Now there came a time, in the days of the judges, when there was no food in the land. And a certain man went from Beth-lehem-judah, he and his wife and his two sons, to make a living-place in the country of Moab.
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 Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and were there for some time.
And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, came to his end; and only her two sons were with her.
And they took two women of Moab as their wives: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth; and they went on living there for about ten years.
And Mahlon and Chilion came to their end; and the woman was without her two sons and her husband.
So she and her daughters-in-law got ready to go back from the country of Moab, for news had come to her in the country of Moab that the Lord, in mercy for his people, had given them food.
And she went out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah.
And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go back to your mothers' houses: may the Lord be good to you as you have been good to the dead and to me:
May the Lord give you rest in the houses of your husbands. Then she gave them a kiss; and they were weeping bitterly.
And they said to her, No, but we will go back with you to your people.
But Naomi said, Go back, my daughters; why will you come with me? Have I more sons in my body, to become your husbands?
Go back, my daughters, and go on your way; I am so old now that I may not have another husband. If I said, I have hopes, if I had a husband tonight, and might have sons,
Would you keep yourselves till they were old enough? would you keep from having husbands for them? No, my daughters; but I am very sad for you that the hand of the Lord is against me.
Then again they were weeping; and Orpah gave her mother-in-law a kiss, but Ruth would not be parted from her.
And Naomi said, See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods: go back after your sister-in-law.
But Ruth said, Give up requesting me to go away from you, or to go back without you: for where you go I will go; and where you take your rest I will take my rest; your people will be my people, and your God my God.
Wherever death comes to you, death will come to me, and there will be my last resting-place; the Lord do so to me and more if we are parted by anything but death.
And when she saw that Ruth was strong in her purpose to go with her she said no more.
So the two of them went on till they came to Beth-lehem. And when they came to Beth-lehem all the town was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
And she said to them, Do not let my name be Naomi, but Mara, for the Ruler of all has given me a bitter fate.
I went out full, and the Lord has sent me back again with nothing; why do you give me the name Naomi, seeing that the Lord has given witness against me, and the Ruler of all has sent sorrow on me?
So Naomi came back out of the country of Moab, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her; and they came to Beth-lehem in the first days of the grain-cutting.
The Book of Ruth is a compelling narrative nestled in the Old Testament, and Chapter 1 serves as its foundational entry point. This chapter introduces key themes of loyalty, familial bonds, and the complexities of human decisions in the face of adversity. In this analysis, we'll explore the characters, the setting, and the pivotal events that shape the overarching narrative.
Ruth Chapter 1 opens with a dire situation: famine strikes in Bethlehem, prompting Elimelech, a man from the town, to take his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, to Moab. The family hopes to escape the harsh conditions, but this decision marks the beginning of a series of tragic events.
Famine and Migration: The chapter begins with a mention of famine in Bethlehem, which drives Elimelech's family to Moab. This migration sets the stage for the challenges they will face.
Tragedy Strikes: While in Moab, Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi with her two sons. They marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. However, tragedy soon strikes again when both sons die, leaving Naomi bereft and alone.
Return to Bethlehem: In her sorrow and after hearing that the famine has ended, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She urges her daughters-in-law to return to their families in Moab, believing they are better off without her.
Ruth's Loyalty: While Orpah ultimately decides to return home, Ruth clings to Naomi, famously declaring her commitment with the words, "Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay." This profound declaration highlights the theme of loyalty that resonates throughout the narrative.
Naomi’s character embodies loss and resilience. After losing her husband and sons, she faces the harsh reality of widowhood and grief. Her return to Bethlehem symbolizes both a physical and emotional journey—she grapples with her identity and faith in the midst of her suffering. Naomi’s bitterness is expressed in her insistence that she be called "Mara," which means "bitter," emphasizing her deep sorrow.
Ruth emerges as a figure of loyalty and devotion. Her decision to stay with Naomi despite the practical advantages of returning to her family reveals her strength of character. Ruth's loyalty not only signifies her love for Naomi but also foreshadows the significant role she will play in the lineage of David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ.
Orpah’s choice to return to Moab introduces a contrast between her and Ruth. While she makes the pragmatic decision to go back to her family, her choice raises questions about loyalty and commitment. Though she does not follow Ruth's path, her character serves to highlight the weight of Ruth's decision.
The core theme of loyalty is exemplified through Ruth's attachment to Naomi. Her pledge to follow Naomi is profound and resonates with deep emotional gravity. This theme explores the notion of familial obligation and the sacrifices made for love, setting the stage for the relational dynamics that play out in the following chapters.
Naomi’s journey is steeped in loss. The chapter highlights the devastating impact of her husband and sons' deaths. This theme extends beyond personal loss, reflecting the communal strife in Bethlehem due to famine and societal upheaval.
While not overtly articulated, the chapter hints at the presence of divine Providence. Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem suggests a glimmer of hope, anticipating a change in fortune. Ruth's loyalty also hints at a larger divine plan, as her actions will ultimately lead her to a significant role in biblical history.
Ruth Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for a story rich in themes of loyalty, loss, and faith. The characters' journeys illustrate profound emotional landscapes—navigating grief and the importance of relationships. As readers venture further into the book, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and the impact of significant relationships in shaping one’s destiny. Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi not only defines her character but also sets a powerful narrative in motion, leading to transformation and hope.
By understanding these foundational elements, readers can appreciate the depth and richness of the Book of Ruth and its relevance to themes still resonant in today’s world.