Ruth 1: A tale of unwavering faith, enduring loyalty, and the profound journey of redemption, capturing the essence of timeless virtues.
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative tucked within the pages of the Old Testament, offering a poignant story of faith, loyalty, and redemption. This book stands out for its rich depiction of personal virtue and divine providence against a backdrop of hardship and transition. Ruth 1 sets the stage for this remarkable tale by introducing key characters and outlining the circumstances that will shape the unfolding events. The chapter provides a foundation for understanding Ruth's journey and the pivotal role she plays in the broader narrative of God's work through ordinary lives.
In Ruth 1, we are introduced to Naomi, a woman from Bethlehem, who, along with her husband and two sons, moves to the land of Moab to escape a severe famine. Tragedy strikes when Naomi's husband and sons die, leaving her and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, in a precarious situation. Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem and her heartfelt instructions to her daughters-in-law set the stage for the unfolding drama. The chapter highlights Naomi's deep sense of loss and her struggle to find hope in the midst of despair.
The turning point of the chapter is Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi, despite the societal and personal challenges she faces as a foreigner. Ruth's famous declaration of loyalty—"Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay"—captures her steadfast faith and devotion. This act of loyalty not only underscores Ruth’s character but also sets the scene for her pivotal role in the story of redemption that will unfold. Ruth 1 thus lays the groundwork for the themes of faith, loyalty, and divine providence that are central to the book, drawing readers into a narrative that highlights how personal commitment and trust in God can lead to transformative outcomes.
Famine in Bethlehem
"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 Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons." (Ruth 1:1, KJV)
The opening verse introduces us to the setting of the story. It was a time when the judges ruled Israel, and there was a famine in the land of Bethlehem. Due to this hardship, an Israelite family from Bethlehem, consisting of a man, his wife, and their two sons, decided to seek refuge in the neighboring land of Moab.
Elimelech and His Family
"And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab and continued there." (Ruth 1:2, KJV)
We are introduced to the family members: Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. Seeking relief from the famine, they relocated to Moab.
Tragedy Strikes
"And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them, and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband." (Ruth 1:3-5, KJV)
Tragedy befalls the family as Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi a widow with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The sons later marry Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. However, both sons also tragically pass away, leaving Naomi bereaved and childless in a foreign land.
Naomi's Decision
"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 how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread." (Ruth 1:6, KJV)
Upon hearing news of the Lord's provision of food in her homeland, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She prepares to leave Moab, and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, prepare to go with her.
Naomi's Blessing and Farewell
"Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice and wept." (Ruth 1:7-9, KJV)
Naomi, grateful for the kindness of her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, blesses them and encourages them to return to their families. She prays that the Lord would show them kindness and grant them rest and new husbands. There is a heartfelt farewell as they all weep together.
Orpah's Decision
"And they said unto her, Surely, we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have a husband also tonight, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? Nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me." (Ruth 1:10-13, KJV)
Naomi tries to dissuade Orpah and Ruth from accompanying her, explaining that she has no more sons to offer them as husbands. She expresses her sadness over the challenges she believes the Lord has brought upon her.
Orpah's Departure
"And they lifted up their voice and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law." (Ruth 1:14-15, KJV)
Despite the emotional farewell, Orpah decides to return to her people and her gods. She kisses Naomi and departs. In contrast, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, cleaving to her.
Ruth's Profound Loyalty
"And Ruth said, Intreat 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: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." (Ruth 1:16-17, KJV)
Ruth's words are a testament to her unwavering loyalty, faith, and love for Naomi. She expresses her determination to remain by Naomi's side, adopt her people, and worship her God, even unto death.
Arrival in Bethlehem
"When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So, they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?" (Ruth 1:18-19, KJV)
Ruth's determination prevails, and they both journey to Bethlehem. The arrival of Naomi and Ruth stirs the community's curiosity, and they recognize Naomi, though her circumstances have greatly changed since she left.
Naomi's Grief and Bitterness
"And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?" (Ruth 1:20-21, KJV)
Naomi's return is marked by grief and bitterness. She asks to be called Mara, which means "bitter," to reflect her perception that the Lord has dealt harshly with her.
Arrival in Bethlehem and Barley Harvest
"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, KJV)
The chapter concludes with Naomi and Ruth's safe arrival in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest season.
Conclusion
Ruth 1 sets the stage for a poignant narrative of faith, loyalty, and redemption. It introduces us to Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah, showcasing their contrasting responses to adversity. Ruth's profound loyalty and commitment to Naomi serve as the foundation for the remarkable journey that unfolds in the subsequent chapters of the book of Ruth. It's a story that illustrates the beauty of faithfulness, the strength of relationships, and the way God can redeem even the most challenging circumstances.
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