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Ruth 1

Ruth 1 introduces the story of Elimelech and his family, who leave Bethlehem due to a famine and settle in Moab. After the deaths of Elimelech and his sons, Naomi, the widow, decides to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, chooses to accompany her, demonstrating loyalty and commitment. This chapter sets the stage for Ruth's role in Israel's history and the unfolding of God’s providence.

Ruth 1:1-5 (NKJV)
1 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.
2 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.
3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.
4 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.
5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.

During a time of famine, Elimelech took his family to Moab to survive, highlighting the severe conditions in Israel. Moab, traditionally an enemy of Israel, becomes the unexpected refuge for this family. Naomi experiences profound loss, losing both her husband and her sons, leaving her vulnerable and isolated. The marriage of her sons to Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, introduces these foreign women into Israel’s story. Naomi’s plight mirrors the desperate conditions of her people, and the deaths create a critical moment for the future decisions of these women.

Ruth 1:6 (NKJV)
6 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.

Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after hearing that God had ended the famine and provided food for His people. This reflects her faith and her desire to return to her roots in Israel, despite her losses. It also highlights God’s mercy in restoring provision for His people after a time of hardship.

Ruth 1:7-9 (NKJV)
7 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.
8 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.
9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.

Naomi encourages her daughters-in-law to return to their own families, showing her concern for their well-being and future. She prays for them to find new husbands and receive kindness from the Lord. The emotional farewell highlights the close bond between Naomi and her daughters-in-law, especially in their shared grief.

Ruth 1:10-14 (NKJV)
10 And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.”
11 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?
12 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,
13 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!”
14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

Naomi insists that Orpah and Ruth return to Moab, explaining that she has nothing to offer them. Naomi’s reference to bearing sons reflects the ancient custom of levirate marriage. She believes that the Lord’s hand is against her, and she does not want her daughters-in-law to suffer with her. Orpah eventually leaves, but Ruth’s deep attachment to Naomi becomes evident as she clings to her.

Ruth 1:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”
16 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.
17 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.”

Ruth’s declaration of loyalty is one of the most famous passages in Scripture. She not only commits to staying with Naomi but also adopts Naomi’s people and God as her own. Ruth’s devotion reflects a profound commitment that transcends family ties, embodying loyalty, faith, and determination. Her willingness to follow Naomi into an uncertain future shows her courage and selflessness.

Ruth 1:18 (NKJV)
18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.

Naomi realizes that Ruth’s commitment is unshakable and stops trying to persuade her to stay in Moab. Ruth’s steadfastness in her decision to follow Naomi demonstrates the depth of her character and devotion, solidifying their journey together back to Bethlehem.

Ruth 1:19-21 (NKJV)
19 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?”
20 But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
21 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?”

Naomi’s return to Bethlehem causes a stir, as the women of the town are surprised to see her again. She expresses her bitterness, asking to be called “Mara,” which means bitter, because of the tragedies she has endured. Naomi’s feelings reflect her grief and the sense of loss that has overtaken her, as she believes the Lord has afflicted her.

Ruth 1:22 (NKJV)
22 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.

The chapter ends on a note of hope, with Naomi and Ruth arriving in Bethlehem just as the barley harvest begins. This timing foreshadows the opportunities that lie ahead, both in terms of physical provision and the unfolding of God’s plan for their future. Ruth, a Moabite woman, now steps into a new chapter of her life among God’s people.

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