Pero Noemí les contestó: —¡Váyanse, hijas mías! ¿Para qué van a seguirme? Ya no tengo más hijos para que se casen con ustedes, y ya estoy muy vieja para casarme otra vez. Y aun si hoy mismo pudiera casarme y tuviera hijos muy pronto, ¿estarían ustedes dispuestas a esperarlos hasta que ellos crecieran? ¡No, hijas mías, eso es imposible! Yo estoy sufriendo más que ustedes, pues Dios se ha puesto en mi contra.
¿Qué significa esto?
In this verse, Naomi is speaking to her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. She is asking them why they want to go with her and pointing out that she has no more sons who could marry them.
Explicado para niños
Imagine you have a friend who lives far away, and you ask them to come live with you. Your friend says they want to stay because they know no one else will take care of them like you do. Naomi is trying to tell her daughters-in-law that she can't take care of them anymore and they should stay.
Contexto histórico
The Book of Ruth was written during the period of the Judges in Israel, which was around 1200-1000 BCE. The text was likely written by an anonymous author and is part of the Deuteronomistic history. It provides insight into the social and cultural norms of the time, particularly the roles of women and the customs of levirate marriage.
Aplicación para hoy
Today, this verse can be seen as a reminder to consider practical realities when making decisions about family and relationships. For example, if a friend's parents insist they move away from the only support system they have, this verse can prompt a discussion about the real needs and long-term well-being of the friend.
Naomi wanted her daughters-in-law to stay because she was too old to have more sons, and she couldn't provide them with the future they needed.
What can we learn about decision-making from this verse?
This verse teaches us to consider practical realities when making decisions, especially those involving family and long-term support.
How does this verse reflect the cultural norms of the time?
The verse highlights the cultural expectation that women would be supported through marriage, particularly through the provision of sons who could care for them.
What other parts of the Bible discuss family obligations?
Other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Timothy 5:8 and Luke 14:26, also discuss the obligations and responsibilities within family relationships.