1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
2 They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there.
3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons.
4 They took Moabite wives, the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years.
5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food.
7 So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.
8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.
10 And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.”
11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands?
12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons,
13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.”
14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”
16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
18 And when she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?
22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
The True Meaning of Ruth 1
The Book of Ruth was likely written sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC. The author is unknown, but it is believed to have been composed by a Judean scribe. This short book tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who, through her loyalty and devotion, becomes an ancestor of King David. The main characters and the events that set the stage for the rest of the narrative are introduced in this chapter. We see the hardships faced by Naomi and her family, and the difficult decisions they must make. This chapter foreshadows the pivotal moment when Ruth makes her famous declaration of faithfulness to Naomi, a decision that will have far-reaching consequences.
The events in this chapter also echo themes found in other biblical books, such as the importance of family, the role of women in society, and the power of faith in the face of adversity. As we delve deeper into the story, Ruth ultimately redeems herself and fulfills God’s plan through her actions.
Ruth 1:1-5
The opening passage that sets the stage for the Book of Ruth is witnessed in Ruth 1:1-5. The section begins by establishing the setting of the story during the time of the Judges when there was a famine in the land of Israel. The mention of the judges is crucial as it provides a context of the political and spiritual climate of that era. The period of the judges was marked by a cycle of disobedience, punishment, repentance, and deliverance, showcasing the faithfulness of God despite the unfaithfulness of His people.
The focus then shifts to a man named Elimelech, whose name means “My God is King.” Elimelech, along with his wife Naomi and his two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, are introduced as a family from Bethlehem in Judah. Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” is significant as it foreshadows a theme of sustenance and provision throughout the book. However, as the story unfolds, we see how famine drives Elimelech to make a decision to move his family to the land of Moab. This decision to leave the Promised Land and seek refuge in a foreign territory reflects a departure from faith and trust in God’s provision. This act of leaving Bethlehem, the land God had given to His people, symbolizes a move away from God’s divine protection and provision, indicating a spiritual famine alongside the physical one.
Elimelech’s relocation to Moab, a land historically associated with hostility towards Israel, foreshadows the challenges and cultural clashes that will arise in the narrative. Elimelech tragically dies in Moab, leaving Naomi a widow with her two sons who marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. The marriages of Mahlon to Ruth and Kilion to Orpah create a bond between the Moabite and Israelite families, setting the stage for the central theme of loyalty and devotion that Ruth embodies.
Naomi’s sons, Mahlon and Kilion, also meet an untimely death in Moab, leaving Naomi bereft of her husband and her two sons, symbolizing a state of desolation and loss. The deaths of Elimelech and his sons not only leave Naomi in a vulnerable position but also highlight the uncertainties and hardships faced by women in a patriarchal society without the protection of male relatives. Naomi’s sorrow and suffering resonate with the overall theme of lament and restoration prominent throughout the Book of Ruth.
Lastly, Naomi’s decision to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the famine had ended marks a turning point in the narrative. This decision reveals Naomi’s desire to reconcile with her roots and her people, emphasizing themes of repentance, restoration, and the providence of God. Ruth emerges as a shining example of devotion and righteousness in the face of adversity as we witness how these themes unfold through the lives of the characters, particularly through her unwavering loyalty and faith. We are reminded of the constant presence of God in the lives of His people, even amidst challenging circumstances and human shortcomings, as we reflect on these verses and the ensuing events of Ruth. The faithfulness of Ruth, the transformation of Naomi, and the overarching theme of redemption all point to the ultimate redemptive plan of God for His people. The Book of Ruth serves as a beautiful narrative of grace, love, and providence, showcasing how God works through ordinary individuals to bring about His divine purposes.
Ruth 1:6-10
We witness a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth in Ruth 1:6-10. This passage reads, “Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.”
Naomi’s decision to return to Judah marks a turning point in the narrative. Despite the loss of her husband and sons in Moab, she chooses to go back to her homeland upon hearing that the Lord had provided food for His people, showing a deep trust in God’s faithfulness. This act of faith is commendable and reflects the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s beliefs even in the face of hardship.
