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Ruth 1 Ruth: God's Faithfulness in the Midst of Grief and Loss

1 Naomi and Ruth
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.

2 The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

3 Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.

4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years,

5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

6 When she heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, Naomi and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.

7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.

8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me.

9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”
Then she kissed them and they wept aloud

10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands?

12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—

13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has gone out against me!”

14 At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her.

15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. 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 deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

19 So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.

21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

22 So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

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Analysis of Ruth Chapter 1

The book of Ruth is a narrative of loyalty, love, and faithfulness set in the period of the Judges. Chapter 1 introduces us to the central characters and the initial circumstances that set the stage for the unfolding story. This analysis will examine the themes, character development, and the theological implications embedded within the verses of Ruth Chapter 1.

Verses 1-5: Setting the Scene

In the first five verses, we are introduced to Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They are Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah who move to Moab due to a severe famine. The sequence of events that follows outlines a series of tragedies: Elimelech dies, followed by the deaths of Mahlon and Chilion after they marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.

“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land.” (Ruth 1:1a)

These first words set the time frame and context. The period of the Judges was marked by social, political, and spiritual turmoil in Israel. The famine underscores the physical and spiritual barrenness of the land, pushing Elimelech’s family to seek sustenance in Moab, a country often at odds with Israel.

The decision to go to Moab is laden with complexities. Moab is an enemy nation, and the Israelites were generally discouraged from mingling with its people due to their idolatrous practices. This move can be seen as an act of desperation, a dire quest for survival. The deaths of the male members of the family intensify the sense of desolation and helplessness, setting the stage for the resilient faith and loyalty that will be displayed by Naomi and Ruth.

Verses 6-14: Naomi’s Decision and the Initial Response

Upon hearing that the Lord has blessed His people with food, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She urges her daughters-in-law to return to their homes in Moab, hoping they might find new husbands and start afresh. Orpah eventually heeds Naomi’s advice, but Ruth clings to her mother-in-law.

“But Naomi said, ‘Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands?'” (Ruth 1:11)

  • The Return to Bethlehem: Naomi hears of God’s provision in Bethlehem, symbolizing a return to God’s favor and provision. Her decision to return signifies not only a geographical change but also a spiritual realignment with God’s people and promises.
  • Naomi’s Selflessness: In her grief, Naomi displays selflessness and concern for her daughters-in-law’s futures. She encourages them to stay in Moab where they may have better prospects, demonstrating a deep sacrificial love, even in her state of personal despair.
  • Orpah’s Choice: Orpah’s decision to return to her people is not presented in a negative light. It underscores the difficult choice she had to make and sets up a stark contrast with Ruth’s profound loyalty.

Verses 15-22: Ruth’s Loyal Commitment and the Return to Bethlehem

Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to Naomi and to Naomi’s God is one of the most moving passages in the Bible. This section reveals the depth of Ruth’s commitment and faith.

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. 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)

Ruth’s pledge encapsulates several critical elements:

  • Unwavering Loyalty: Ruth’s refusal to leave Naomi highlights an extraordinary sense of loyalty and love, transcending the typical expectations of the time. She is willing to abandon her native land, people, and gods, which signifies a profound transformation and an embracing of Naomi’s faith and people.
  • Conversion: Ruth’s declaration that Naomi’s God will be her God is significant. It demonstrates Ruth’s conversion to the faith of Israel, signaling her acceptance of Yahweh and His sovereign lordship over her life. Ruth’s dedication extends beyond familial loyalty to a spiritual allegiance.
  • Sacrifice and Faith: Ruth’s commitment involves considerable sacrifice. She is willing to face uncertainty, risk, and potential hardship to stay with Naomi. This act of faith is commendable and reflects a deep trust in God’s provision and sovereignty.

Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, the townspeople recognize Naomi, who expresses her sorrow and bitterness about her situation:

“‘Don’t call me Naomi,’ she told them. ‘Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.'” (Ruth 1:20)

Naomi’s comments provide insight into her state of heart:

  • Naomi’s Bitterness: Naomi, whose name means “pleasant,” asks to be called “Mara,” meaning “bitter.” This change in name reflects her inner turmoil and sorrow. She feels that the hand of God has gone out against her, highlighting her profound sense of loss and grief.
  • Recognition of God’s Sovereignty: Despite her bitterness, Naomi acknowledges God’s sovereignty over her life. Her lament is steeped in the reality that, for better or worse, God has been actively involved in her life’s circumstances.
  • Hope amidst Despair: Their return during the barley harvest season is a subtle hint of hope and new beginning. The timing suggests the potential for renewal and God’s unfolding provision, despite Naomi’s present despair.

Major Themes and Theological Implications

Ruth Chapter 1 offers rich themes and theological insights that lay the groundwork for the rest of the book:

  1. Providence of God: Throughout the chapter, God’s providence is evident. Initially, the famine drives the family to Moab; later, reports of God’s provision prompt Naomi’s return to Bethlehem. This theme underscores God’s active and faithful involvement in the lives of His people, often through ordinary events and decisions.
  2. Loyalty and Covenant Faithfulness: Ruth exemplifies extraordinary loyalty and faithfulness, qualities that reflect God’s covenant faithfulness toward His people. Her commitment to Naomi and her adoption of Naomi’s God echo the steadfast love (hesed) that characterizes God’s relationship with Israel.
  3. Suffering and Redemption: Naomi’s experiences of loss and bitterness highlight the reality of human suffering. Yet, the chapter ends on a note that hints at God’s redemptive plans. The arrival during the barley harvest holds a promise of renewed life and hope, foreshadowing the greater redemption story that unfolds.
  4. Inclusivity in God’s Kingdom: Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes a key figure in the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus. This inclusion of a foreigner underscores the encompassing scope of God’s plan of salvation, breaking ethnic and cultural barriers.
  5. Faith and Risk: Ruth’s journey is one of faith filled with risks. Her willingness to follow Naomi into an unknown future illustrates a profound trust in God, advocating for a faith that moves beyond comfort zones and embraces divine callings and purposes.

Conclusion

Ruth Chapter 1 is a powerful narrative that sets the stage for a story of redemption, loyalty, and divine providence. Through the characters of Naomi and Ruth, we witness the depth of human suffering and the incredible resilience of faith and loyalty. Ruth’s unwavering commitment and Naomi’s candid expression of grief offer profound lessons on the nature of faith, community, and God’s sovereign care.

This chapter invites readers to reflect on their responses to life’s adversities and encourages a deeper trust in God’s overarching plans, even when they are not immediately apparent. As we follow Naomi and Ruth’s journey, we are reminded that God’s redemptive work often unfolds through ordinary lives and events, pointing to a grander narrative of love, grace, and faithfulness that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.