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, Intreat 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.
Summary of Ruth Chapter 1
Ruth Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the story of Naomi and her family, highlighting themes of loss, loyalty, and the bond between Ruth and Naomi. The chapter sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of redemption and divine providence.
Key Characters
- Naomi: The widow of Elimelech, who experiences significant loss and hardship.
- Ruth: Naomi’s Moabite daughter-in-law, who displays extraordinary loyalty and commitment.
- Orpah: Another daughter-in-law of Naomi, who ultimately chooses to return to her people.
- Elimelech: Naomi’s deceased husband, whose decision to move to Moab initiates the family’s troubles.
- Chilion and Mahlon: Naomi’s sons, who also die in Moab, leaving their mothers widowed.
Plot Overview
- Famine in Bethlehem: The chapter opens with a famine in Bethlehem, prompting Elimelech to take his family to Moab for sustenance.
- Tragedy Strikes: After settling in Moab, Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi with her two sons, who later marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah.
- Further Loss: After about ten years, both of Naomi’s sons die, leaving her bereft and alone in a foreign land.
- Return to Bethlehem: Hearing that the famine has ended, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab.
- Ruth’s Loyalty: While Orpah chooses to return to her family, Ruth famously declares her loyalty to Naomi, vowing to stay with her and adopt her people and God.
- Arrival in Bethlehem: Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest, setting the stage for the next chapter of their lives.
Thematic Analysis
- Loss and Grief: The chapter poignantly illustrates the theme of loss as Naomi faces the death of her husband and sons, showcasing the deep emotional pain associated with bereavement.
- Loyalty and Commitment: Ruth’s declaration to Naomi emphasizes the strength of familial bonds and loyalty, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
- Identity and Belonging: Ruth’s choice to identify with Naomi and her people highlights the theme of belonging and the transformative power of love and commitment.
- Divine Providence: The chapter subtly introduces the idea that even in times of despair, there is a divine plan at work, foreshadowing the blessings that will come from Ruth’s loyalty.
Literary Devices
- Foreshadowing: The chapter hints at future events, particularly through Ruth’s decision to accompany Naomi, which sets the stage for her pivotal role in the narrative.
- Dialogue: The conversations between Naomi and her daughters-in-law reveal character motivations and deepen the emotional impact of their decisions.
- Imagery: The description of Bethlehem as a place of famine contrasts with its later depiction as a place of harvest, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Conclusion
Ruth Chapter 1 serves as a powerful introduction to the themes of loss, loyalty, and divine providence. Through the experiences of Naomi and Ruth, the chapter lays the groundwork for a story of redemption and hope, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of relationships and the strength found in loyalty amidst adversity.
