# Overview Ruth Chapter 1 introduces us to the story of #Naomi and her family, who travel from #Bethlehem in #Judah to the land of #Moab due to a famine. Naomi’s husband, #Elimelech, dies, leaving her with their two sons, #Mahlon and #Chilion. The sons marry Moabite women, #Orpah and #Ruth. After about ten years, both sons also die, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law without their husbands. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the Lord had provided food for His people. In a touching scene, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, declaring her loyalty 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." The chapter concludes with Naomi and Ruth arriving in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi expresses her bitterness over her losses, suggesting that she be called #Mara, meaning "bitter," instead of Naomi, which means "pleasant." This chapter sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan, highlighting themes of loyalty, faith, and God's provision. Ruth's steadfast commitment to Naomi and her embracing of Naomi’s people and God foreshadow the redemptive work that will unfold in subsequent chapters, as God orchestrates events for His purposes, even in times of personal tragedy and loss. ## Theological Insights The Book of #Ruth, Chapter 1, is a profound narrative that highlights themes of #loyalty, #providence, and #redemption, setting the stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through unlikely means and people. 1. **Loyalty and Devotion**: The chapter showcases the deep loyalty of #Ruth to her mother-in-law, #Naomi. Ruth’s declaration, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16), is a testament to her steadfast commitment and faithfulness. This loyalty mirrors the kind of faithfulness that God desires from His people, as seen throughout the #OldTestament in covenants with figures like [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]]. 2. **God’s Sovereignty and Providence**: Naomi’s return to #Bethlehem during the time of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:22) is a subtle nod to God’s providence. Despite Naomi’s bitterness and perception that "the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" (Ruth 1:20), the timing of their return foreshadows God’s provision and the unfolding of His plan. This echoes the reassurance found in passages like [[Romans/Romans Chapter 8|Romans 8:28]], where God works all things for the good of those who love Him. 3. **Redemption from Loss**: The chapter begins with loss—famine, death, and displacement—but it also begins the journey toward redemption. Naomi, who feels empty and afflicted, is on the cusp of witnessing God’s restorative work. Ruth’s commitment is the seed of hope, akin to the promise of redemption seen throughout [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 54|Isaiah]] and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. 4. **Inclusivity in God’s Plan**: Ruth, a #Moabite, becomes an integral part of the lineage of #David, and thus, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] Christ. This demonstrates the inclusivity of God’s redemptive plan, which transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, as later emphasized in the New Testament through passages like [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 3|Galatians 3:28]], where there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. Ruth 1, thus, sets the stage for a narrative that beautifully illustrates how God’s faithfulness and redemptive purposes unfold even through personal tragedy and unexpected loyalty. The chapter reminds us of the importance of trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when faced with dire circumstances. ## Thematic Connections ### Loyalty and Devotion #Ruth's declaration of loyalty to #Naomi is one of the most profound themes in Ruth Chapter 1. Her commitment to Naomi ("Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge") echoes the covenantal faithfulness seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as the loyalty between #Jonathan and #David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 18|1 Samuel 18]]. This theme highlights the biblical value of steadfast love and commitment, reflecting God's own covenant faithfulness to His people. ### God's Sovereignty in Times of Crisis The chapter begins with a famine in #Bethlehem, prompting #Elimelech's family to move to #Moab. This event parallels other instances where God's sovereignty is evident during times of crisis, such as the famine that led #Israel's family to Egypt in the story of #Joseph ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41|Genesis 41]]). Despite human plans and decisions, God's overarching plan is at work, guiding events toward His redemptive purposes. ### The Role of Women in God's Redemptive Plan Ruth Chapter 1 introduces strong female characters whose actions significantly impact the unfolding of the redemptive story. This aligns with other stories of influential women in Scripture, such as #Deborah in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 4|Judges 4]] and #Esther in [[Esther/Esther Chapter 4|Esther 4]]. The chapter underscores the importance of women in God's plan, highlighting their faith, courage, and influence. ### The Journey from Desolation to Hope Naomi's return to Bethlehem after the deaths of her husband and sons marks a transition from desolation to hope. This thematic journey is mirrored in other biblical narratives, like #Job's restoration after loss ([[Job/Job Chapter 42|Job 42]]) and #Israel's return from exile ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 40|Isaiah 40]]). The chapter sets the stage for redemption and renewal, reflecting God's power to transform sorrow into joy. ### Identity and Belonging Ruth's integration into the people of #Israel emphasizes themes of identity and belonging. Her decision to leave her native Moabite culture and embrace Naomi's people and God parallels the call to leave behind old identities and become part of God's covenant community, as seen in #Abram's call to leave his homeland in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12]]. This theme highlights the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the transformative power of faith. