Whose husband left Israel because of famine and then died in Moab?
After his death, Naomi returns to her native Israel and is followed by her daughter-in-law, Ruth, whose husband (Naomi's son) has also died. Ruth is a native of Moab, and despite the places in Scripture that condemn the people of Moab, Ruth is accepted into Israel and becomes the great-grandmother of Jesus. Her story is beautifully told in the biblical book of Ruth.
Above is a painting by William Blake of Ruth refusing to leave Naomi while Ruth's other daughter-in-law, Orpah, decides to remain in Moab.
Ruth's devotion to Naomi was so strong that her vows of love to her mother-in-law are read today at many weddings.
Here is more information about Moab including a map. Moab today is in Jordan.