“Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. 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 in the house of her husband.” So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!” Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever 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. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her. Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”
Ruth 1:1-22 NKJV
The story of Ruth begins in a dark and uncertain time for Israel. It was “in the days when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1), a period marked by spiritual decline, moral chaos, and societal instability. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, Ruth’s story shines as a testament to faith, loyalty, and God’s providence. The historical context of this book has many similarities to our post modern Christian culture. Through our study of Ruth may we be encouraged to remain faithful through the challenging days in which we live.
Elimelech’s Move to Moab
Elimelech’s decision to leave Bethlehem and settle in Moab reflects a lack of trust in God’s provision (Ruth 1:2).
How often do we turn to the world to meet our needs? So often, we lose patience waiting on God and try to solve our problems on our own. Elimelech and his family faced real problems. There was a dire famine in the land. Wasn’t it reasonable to leave and find food? Yet, the result of leaving Bethlehem ended is tragedy with him and his sons dying and the women are now left destitute without any breadwinner to provide or protect them. (Ruth 1:3-5).
Exegesis of Ruth 1
1. Ruth 1:1-5 – A tragic beginning
Historical Context: The Judges and Ruth’s Background
The story of Ruth unfolds during the time of the Judges, a tumultuous period in Israel’s history marked by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance. Understanding the historical and spiritual context of this era sheds light on Ruth’s remarkable faith and her significance in God’s redemptive plan.
1. The Time of the Judges
The Book of Judges summarizes the state of Israel with the recurring phrase, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This period, spanning roughly 300 years (1380–1050 BC), was defined by moral and spiritual chaos as the nation repeatedly turned away from God.
The Cycles of the Judges
• Sin: Israel fell into idolatry, often influenced by neighboring nations like Moab.
• Oppression: God allowed foreign powers to oppress Israel as judgment for their disobedience.
• Repentance: In their suffering, the people cried out to God for deliverance.
• Deliverance: God raised up judges—military leaders, prophets, or tribal leaders—to rescue His people.
Ruth’s story takes place against this backdrop of instability and unfaithfulness. While Israel experienced rebellion and moral decay, Ruth, a Moabite, displayed unwavering faith and integrity.
2. The Judges During Ruth’s Time
Though the Book of Ruth does not name a specific judge, scholars place Ruth’s story in the later part of this era. Some of the judges active during this time include:
1. Ehud (Judges 3:12-30)
• Delivered Israel from Moabite oppression by defeating King Eglon.
• This victory may explain why Elimelech’s family felt safe traveling to Moab years later, though tensions likely persisted.
2. Jephthah (Judges 11–12)
• Delivered Israel from the Ammonites, neighbors of the Moabites.
• His leadership reflects the fractured and chaotic nature of Israelite society.
3. Samson (Judges 13–16)
• Known for his personal failings but also his victories against the Philistines.
• His story contrasts with Ruth’s humility and faithfulness, providing a backdrop of rebellion against which Ruth shines as an example of godly character.
Lessons from the Judges
The Judges period was characterized by widespread disobedience to God, yet Ruth’s story demonstrates that God is always at work, even in the darkest times. Her faithfulness highlights the possibility of living a life of integrity amidst cultural and spiritual decay.
3. Famine and Elimelech’s Move to Moab
Ruth 1:1 states, “In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land.”
This famine may have been a result of God’s covenantal judgment (Deuteronomy 28:23-24), as famine often followed Israel’s disobedience. Elimelech’s decision to leave Bethlehem for Moab reflects a lack of trust in God’s provision.
Moab and Its Relationship with Israel
• Origins: The Moabites descended from Lot (Genesis 19:30-38).
• Conflict with Israel:
During the Exodus, Moab opposed Israel by refusing them food and water and hiring Balaam to curse them (Numbers 22–25).
• Deuteronomy 23:3-6 forbids Moabites from entering the assembly of the Lord for ten generations.
• A Troubled Alliance: Despite hostilities, Elimelech’s sons married Moabite women, including Ruth. These marriages highlight cultural compromise but also foreshadow God’s inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan.
Bethlehem: From Famine to Fulfillment
Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” ironically suffered famine. Yet, Naomi’s return with Ruth to Bethlehem signals God’s restoration and provision, ultimately leading to Ruth’s place in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.
4. Ruth as a Contrast to Her Time
Ruth stands out as a bright light in the darkness of the Judges era:
1. Faithfulness Amid Rebellion: While much of Israel turned away from God, Ruth—a Moabite—pledged herself to Yahweh and Naomi’s people (Ruth 1:16-17).
2. God’s Providence in Chaos: Ruth’s story shows that God’s plans are not hindered by human failure. Despite the rebellion of Israel, He was preparing the way for King David and the Messiah.
3. Inclusivity in Redemption: Ruth, a Gentile, becomes a key figure in God’s plan to redeem not only Israel but all nations.
Life Applications
1. Faith in Dark Times: Like Ruth, believers are called to live faithfully even when society turns away from God.
2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: The story of Ruth reminds us that God is always at work, even in times of famine or spiritual drought.
3. Hope in Redemption: Ruth’s inclusion in the lineage of Christ encourages believers to trust that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, for His purposes.
2. Ruth 1:6-18 – Ruth’s Devotion to Naomi and God
Naomi’s Decision to Return
Hearing that God has visited His people with food, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:6). A great decision is to always go home to the Lord.
Naomi’s bitterness is evident as she urges her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and rebuild their lives (Ruth 1:11-13). It is evident that Naomi has a significant impact on these younger women. Remember these are Moabite women. Their family history is one of conflict with the Jews. Yet both wanted to go with their mother-in-law. It is also possible that their choice to marry Israelites was unpopular in the first place.
Ruth’s Declaration of Loyalty
Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, making a profound statement of faith:
“Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16-17).
This marks Ruth’s commitment to Naomi’s God, Yahweh, and her renunciation of Moab’s pagan gods. Ruth is a picture of forsaking all to follow God.
3. Ruth 1:19-22 – Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem
Naomi’s Lament
Upon returning to Bethlehem, Naomi expresses her grief and bitterness, saying, “Call me Marah, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20).
Despite her pain, Naomi acknowledges God’s sovereignty, setting the stage for His providential work in their lives.
The Beginning of Hope
The chapter closes with Naomi and Ruth arriving in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest, symbolizing a season of renewal and provision (Ruth 1:22).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elimelech’s decision to move to Moab challenge us to trust God in difficult circumstances?
- What stands out to you about Ruth’s loyalty and faith in choosing to stay with Naomi?
- How can Naomi’s honesty about her bitterness encourage us to bring our struggles before God?
Life Applications
- Faith in Adversity: Trust God’s provision even when life feels uncertain. Elimelech’s decision to leave Bethlehem serves as a cautionary example, while Ruth’s faith offers a model to follow.
- Commitment to God and Others: Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and Yahweh challenges us to practice sacrificial love and steadfast faith.
- Hope in God’s Sovereignty: Naomi’s return to Bethlehem reminds us that restoration often begins when we turn back to God.
Conclusion
Ruth 1 sets the stage for an extraordinary story of redemption. In a time of famine, loss, and bitterness, Ruth’s faithfulness and commitment to God illuminate the path toward hope and restoration. As we continue through Ruth’s journey, we’ll see how God’s providence transforms tragedy into triumph.