Explore Ruth 1 and Naomi's loss, revealing how God's faithful providence works through suffering to bring redemption.
The book of Ruth opens during a dark period in Israel's history. The time of the judges was marked by moral chaos and spiritual decline. Every man did what was right in his own eyes. Into this setting comes a story of profound loss and unexpected hope. A family from Bethlehem, the house of bread, fled to Moab because of a famine. The decision to leave the Promised Land set in motion a series of tragic events that would leave Naomi empty and bitter.
The famine in Bethlehem forced Elimelech to take his wife Naomi and their two sons to the country of Moab. The journey to Moab was a step of unbelief. Elimelech left the house of bread for a people who had opposed Israel. While in Moab, Elimelech died. His sons married Moabite women. Then both sons died, leaving Naomi without husband or sons. The woman who had left full returned empty. The Lord had brought her back to Bethlehem with nothing but a Gentile daughter-in-law named Ruth.
The story of Ruth 1 is a powerful testimony to God's faithful providence. Naomi could not see the hand of God working behind the scenes. She felt that the Almighty had dealt bitterly with her. But God was orchestrating events that would lead to redemption. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi was a gift of divine grace. The return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest was a sign of hope. The chapter demonstrates that God's providence operates even in times of loss and sorrow.
The Setting of the Story
The Days of the Judges
Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land (Ruth 1:1). The opening words place the story in a specific historical context. The period of the judges was characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, deliverance, and peace. The people of Israel had turned away from the Lord and served other gods. The land was filled with violence and moral corruption.
The days of the judges were a dark time for the nation of Israel. The people had forgotten the Lord who had brought them out of Egypt. The book of Judges ends with the tragic statement that every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). The famine in Bethlehem was a sign of divine judgment. The covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28 included famine as a consequence of disobedience.
The City of Bethlehem
The story begins in Bethlehemjudah (Ruth 1:1). The name Bethlehem means house of bread. The irony of a famine in the house of bread is striking. The city of Bethlehem would later be the birthplace of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ. The significance of Bethlehem as the setting for the story points to the redemptive purposes of God.
Bethlehem was located in the hill country of Judah. The city was small and insignificant in the eyes of the world. Yet God chose this place for the fulfillment of His purposes. The prophet Micah would later declare that out of Bethlehem would come the ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2). The story of Ruth begins in the city that would produce the Messiah.
The Famine in the Land
The famine in the land was a sign of God's judgment. The law of Moses had warned that disobedience would bring famine and scarcity (Leviticus 26:18-20). The people of Israel had turned away from the Lord. The land was suffering the consequences of their sin. The famine was a call to repentance.
The famine forced Elimelech to make a decision. His name means my God is King. He was a man of the tribe of Judah from the clan of Ephrath. He chose to take his family to Moab to escape the famine. The decision would have far-reaching consequences. The man whose name declared God's kingship chose to leave the land of promise.
The Tragedy in Moab
The Journey to Moab
Elimelech departed out of Bethlehemjudah to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons (Ruth 1:1). The journey to Moab was a step of unbelief. Moab was a land of idolatry and opposition to Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, but they had opposed Israel during the wilderness journey. The people of Moab had hired Balaam to curse Israel.
The journey to Moab was a departure from the covenant community. Elimelech was seeking refuge from the famine in a foreign land. The irony of the situation is striking. The man whose name meant God is King was leaving the land of God's people. The decision to go to Moab would bring death and sorrow to his family.
The Death of Elimelech
And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons (Ruth 1:3). The death of Elimelech was the first tragedy to strike the family. The man who had led his family to Moab died in that foreign land. Naomi was left a widow in a country far from her people.
The death of Elimelech left Naomi vulnerable and alone. Widows in ancient times had no legal protection without a male relative. The loss of a husband was a devastating blow. Naomi was now dependent on her two sons. The future of the family rested on them.
The Marriages of the Sons
The sons took wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth (Ruth 1:4). The sons married Moabite women. The marriages were a further departure from the covenant community. The law of Moses prohibited intermarriage with the nations of Canaan. The marriages were a sign of spiritual compromise.
The marriages lasted about ten years (Ruth 1:4). The sons had no children during this time. The absence of children was a sign of divine discipline. The family line was threatened with extinction. The marriages to Moabite women would later be transformed through Ruth's faith in the God of Israel.
The Deaths of the Sons
The two sons died also; so the woman was left without her two sons and her husband (Ruth 1:5). The deaths of the sons were the final blow to Naomi. The woman who had left Bethlehem with her husband and sons was now alone. She had no male protector and no hope of descendants.
The tragedy in Moab left Naomi empty and bitter. She had gone out full but was returning empty. The loss of her husband and sons was more than she could bear. The hand of the Lord seemed to have turned against her. The future appeared hopeless.
The Return to Bethlehem
The Decision to Return
She arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread (Ruth 1:6). Naomi heard that the famine had ended in Bethlehem. The Lord had visited His people and provided food. The news prompted Naomi to return to her homeland.
