In many patriarchal societies, parents favour sons over daughters. This favouritism also runs deep in Jewish culture. Sons are the way the family line is continued, whereas daughters were 'married out' to carry on the lines of their husbands families.
Patriarchal societies are also patrilineal - family property and titles are inherited only by the male line.
The Torah did allow daughters to inherit family property, but only if there were no male heirs.
There was also something called Levirate marriage - which was an arrangement that meant that if a married man died without leaving a male heir to inherit his property and continue his line... his brother is required to marry the widow and continue that family line for him.
How do we see both of these fitting into the story of Naomi?
How does Naomi respond to Ruth and Orpah's decision to stay with her?
In verse 13, how do we see Naomi blaming God for what has happened?
You would expect Naomi to want to bring her two pagan daughters-in-law back to the Promised Land, to know Yahweh, the true God.
But what is Naomi's plan instead?
Why would Naomi, who knows the true God, hinder two pagan women from coming to follow Him?
Think about Naomi's reasoning for why Ruth and Orpah shouldn't return to the Promised Land with her (verses 11-13).
In what ways is it valid or invalid?
In what ways can our words or actions hinder someone from seeking the truth about God?
How do Orpah and Ruth respond this time?
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