Ruth 1
Before studying any passage, it’s important to understand the context.
For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick summary of Ruth:
Author: Unknown; several scholars credit Samuel as recording this book, but the book itself gives no clues to its writer.
Date: approximately 1030 to 1010 b.c
Background: Judges Period (Judges was a time of social and religious disorder. Judges 17:6 – “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”); Bethlehem and the country of Moab (The people of Moab were descendants of Lot (Abraham’s nephew) through incest.)
Key People:
- Ruth—Moabite; Naomi’s daughter-in-law (married Mahlon); later married to Boaz; direct ancestor of Jesus
- Naomi—widow of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion; mother-in-law of Orpah and Ruth; wisely instructed Ruth
- Boaz—a prosperous farmer who married Ruth, the Moabite; direct ancestor of Jesus
Interesting Facts: 1) This book is the only one in the Old Testament named after a non-Jewish person; 2) This book is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman (Ruth & Esther).
Naomi’s family left Bethlehem in Judah for Moab because of a famine.
- This is interesting because God caused famines during the Judges period as a form of punishment. They left Bethlehem (‘house of bread’) to head to a detestable land (Moab). But they were still met with misfortune. Naomi suffers the loss of her husband and both sons.
Naomi can’t see beyond her circumstances.
- As word of provision had returned to Bethlehem, Naomi decided to return to the land of Judah. In the transition, Naomi was focused on herself. She couldn’t see past her loss. In her suffering, she could speak God’s blessing over both of her daughters-in-law, yet not herself. She could only refer to God as turning against her. Even the response of the whole town versus Naomi’s upon arrival to Bethlehem gives insight into the contrast. The town is excited/stirred, but Naomi responds in bitterness, blaming God as the source of her suffering.
Ruth displayed faith in God despite her Moabite background.
- Ruth refused to abandon her mother-in-law, Naomi. She essentially makes a vow to God, that she would never leave her mother-in-law. There was no level of arguing from Naomi that could change her mind. She showed a level of faithfulness to Naomi that Naomi was unable to show her at that moment.
God’s hand is seen.
- Although God does not directly speak in this passage, His hand can be seen. We see His hand of judgment and His hand of provision. As the book continues, we continue to see God’s providence on full display.
Naomi’s experiences had made her bitter. So bitter that she was unable to see past her circumstances. Her view was limited and it impacted how she perceived God’s hand. Naomi’s response isn’t unique to biblical times. At some point, we all have felt abandoned in our suffering. We don’t see the hand of God or His provision because we’re focused on our circumstances. Bitterness will always cloud our perspective. It shifts our focus away from the only one who can truly heal us. Allowing bitterness to remain unaddressed will deeply impact how you show up in the world and the ability for God to use you.
Reflect
How has bitterness clouded your view of a situation? How did you overcome it? Did you invite the Lord into your healing? Why or why not?