The return to Bethlehem was a step of faith. Naomi was returning to the land of God's people. The Lord had provided for His people. Naomi was responding to the grace of God. The return to Bethlehem set the stage for God's redemptive work.
The Companions on the Journey
She went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her (Ruth 1:7). Ruth and Orpah accompanied Naomi on the journey. The two daughters-in-law had a choice to make. They could return to their people or follow Naomi to Israel. The decision would determine their future.
Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return to their people. She had no hope of providing husbands for them. The future appeared hopeless. Naomi was thinking of the welfare of her daughters-in-law. She wanted them to have a future.
The Choice of Orpah
Orpah kissed her mother in law (Ruth 1:14). Orpah made the decision to return to her people and her gods. The choice was understandable from a human perspective. Orpah had no future with Naomi. She could find a husband among her own people. The decision of Orpah was a decision of unbelief.
The departure of Orpah left Ruth alone with Naomi. Orpah chose the path of comfort and security. She returned to the gods of Moab. The decision of Orpah is a warning against turning back from following the Lord.
The Commitment of Ruth
Ruth clave unto her (Ruth 1:14). Ruth made the decision to stay with Naomi. The commitment of Ruth was extraordinary. She was willing to give up her people, her gods, and her future. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi was a reflection of her faith in the God of Israel.
Ruth made a powerful declaration of commitment: Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God (Ruth 1:16). The declaration of Ruth is one of the most beautiful expressions of loyalty in Scripture. Ruth was willing to identify with the people of God completely.
The Arrival in Bethlehem
The Return to the Land
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest (Ruth 1:22). The return to Bethlehem was a moment of new beginning. The arrival at the beginning of the barley harvest was a sign of hope. God was preparing to provide for Naomi and Ruth.
The barley harvest was the first harvest of the year. The timing of the arrival was providential. The harvest would provide opportunities for Ruth to glean in the fields. The provision of food was a sign of God's care. The return to Bethlehem was the beginning of redemption.
The Reception of the People
All the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? (Ruth 1:19). The people of Bethlehem were astonished at Naomi's appearance. The woman who had left full had returned empty. The transformation was dramatic and sorrowful. The people recognized Naomi but were shocked by her condition.
The question Is this Naomi? was a question of recognition and surprise. Naomi had been gone for ten years. The people remembered her as she was. The sight of the broken and bitter woman was a shocking sight. The city was moved by her return.
The Lament of Naomi
Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me (Ruth 1:20). Naomi asked to be called Mara, which means bitter. The name Naomi means pleasant. The contrast between the two names reflected Naomi's experience. The woman who had been pleasant had become bitter.
Naomi declared: I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty (Ruth 1:21). The statement reflected her understanding of God's sovereignty. Naomi believed that the Lord had brought her back empty. The hand of the Lord had testified against her. The Almighty had afflicted her.
The Faithfulness of God
The Providence of God
The narrative of Ruth 1 reveals the hidden providence of God. Naomi could not see what God was doing. The tragedies seemed to overwhelm any hope. Yet God was working behind the scenes. The hand that seemed against Naomi was preparing her for redemption.
The timing of the return to Bethlehem was providential. The beginning of the barley harvest was the perfect time for Ruth to meet Boaz. God was orchestrating events for the good of Naomi and Ruth. The providence of God was at work even in the midst of sorrow.
The Loyalty of Ruth
Ruth's loyalty to Naomi was a gift of divine grace. The Moabite woman had turned to the God of Israel. Ruth's commitment was a reflection of her faith. The declaration of Ruth was a declaration of faith: Thy God my God. Ruth had embraced the God of Israel as her own.
Ruth's loyalty was a model of covenant faithfulness. The apostle Paul writes: Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10). Ruth's love for Naomi was a fulfillment of the law. The love of Ruth was a reflection of God's love.
The Hope of Redemption
The return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest was a sign of hope. The harvest was a time of provision and blessing. The timing of the return was an indication of God's care. The hope of redemption was present even in the midst of Naomi's bitterness.
The book of Ruth will unfold the story of redemption through Boaz. The kinsman-redeemer would provide for Naomi and Ruth. The family line would be preserved through Ruth. The story of Ruth points forward to the greater redemption that is in Christ.
Lessons from Ruth 1
The Reality of Suffering
Naomi's experience shows that suffering is a reality in this fallen world. The famine, the deaths, and the sorrow were real. Naomi felt the pain of loss deeply. The bitterness of her experience was genuine. The lesson for believers is that suffering is part of life.
The apostle Paul writes: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). The suffering of Naomi was temporary. The redemption that followed was eternal. The lesson from Ruth 1 is that suffering is not the final word.
The Sovereignty of God
Naomi's understanding of God's sovereignty was accurate. She believed that the Lord had brought her back empty. The hand of the Lord had testified against her. The Almighty had afflicted her. Naomi's theology was correct even though her perspective was limited.
