The Outsider’s Ten Commandments? The Book of Ruth

“And also a great mixture had gone up with them.”

Exodus 12:38

Exodus tells of others joining the Children of Israel in their departure from Egypt. Exodus 12:38. At Mt. Sinai, these outsiders stood alongside the descendants of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. While the others had no connection to the existing generational covenants, they were partners in the new one.

With the Ten Commandments, all present joined together to be part of this new and unique new covenant. With this, the “mixed multitude” became incorporated into the existing nation. At that moment, what were these outsiders thinking? For this, one must venture to The Book of Ruth.

The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth also involves an outsider. Her unique story offers insight into the mindset of the others who were present at Mt. Sinai.

Ruth’s tale takes place at the time of the Judges. Ruth, like those others who left Egypt, decided to become part of the nation. Given this theme, it is no surprise that The Book of Ruth bears similarities to the Exodus tale.

Like the Patriarch Jacob’s family, Ruth’s future mother-in-law, Naomi- and her family- left the Promised Land due to famine.

Naomi’s family journeys from Bethlehem to the foreign nation of Moab. There, both of Naomi’s two sons married Moabite women- Ruth and Orpah.

Similar to the Children of Israel’s experience of hardship in Egypt, Naomi’s suffers bitterness in Moab. While there, not only did her husband die, but also both her sons.

After the tragedies, Naomi heard that her homeland’s famine ended. With the good news, she decided to return home to Bethlehem. She told her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab as she felt that it was in their best interests. Ruth objects. She insists on remaining with Naomi.

At that point, Naomi tells Ruth:

“Look, your sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”

Then, in one of the most famous passages in the Hebrew Bible, Ruth replies:

“Do not urge me to leave you, to turn back from following you. For where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people are my people, and your God is my God; where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and so may He do more, if anything but death separates me from you.” Ruth 1:15-17.

After this exchange, Ruth and Naomi traveled to live in Bethlehem. There, Ruth would meet Boaz, a Judean Tribe member. They would marry. Their progeny would include King David. Ruth 4:18-21.

The Ten Commandments’ Connection

Ruth’s words may have been shared with the others present at Mt. Sinai. For the others, the choice was more than accepting the Ten Commandments. It was the decision to become part of the collective. With Ruth, she existentially became one with the nation.

Ruth memorialized the standard upon which foreigners were entered into the national fold. This notion is buttressed by the Torah’s tolerance for others. The Children of Israel were instructed that they should not “oppress an alien-since you know you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 23:9.

Given his Judean and Moabite roots, King David’s selection as the national leader represented the ultimate expression of the welcoming of outsiders. Likewise, Ruth’s initial standing as essentially a pauper when coming to Bethlehem carries with it a theme of acceptance.

Long before David became King, the Book of Samuel records Hannah’s prophetic words. The Prophet Samuel’s mother declared: “He [the Lord] raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. 1 Samuel 2:8. Her son, Samuel, ironically, would anoint David to take over the nation.

Given Ruth’s intense commitment, it is no surprise that the Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot. It is the holiday celebrating the Torah’s receipt at Mt. Sinai.

Conclusion

The tale resonates to present day. Most nations are challenged to incorporate varieties of people into their citizenry. How is nationalism achieved? How can diverse peoples become a people? The Book of Ruth offers much insight into the process.

Be well!!

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