1 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.
2 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.
3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
4 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.
5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and 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 that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.
11 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?
12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
13 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.
14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
15 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.
16 And Ruth said, Entreat 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:
17 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.
18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
19 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?
20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
21 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?
22 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.
The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of love, loyalty, and redemption. It is a short but powerful book that is nestled between the books of Judges and 1 Samuel in the KJV Holy Bible. The first chapter of Ruth sets the stage for the rest of the book and introduces us to the main characters and their circumstances.
The first chapter of Ruth introduces us to four main characters - Naomi, Ruth, Orpah, and Boaz. Naomi is an Israelite woman who, along with her husband and two sons, had moved to Moab due to a famine in their land. Her two sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. However, tragedy struck when Naomi's husband and sons died, leaving the three women widowed.
Ruth, the protagonist of the story, is a Moabite woman who chooses to stay with Naomi and accompany her back to Israel. Orpah, on the other hand, chooses to stay in Moab and return to her family. Boaz is a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi's husband, who plays a crucial role in the story later on.
The first chapter of Ruth is full of important themes that set the foundation for the rest of the book. These themes include faithfulness, loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God.
1. Faithfulness
The first chapter of Ruth highlights the faithfulness of Ruth towards Naomi. Despite being a Moabite and not having any obligation to Naomi, Ruth chooses to stay with her and accompany her back to Israel. This act of faithfulness and loyalty sets the tone for the rest of the book and shows the power of selfless love.
Ruth's faithfulness is also seen in her commitment to the God of Israel. In verse 16, she declares her loyalty to Naomi and her God, saying, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." This statement not only shows Ruth's devotion to Naomi but also her willingness to leave her own gods and embrace the God of Israel.
2. Loyalty
The loyalty of Ruth towards Naomi is also a prominent theme in the first chapter of Ruth. Despite being given the opportunity to return to her family and find a new husband, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi and support her in her time of need. This act of loyalty is not only a testament to the strong bond between Ruth and Naomi but also a demonstration of the power of selfless love and sacrifice.
3. Kindness
The first chapter of Ruth also highlights the kindness of Boaz towards Ruth and Naomi. Boaz, being a relative of Naomi's husband, offers to take care of them and provide for them. This act of kindness is a reflection of his character and sets the stage for the rest of the book, where he continues to show kindness towards Ruth and Naomi.
4. Providence of God
The overarching theme of the book of Ruth is the providence of God. Although not explicitly mentioned in the first chapter, we can see how God's hand is at work in the lives of the characters. Despite the tragedies that befall Naomi and her family, God uses them to bring about His plan for Ruth and ultimately for the nation of Israel.
The first chapter of Ruth sets the stage for the rest of the book and introduces us to the main characters and their circumstances. It also lays the foundation for the important themes of faithfulness, loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God.
Through the story of Ruth, we can learn about the power of selfless love and sacrifice. Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her willingness to leave her own gods and embrace the God of Israel is a beautiful example of faithfulness and loyalty. Boaz's kindness towards Ruth and Naomi also teaches us about the importance of showing compassion and generosity towards others.
Additionally, the first chapter of Ruth reminds us of the providence of God. Despite the tragedies that befall Naomi and her family, God is at work in their lives, orchestrating events to bring about His plan. This is a powerful reminder for us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
The first chapter of Ruth also foreshadows the ultimate redemption that is to come through Jesus Christ. Just as Ruth, a Moabite woman, is brought into the family of Israel and becomes an ancestor of Jesus, we too, as Gentiles, are welcomed into the family of God through faith in Jesus. This is a beautiful picture of God's love and redemption for all people.
In conclusion, the first chapter of Ruth is a powerful introduction to the rest of the book. It introduces us to the main characters and their circumstances and lays the foundation for the important themes of faithfulness, loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God. Through the story of Ruth, we can learn valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the sovereignty of God. It is a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of tragedy, God is at work, and His plan will ultimately prevail.
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