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Lineage of David While Ruth 1 does not explicitly mention prophetic fulfillments, it is foundational for the eventual fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the #DavidicCovenant. The #DavidicCovenant, promised in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]], foretells the establishment of a kingdom through David's lineage. The narrative in Ruth sets the stage for this by detailing the lineage that leads to #David. Naomi's return to #Bethlehem with #Ruth, a Moabite, initiates the events that lead to Ruth's marriage to Boaz, from whom David descends. This genealogy ultimately connects to the prophecy of the #Messiah, who is to come from David's line, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]] and [[Luke/Luke Chapter 3]]. ### The Inclusion of the Gentiles Ruth's story also prefigures the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, which is later expounded upon in the New Testament. Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes part of the lineage of #Israel and the ancestry of Jesus, highlighting that God's covenant blessings extend beyond ethnic Israel. This theme is echoed in prophecies such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 56|Isaiah 56:6-8]], where foreigners who join themselves to the Lord are promised a place in His house. The inclusion of Ruth foreshadows the fulfillment of these promises, demonstrating God's plan of salvation for all nations. ## Verses - **Ruth 1:1** - "In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him." - Note: Bethlehem is also mentioned in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 2]] as the birthplace of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. - Note: Moab is mentioned in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19]] as a descendant of #Lot. - **Ruth 1:2** - "The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there." - Note: Naomi plays a significant role throughout the Book of #Ruth. - **Ruth 1:3** - "Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons." - Note: Widowhood is a recurring theme in the Bible, also seen in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17]] with the widow of Zarephath. - **Ruth 1:4** - "The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later," - Note: Marriages with Moabites are mentioned in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 25]]. - **Ruth 1:5** - "both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband." - Note: The theme of loss and famine can be linked to the experiences of #Job in [[Job/Job Chapter 1]]. - **Ruth 1:6** - "Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland." - Note: The Lord providing for His people is echoed in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41]] with #Joseph. - **Ruth 1:7** - "With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah." - **Ruth 1:8** - "But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, 'Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me." - **Ruth 1:9** - "May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.' Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept." - **Ruth 1:10** - "'No,' they said. 'We want to go with you to your people.'" - **Ruth 1:11** - "But Naomi replied, 'Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands?'" - **Ruth 1:12** - "'No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what?'" - **Ruth 1:13** - "'Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.'" - **Ruth 1:14** - "And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi." - **Ruth 1:15** - "'Look,' Naomi said to her, 'your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.'" - **Ruth 1:16** - "But Ruth replied, 'Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." - Note: Ruth's loyalty is referenced in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4]], showing her place in the lineage of #David. - **Ruth 1:17** - "Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!'" - **Ruth 1:18** - "When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more." - **Ruth 1:19** - "So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. 'Is it really Naomi?' the women asked." - **Ruth 1:20** - "'Don’t call me Naomi,' she responded. 'Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me." - Note: The name change reflects her feelings of bitterness, similar to #Jacob's name change in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 32]]. - **Ruth 1:21** - "I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?'" - **Ruth 1:22** - "So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest." - Note: The barley harvest timing is significant in the events of [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2]]. ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Famine** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]], [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41]] - **Moab** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19]] - **Naomi** - [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2]] - **Ruth** - [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]] - **Bethlehem** - [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 2]] - **Widowhood** - [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17]], [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 4]] - **Harvest** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 23]]