*Ruth 1:1-22
Facing famine in Judah, Naomi travels to Moab with her daughters-in-law, but only Ruth chooses to return with her and convert to Naomi’s God.
- Famine in Bethlehem:
- The narrative opens with a famine in the land of Bethlehem, compelling Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to seek refuge in the neighboring country of Moab.
- Loss and Grief:
- Tragedy strikes the family as Elimelech dies in Moab, leaving Naomi a widow with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.
- The sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, during their time in Moab, forging ties with the local community.
- Double Bereavement:
- Further sorrow befalls Naomi as both her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also pass away, leaving her utterly bereft and alone, along with her daughters-in-law.
- Naomi’s Decision to Return:
- Upon hearing news of improved conditions in Bethlehem, Naomi resolves to return to her homeland, bidding farewell to her daughters-in-law.
- Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab and find new husbands, offering them release from any obligation to stay with her.
- Ruth’s Loyalty:
- In a touching display of loyalty and devotion, Ruth refuses to leave Naomi’s side, expressing her unwavering commitment with the famous words, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
- Arrival in Bethlehem:
- Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, a crucial detail that sets the stage for subsequent events.
- The women’s return sparks conversation among the townsfolk, with Naomi’s return stirring memories and emotions among the residents.
- Naomi’s Bitterness:
- Naomi’s return prompts her to rename herself “Mara,” meaning bitter, reflecting the depth of her sorrow and sense of loss.
- Despite her bitterness, Naomi is accompanied by Ruth, whose steadfast loyalty provides a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.
Ruth 1:1-22 teaches us about loyalty, faith, and trusting God even in hard times. Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, even when it would have been easier to leave. She showed love and commitment, even when she didn’t know what the future held. This reminds us to stand by the people we love and trust that God is guiding us, even when life feels uncertain. When we remain faithful and choose kindness, God can lead us to new blessings we never expected.
Ruth 1:1-22 (WEB)
1:1 In the days when the judges judged, there was a famine in the land. A certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to live in the country of Moab with his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab and lived there. 3 Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. 4 They took for themselves wives of the women of Moab. The name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth. They lived there about ten years. 5 Mahlon and Chilion both died, and the woman was bereaved of her two children and of her husband. 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 how the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. 7 She went out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her. They went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 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 May the LORD grant you 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 They said to her, “No, but we will return with you to your people.”11 Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Go back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, ‘I have hope,’ if I should even have a husband tonight, and should also bear sons, 13 would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, for it grieves me seriously for your sakes, for the LORD’s hand has gone out against me.”14 They lifted up their voices and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her. 15 She said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.”16 Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”18 When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.19 So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. When they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was excited about them, and they asked, “Is this Naomi?”20 She said to them, “Don’t 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?” 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.