The psalmist writes: The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works (Psalm 145:17). God's ways are just and holy. Naomi's understanding of God's sovereignty was a foundation for her faith. The lesson for believers is to trust in God's sovereignty even when the circumstances are painful.
The Importance of Loyalty
Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is a model of covenant faithfulness. Ruth was willing to sacrifice her future for the sake of her mother-in-law. The loyalty of Ruth was a reflection of her faith in God. The lesson for believers is the importance of loyalty in relationships.
The apostle Paul writes: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans 12:10). The loyalty of Ruth to Naomi was an expression of love. The lesson from Ruth 1 is the importance of faithful loyalty to others.
The Hope of Redemption
The return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest was a sign of hope. God was preparing to provide for Naomi and Ruth. The harvest was a time of provision and blessing. The lesson for believers is that redemption is always possible.
The apostle Paul writes: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). The redemption of Naomi and Ruth was a gift of grace. The lesson from Ruth 1 is that God's redemption is available to all who trust in Him.
Connections to Scripture
The Covenant with Israel
The story of Ruth is connected to the covenant with Israel. The famine in the land was a consequence of covenant disobedience. The return to Bethlehem was a step of faith. The provision of harvest was a sign of God's faithfulness.
The apostle Paul writes: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us (2 Corinthians 1:20). God's promises to Israel were fulfilled in Christ. The story of Ruth points forward to the greater fulfillment of God's promises.
The Lineage of David
Ruth is included in the genealogy of David (Ruth 4:17). The Moabite woman became the great-grandmother of Israel's greatest king. The inclusion of Ruth in the lineage of David demonstrates God's grace to the Gentiles. The story of Ruth points forward to the inclusion of all nations in the covenant.
The apostle Paul writes: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The inclusion of Ruth in the lineage of David foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church. The lesson from Ruth 1 is that God's grace extends to all people.
The Kinsman Redeemer
The book of Ruth introduces the concept of the kinsman-redeemer. The kinsman-redeemer was a relative who could redeem property and provide for the family. Boaz would serve as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. The concept points forward to Christ as the Redeemer.
The apostle Paul writes: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7). Christ is the Redeemer who has redeemed us from the curse of the law. The story of Ruth points forward to the greater redemption in Christ.
Conclusion
The first chapter of Ruth is a story of loss and sorrow. Naomi left Bethlehem full but returned empty. The deaths of her husband and sons left her bitter and alone. The future seemed hopeless. Yet God was working behind the scenes. The return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest was a sign of hope. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi was a gift of divine grace.
The faithfulness of God is the central theme of Ruth 1. Naomi could not see the hand of God working in her circumstances. She felt that the Almighty had dealt bitterly with her. But God was orchestrating events that would lead to redemption. The hand that seemed against Naomi was preparing her for blessing. The story of Ruth is a testimony to God's faithful providence. The lesson for believers is that God works all things for good to those who love Him.
The return to Bethlehem was the beginning of redemption. The harvest was a sign of provision. Ruth's commitment to Naomi was a reflection of her faith. The lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come through Ruth. The story of Naomi's loss became the story of God's redemption. The lesson from Ruth 1 is that God's providence is faithful even in times of loss. The story calls believers to trust in the faithful provision of God and to remain loyal to His covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Elimelech take his family to Moab during the famine?
Elimelech took his family to Moab to escape the famine in Bethlehem. The decision was a step of unbelief. Moab was a land of idolatry and opposition to Israel. The man whose name meant God is King left the land of God's people. The journey to Moab resulted in the deaths of Elimelech and his sons. The decision was a departure from the covenant community.
2. What was Naomi's understanding of God's role in her suffering?
Naomi believed that the Lord had brought her back empty. She said that the Almighty had dealt bitterly with her. The hand of the Lord had testified against her. Naomi's understanding of God's sovereignty was accurate even though her perspective was limited. She believed that God was the cause of her suffering. The narrative later reveals that God was working for her redemption.
3. What was Ruth's commitment to Naomi and what did it signify?
Ruth declared that she would not leave Naomi. She said, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Ruth's commitment was a declaration of faith. She was willing to give up her people, her gods, and her future. The loyalty of Ruth was a reflection of her faith in the God of Israel. Ruth's commitment was a model of covenant faithfulness.
4. Why did Orpah choose to return to Moab?
Orpah chose to return to her people and her gods. The decision was understandable from a human perspective. Orpah had no future with Naomi. She could find a husband among her own people. The decision of Orpah was a decision of unbelief. The departure of Orpah left Ruth alone with Naomi. The choice of Orpah is a warning against turning back from following the Lord.
5. What is the significance of Naomi and Ruth arriving in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest?
The timing of the arrival was providential. The barley harvest was the first harvest of the year. The harvest would provide opportunities for Ruth to glean in the fields. The provision of food was a sign of God's care. The timing of the arrival was an indication that God was preparing to provide for Naomi and Ruth. The return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest was a sign of hope.
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