Naomi’s insistence that her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, should return to their own families rather than follow her back to Judah highlights both her selflessness and concern for their well-being. She wishes for them to find new husbands and start afresh, invoking the Lord’s kindness upon them. This gesture reveals Naomi’s caring nature, despite her own grief and loss.
The differing reactions of Ruth and Orpah to Naomi’s suggestion provide valuable insights into their characters. While Ruth decides to stay with Naomi and accompany her to Judah, Orpah ultimately decides to return to her own people. Ruth’s loyalty and devotion to Naomi, as well as her commitment to Naomi’s God, foreshadow her significant role in the story as a woman of great faith and resilience. On the other hand, Orpah’s choice to leave symbolizes the difficult decisions individuals often face when choosing between the familiar and the unknown.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, loyalty, and selflessness in the face of adversity. It prompts readers to reflect on their own responses to challenges and to consider the impact of their decisions on themselves and others. The example set by Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah encourages us to trust in God’s providence, to show compassion towards one another, and to make choices guided by principles of love and righteousness.
Ruth 1:11-14
Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, have a poignant interaction in Ruth 1:11-14. Naomi urges Ruth and her sister-in-law Orpah to return to their families after the death of their husbands, Naomi’s sons. Naomi expresses her deep sorrow and the sense of hopelessness she feels, stating that she has no more sons for them to marry and that she herself is too old to remarry and bear more sons.
Naomi’s words reveal her despair and resignation to her fate, but they also demonstrate her selflessness and concern for the future of Ruth and Orpah. Despite the difficult circumstances they all face, Naomi urges the young women to return to their families where they may have a chance to find new husbands and start afresh. This moment highlights Naomi’s care and love for her daughters-in-law, even amidst her own grief and struggles.
The relationship between Ruth and Naomi in this passage showcases loyalty, commitment, and familial bonds. Ruth’s response to Naomi’s plea is particularly touching as she displays unwavering loyalty and devotion. Ruth’s famous declaration in verse 16, where she promises to stay with Naomi and embrace her people and faith, is a testament to her character and faithfulness. This commitment sets the stage for the beautiful story of Ruth’s steadfast loyalty and the abundant blessings that follow her decision to stay with Naomi.
The timeless message we can draw from this passage is the importance of loyalty, compassion, and selflessness in relationships. Naomi’s willingness to sacrifice her own desires for the well-being of Ruth and Orpah, and Ruth’s unwavering commitment to stand by Naomi in her time of need, serve as powerful examples of love and devotion. These qualities resonate throughout the Bible in various stories, including the loyalty of Jonathan to David (1 Samuel 18-20) and the sacrificial love of Jesus for humanity (John 3:16). This passage also illustrates God’s faithfulness and provision even in the midst of trials and uncertainties in a broader context. Despite the challenges faced by Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah, God’s plan unfolds through Ruth’s journey of faith, leading to unexpected blessings and redemption. This theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness is a recurring motif in the Bible, reminding believers of the assurance that God is always at work, even in the most difficult circumstances (Romans 8:28). Ruth 1:11-14 captures a moment of deep emotion, sacrifice, and devotion that sets the stage for the remarkable story of Ruth’s faithfulness and God’s faithfulness in the face of adversity. It serves as a profound reminder of the power of loyalty, compassion, and trust in God’s providence, resonating with readers across generations with its timeless messages of love and redemption.
Ruth 1:15-18
Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth engage in a heartfelt dialogue in the verses Ruth 1:15-18, capturing the essence of loyalty, love, and commitment. Naomi, who has experienced immense loss with the death of her husband and sons, encourages her daughters-in-law (Ruth and Orpah) to return to their families in Moab after she decides to head back to Judah. Orpah tearfully agrees to Naomi’s plea, but Ruth’s response is a beautiful declaration of faithfulness and devotion: “Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if even death parts me from you.”
