3. Later, Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, died. So only Naomi and her two sons were left.
4. These sons married women from Moab. The name of one wife was Orpah. The name of the other wife was Ruth. Naomi and her sons lived in Moab about ten years.
5. Then Mahlon and Kilion also died. So Naomi was left alone without her husband or her two sons.
6. While Naomi was in Moab, she heard that the Lord had taken care of his people. He had given food to them in Judah. So Naomi got ready to leave Moab and go back home. The wives of Naomi’s sons also got ready to go with her.
7. So they left the place where they had lived. And they started back on the way to the land of Judah.
8. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back home. Each of you go to your own mother’s house. You have been very kind to me and to my sons who are now dead. I hope the Lord will also be kind to you in the same way.
9. I hope the Lord will give you another home and a new husband.”Then Naomi kissed the women. And they began to cry out loud.
10. Her daughters-in-law said to her, “No. We will go with you to your people.”
11. But Naomi said, “My daughters, go back to your own homes. Why do you want to go with me? I cannot give birth to more sons to give you new husbands.
12. So go back to your own homes. I am too old to have another husband. But even if I had another husband tonight and if I had more sons, it wouldn’t help!