1. In verse 8 Naomi makes a suggestion of her daughters-in-law. She tells them to go back to their "mother's home". What is the significance of this statement if any? Remember this was a male dominated society ---men were the heads of households.

2. Also, in verse 8 we see Naomi giving a blessing to Ruth and Orpah. Why did she do this?

3. The word kindness appears several times in this book.(cf. 2:20; 3:10)What does it mean?

4. In verses 9-10 Naomi asked God to give each of her daughters-in-law a place of rest with another husband. What did this mean in Jewish culture? Why was it important to Naomi that Ruth and Orpah find another husband?

5. In verse 10 we see a loving and gracious farewell. Why did Ruth and Orpah determine to remain with Naomi as opposed to remaining in Moab?

6. In verse 11 why was Naomi so insistent that her daughters-in-law return to Moab and remarry? (See also, vv.12,15) Remember these were widows in ancient Near Eastern culture. Their was a levirite custom in Israel what is it and what does sit mean?(Deuteronomy 25: 5-10)How does this related to the situation in this passage?

7. In verses 12-13 Naomi understood that Ruth and Orpah could not possibly wait until she had other sons so they could marry---if this was even possible for her.

Was Naomi being insensitive to the grief of these two young women when she suggests that her plight was "more bitter" than theirs, why or why not? (cf.vv.20-21)

8. In verse 14 we see the departure of Orpah. Did she make a right or a wrong decision and why?

9. Also, in verse 14 we see Ruth clinging to her mother-in-law. In Ruth's mind what did this decision mean to her future and what would James have to say about this act? (See James 1:27)

10. Naomi again urges Ruth to return to her homeland. Why would Naomi do this and what were the dangers of Ruth returning to Moab if any?