Ruth’s words signify a profound commitment to Naomi, choosing to abandon her own homeland, family, and gods to stand by Naomi’s side in a foreign land. This act of loyalty and selflessness in the face of hardship highlights Ruth’s exceptional character and underscores the theme of steadfast devotion and sacrificial love. Ruth’s pledge mirrors the idea of faith in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God and His people, no matter the circumstances. Her unwavering dedication to Naomi reflects the biblical concept of loyalty and the significance of honoring commitments, even in the midst of adversity. Ruth’s pledge echoes the broader narrative of redemption present throughout the Bible. Ruth’s faithfulness ultimately leads her to Boaz, a prominent figure in her journey toward restoration and blessing. Boaz, a relative of Naomi, plays a pivotal role in securing Ruth’s future and ensuring her well-being. Through Boaz’s kindness, generosity, and eventual marriage to Ruth, we witness God’s provision and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. This divine intervention underscores the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about redemption and deliverance even in the most unlikely circumstances.
The story of Ruth serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, providence, and grace in the lives of those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Him and His people. Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi not only leads to her own blessings but also demonstrates the transformative power of love and sacrifice. Ruth’s journey from loss and despair to restoration and hope showcases the redemptive work of God in the lives of those who trust in Him wholeheartedly. We are encouraged to emulate Ruth’s faith, courage, and devotion in our own lives as we reflect on her story and profound declaration of loyalty, trusting in God’s faithfulness to guide us through every trial and tribulation.
Ruth 1:19-22
Naomi returns to her hometown of Bethlehem with Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, in a poignant scene unfolding in Ruth 1:19-22. The women of Bethlehem are startled by Naomi’s return, and they question, “Is this Naomi?” This question reveals the depth of change and hardship Naomi has experienced. The name “Naomi” means pleasant, but she responds, “Don’t call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” Here, Naomi is acknowledging the deep sorrow she feels after losing her husband and two sons in Moab, which led her to request that her daughters-in-law return to their own families.
The significance of Naomi’s name change to Mara is profound. It shows her acknowledgment of the bitterness and sorrow she feels in her heart, a stark contrast to the pleasantness her name once held. This act is a reflection of her emotional state and her honesty before God. Recognizing and expressing our true feelings before God is essential in times of suffering and loss. It also shows that a change in circumstances can lead to a change in identity, but it doesn’t define one’s entire being. Even in her deep sadness, Naomi still acknowledges God’s sovereignty by attributing her suffering to the Almighty.
Naomi continues by stating she left full but returned empty. This contrast between fullness and emptiness mirrors the cycle of blessings and trials that can occur in life. Naomi had a family, but the loss of her loved ones left her feeling empty and burdened. This sentiment resonates with many who have experienced sudden and profound loss. Despite her sorrow, Naomi’s return to Bethlehem marks a significant turning point in the story, as it sets the stage for the following events that will ultimately lead to redemption and restoration.
This passage in Ruth serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of life, the ebb and flow of blessings and hardships, and the importance of acknowledging our emotions before God. Naomi’s journey from fullness to emptiness and her decision to confront her pain and bitterness lay the foundation for the transformative events that will unfold in the lives of both her and Ruth. It sets the stage for the themes of loyalty, faithfulness, and provision that run through the rest of the book of Ruth, ultimately pointing to God’s faithfulness in the midst of trials and His ability to bring beauty from ashes.
The Book of Ruth is replete with instances of God’s provision and faithfulness, often in unexpected ways. Naomi’s initial despair and bitterness are met with a glimmer of hope through Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and the eventual redemption and restoration orchestrated by God. Through their story, we see how God can work through the most challenging circumstances to bring about His purposes and transform lives. This passage serves as a reminder that even in our deepest sorrow and loss, God is present, working behind the scenes to bring about His redemptive plan.
After Ruth 1
The family had endured much hardship and loss. Naomi’s husband and two sons had died, leaving her alone with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Bethlehem. Ruth, the Moabite woman, chose to go with her, despite Naomi’s pleas for her to stay. Naomi’s bitterness towards God grew as they journeyed, but Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law only deepened. Little did they know the blessings that awaited them in Bethlehem, and the pivotal role Ruth would play in the unfolding of God’s plan.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.