Matthew Henry Commentary Ruth 1:15-18

"And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law. And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from following after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me. And when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking unto her." — Ruth 1:15-18 (ASV)

See Ruth's resolution and her good affection for Naomi. Orpah was reluctant to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake.

Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, yet fall short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things more.

Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made.

See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those who walk in religious ways without a steadfast mind stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee.