In section B (vv. 8–9a), the first dialogue of the book, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return “each of you, to your mother’s home.” Having come to Moab as a foreigner, Naomi certainly understands the problems and difficulties her daughters-in-law will face if they accompany her back to Bethlehem. She intends to spare them such grief. The phrase “mother’s house/home” is unusual, since most often the Hebrew Bible refers to a widow returning to her father’s house. While many different explanations have been given, the emphasis here seems to be on the contrast Naomi wishes to make—a widow
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