Some Bright Lights in An Era of Darkness

Samuel, the final judge of Israel, was faithful to the LORD God, as were Boaz and Ruth, the Moabite woman whom Boaz married.

. . . Today, I nearly vomited during worship time. I always knew that our national god, Chemosh, accepted human sacrifices, but I had never seen it. I was horrified as they laid that screaming baby on the burning coals. And the only other person weeping was the infant’s mother! . . .

. . . As we returned from worship today, the streets were full of people from different lands. We had heard of the famine in neighboring countries but are just now seeing its results.

. . . Today, I watched through the curtain as Father talked with Naomi about me becoming her son Mahlon’s wife. His father died a short time ago. He seems nice. I could do worse. I hope I can be a comfort to him during this difficult time in his life. Being married to a foreigner may have its difficulties.

. . . Life goes on. I love being married to Mahlon. He treats me well, as does Naomi, but they will not come to worship Chemosh. It’s just as well—more human sacrifices today. Mahlon and his mother talk of a different god. They say their god is the one, true, living god. At least that is something—to not have to pray to a carved stick or a piece of rock. I want to know more.

. . . We celebrated our tenth anniversary today! Still no child. But I myself feel like a brand-new baby—I finally said “no” to Chemosh and “yes” to the LORD God of the Israelites. I now belong to Him.

. . . Mahlon died during the night. My heart aches. It’s hard to believe that he is . . . gone. I turn to his God, and this is the way He treats me? No, I need to trust Him. I don’t understand what He is doing, but . . .

. . . Today, Naomi told me she is going back to Israel. They have food there now. I don’t know if I can lose her, too; I love her so.

. . . I started on a new adventure today. As my sister-in-law and I accompanied Naomi, she tried to send me back three times—insisting on my best interests. But I told her, “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” We arrived in Bethlehem today at the beginning of barley harvest.

. . . I haven’t written for a while. I’ve been working hard, and God is a blessing. I began gleaning in Boaz’s field, and we have had more than enough to eat. He is so kind.

. . . Naomi wants me to get dressed up and lie at Boaz’s feet tonight. As a near relative, he could be the one to marry me and give me children for Mahlon’s line. He’ll either reject me or accept me.

. . . He didn’t throw me out! We are to be married soon . . .

. . . It’s been more than nine months since I’ve written, and guess what? I have a son. We named him Obed.

. . . Many years have passed. I found you today, diary, and read through you. I do not have much more time on this earth now. Obed, our son, has his own son, Jesse. But it is not about him that I write today. I write about my great-grandson. Yes, Jesse and his wife have one more son. (They already had seven!) This one is special. I believe he will do great things. His name is David.