Bible Passage: Ruth 1:1–22

Big Idea: God provides hope and redemption through our faithfulness to others, especially in times of hardship and loss.

Opening Thoughts

The story of Ruth unfolds during the final years of the Judges; a period often regarded as a dark age in Israel’s history. This era comes after Joshua’s death, when there was no central government, and the nation was ruled by a succession of judges. During this time, the people of Israel largely chose to live in moral darkness and embrace pagan practices. The writer of Judges described the period as “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25.

As you read through the book of Judges a pattern emerges. The Israelites sin and turn to paganism, God brings judgement upon the nation. This causes the people to cry out to God for relief. God raises up a judge that helps rescue the nation from the oppressors. The people rejoice and worship God. But soon the cycle repeats itself.

Although The Book of Ruth is sometimes interpreted as a love story, its deeper significance lies in the portrayal of two distinct forms of devoted family bonds. One such bond is the intergenerational commitment that develops between a daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law. Ruth, a young widow from Moab who had been married to an Israelite, demonstrated unwavering loyalty during her mother-in-law Naomi’s time of hardship. Through her support, Ruth not only aided Naomi’s recovery but also brought profound joy and fulfilment to Naomi’s later years. In turn, Ruth herself received unexpected blessings because of her steadfastness.

Another significant expression of familial commitment was the duty of a kinsman. Ruth is directed to the fields of Boaz, not knowing that he holds the role of her family’s kinsman redeemer as set forth in the Mosaic Law. Boaz falls in love with Ruth and completes to the established procedures to redeem Naomi’s property and take Ruth as his wife. Through her perseverance, Ruth receives unforeseen blessings.

Loss Leads to Hope

Ruth 1:1–5

¹ In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. ² The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. ⁴ These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, ⁵ and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

As the story of Ruth opens we see a family in disparate need. There was a great famine in the land of Israel. A famine during the period of the judges can be anticipated based on the covenant stipulations outlined in Leviticus 26:14–20, wherein God declared that persistent disobedience would result in agricultural failure. Given the prevalence of Israel’s transgressions during the time of the judges and the principle that God fulfills divine commitments, the occurrence of famine would have been a foreseeable consequence.

When faced with hunger, people sometimes make drastic choices. Elimelech, needing to support his wife and two sons, temporarily left Bethlehem in Judah to settle in Moab (1:1). While it’s understandable that Elimelech’s family decided to relocate in hopes of finding food, what stands out is their choice to settle in Moab—an area known for being one of Israel’s long-standing adversaries. Since the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Num. 22:1–11) the Moabites posed significant threats to Israel. For an Israelite man to leave the promised land with his family and live among people who worshipped idols and held animosity toward Israelites was considered shocking. Was God displeased by this action? The Bible doesn’t directly say so, but Elimelech’s death soon after arriving in Moab—which left his wife Naomi widowed—could suggest that possibility (1:3).

Elimelech and his family fled Bethlehem to escape the famine in hopes of a better life. But he dies leaving Naomi with only her two sons. Their sons disobey the Law and marry foreign women and then they die. Naomi had no source of food, shelter, or income. With no social safety nets in Moab and no obligation for anyone to assist her, she was left grief-stricken and destitute. We must always remember that where we are in life is a direct result of our past decisions.

Naomi has suffered a great loss – the deaths of her husband and sons. Even amid this hardship, God’s redemption is already at work. Her story reminds us that our suffering fits within a greater plan, where loss is not final but part of our hope and renewal.

Loyalty in Uncertainty

Ruth 1:6–18

⁶ Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. ⁷ So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.⁸ But 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 The Lord grant 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 And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” ¹¹ But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, ¹³ would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake 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. ¹⁵ And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” ¹⁶ But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where 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. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” ¹⁸ And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

Naomi and her husband left their covenant community to settle in Moab in pursuit of improved circumstances; however, their experience was marked by hardship and loss. A decade later, Naomi found herself bereaved and accompanied only by her two foreign daughters-in-law. Upon learning that “the Lord had visited his people and given them food.” (1:6). Naomi resolved to return to Bethlehem, likely reasoning that her prospects for survival would be greater among her own people.

Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, prepared for their journey back to Judah. As they began their journey Naomi made the decision to encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their respective fathers’ homes, providing several rationales for this suggestion. She explained that, according to Mosaic Law, the brother of a deceased man was expected to marry the widow. However, given Naomi’s advanced age and having no sons, it would be impractical for her daughters-in-law to await the possibility of her having additional sons who could fulfill this obligation. Furthermore, Naomi noted that by returning to their father’s households, they would have the opportunity to remarry, thereby gaining the stability and security inherent in family life.

Orpah decided to return to her father’s home. Compared to her sister-in-law, she chose not to continue on to Bethlehem with Naomi. Although Orpah began the journey, expressed her farewells, and was visibly emotional, she ultimately opted not to remain with her mother-in-law. Her choice indicates a preference for returning to her previous life and the possibility of remarriage. After this event, Orpah is no longer referenced in the Scriptures.

Ruth demonstrated profound loyalty toward her mother-in-law, Naomi. Despite Naomi’s encouragement for Ruth to return to her own family, Ruth voiced her resolve to remain with Naomi. Ruth’s words in Ruth 1:16–17 are among the most powerful declarations in the Bible. She first expresses her deep love for Naomi and her commitment to remain with her mother-in-law for life. Ruth also openly declares her faith in the one true God and her choice to worship only Him. She is prepared to leave behind her family (as noted in 2:11) so she can stay with Naomi and follow Naomi’s God. Ruth shows unwavering determination to go with Naomi (see 1:18) and settle in Bethlehem among God’s people.

Ruth’s unwavering loyalty, dedication, and selflessness offer valuable lessons to everyone. Her resolve to stand by Naomi leads her to adopt a new nationality and faith, actions through which she ultimately receives significant rewards from God.

Jesus encourages us to be steadfast and loyal in our commitment to Him. When we follow Him, our spiritual identity transforms as we become part of God’s community. We must remain determined, avoid retreating, and keep moving ahead. By choosing unwavering devotion and perseverance in our hearts, we will ultimately receive rewards.

Bitterness Meets Grace

Ruth 1:19–22

¹⁹ So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” ²⁰ She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. ²¹ I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” ²² So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

During the time of the judges, two unmarried women journeyed down a lonely, unpatrolled country road—a situation that was dangerous and could easily have led to trouble. Yet, thanks to God’s grace, they were able to reach Bethlehem safely. Naomi had spent about ten difficult years in Moab, which likely altered her appearance so much that the women she’d grown up with hardly recognized her. She also arrived back to Bethlehem with not a daughter but a Moabite woman.

Naomi and her family had departed from Bethlehem feeling content but returned with a sense of emptiness. Consequently, she requested that her name be changed from Naomi, meaning “My Pleasantness,” to Mara, which translates to “Bitter.” This change reflected her belief that God had allowed adversity into her life, resulting in bitterness rather than resilience from her challenges. Naomi’s decision to change her name was not an act of complaint, but rather an acknowledgment of divine discipline. She recognized that their move to Moab had been outside the will of God.

While we may not have control over life’s circumstances, we can choose our responses to such situations. Faith involves trusting that beneficial outcomes are being realized even when there is no immediate evidence. The instruction to “give thanks in everything” (1 Thes. 5:18) can be challenging to follow; however, adhering to this guidance is an effective measure against developing bitterness or a critical attitude.

The two widows arrived in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, a season when the community celebrated and offered thanks to God for His blessings. It was springtime—a period symbolizing renewal and fresh starts. Naomi stood on the threshold of a fresh start. She was about to discover that with God, it’s never too late for a new beginning.

Application

Life consists of a series of choices, both good and bad. At times, poor decisions can distance us from God’s blessings, as happened with Naomi and her husband. The way we address those wrong choices matters greatly. Naomi realized they had chosen poorly, yet she is going to discovered that God never abandons His children. When God’s children turn back to follow Him, he will bring others into their lives to offer encouragement and support. It’s essential for us to remain open to God’s guidance. Trust that, like Ruth, stepping into the unknown can lead to unexpected blessings if you faithfully pursue God’s guidance. Be open to the paths He sets before you.

Discussion Questions

• Why did Elimelech take his family to Moab? Was this an act of wisdom and obedience or a demonstration of a weak faith? Why?

• What are some of the most painful choices you’ve made in your life? What specifically made the choices so difficult?

• Why did Naomi call herself Mara? (1:20–21)

• What experiences have you had of bitter trials preparing the way for the Lord’s kindness?

• How could you develop or reaffirm your devotion to God this week?

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