What does Ruth 1:20 Mean?

Context Summary

This young woman was to be an ancestor of David and in the line of our Lord's descent. Moabite though she was by birth, Ruth was designated for the high honor of introducing a new strain into the Hebrew race, that was to enrich it and through it the world. Indeed, we may almost detect in her noble and beautiful words some anticipation of the Psalms, which have gone singing down the ages. But how stern is the discipline through which those must pass who are called to the highest tasks! The death of her husband in their early married life, the anguish of Naomi, the separation from her own people, the loneliness of a foreign land-these were part of the great price that Ruth paid.

May not something also be said for the mother? It was because of her that Ruth was led to her supreme self-giving. She had never seen a suffering soul bear itself so heroically. She felt that, in the Hebrew faith, there was something which Chemosh had never imparted, to her people; she craved for herself some of the holy radiance that lingered on the worn face of Naomi. More people watch our bearing than we think. Let us attract them to Jesus! [source]

Chapter Summary: Ruth 1

¹  Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there
⁴  Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also
⁶  Naomi, returning homeward
⁸  dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her
¹⁴  Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her
¹⁹  The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly received