“This was probably not necessary from the human perspective. Ruth didn’t have to keep working in the harvest. She was now lady of a prominent house. But the ladies of Bethlehem have brought the little baby to Naomi for her to watch and care for. Ruth did for Naomi what Naomi could not do herself. In chapter 1, Naomi told Ruth, “I wish I could bear sons so you could have rest and a future.” But she couldn’t do it. But God has orchestrated events so that that very thing is done for her!
It is a gift from Ruth and from God for Naomi. Her motherhood was taken away by tragedy. And now, God was restoring to her the motherhood she lost. In fact, the text specifically uses the same word here for “child” that was used back in chapter 1, verse 5. There it said, “The woman was left without her two children.” And here, instead of using the word “boy” like we’d expect, it’s the same word as chapter 1. Naomi once again has two children: Ruth and this little lad.
Naomi has come full circle. In chapter one, we see her pushing Ruth away. And now we see her embrace her grandson. She brings him in with love and affection and attention. She’s transformed.”
