If we do not receive one another, grievous problems may arise.

Ruth the Moabitess was an outsider tro Israel. Yet she was ultimately received by Israel. How did this happen? First, she had a strong commitment to Israel and the people of God, a commitment which Israel could not deny. Secondly, she was redeemed by a formal act of redemption and brought into the Israelite community by this redemption. These two factors were essential. But something else also had to be present before Ruth could become part of Israel. That is, she had to be accepted by the Israelites.