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Ruth 1

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‹ Chapter 0 Ruth — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. 3 Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, 4 who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband. 6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had attended to His people by providing them with food, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab. 7 Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road leading 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 you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. 9 May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud 10 and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people." 11 But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons, 13 would you wait for them to grow up? Would you refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me." 14 Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. 15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home." 16 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her. 19 So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole city was stirred because of them, and the women of the city exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?" 20 “Do not call me Naomi, " she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? After all, the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me." 22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

‹ Chapter 0 Ruth — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

Study Notes — Ruth 1

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Chapter Summary

Ruth chapter 1 sets the stage for the book, detailing the story of Elimelech, a Israelite who moves his family to Moab due to famine in Judah. Elimelech's death leaves his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, in a foreign land. The sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, but they also die, leaving the three women as widows. Naomi, upon hearing that the Lord has visited His people in Judah by giving them bread, decides to return to her homeland. Ruth and Orpah initially accompany her, but Orpah eventually returns to her people, while Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, demonstrating her loyalty and faith. This chapter highlights the themes of faith, loyalty, and God's sovereignty, as seen in Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel, despite the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead (Ruth 1:16-17).

Context for the Chapter

Ruth chapter 1 is set in the time of the judges, a period of Israel's history marked by spiritual decay and moral chaos. The chapter provides the background for the story of Ruth, which ultimately points to the coming of Christ as the redeemer of all people. The story of Ruth is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus, which includes Ruth as one of His ancestors (Matthew 1:5).

Heart Application

The story of Ruth challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of suffering. We are called to have faith and loyalty, like Ruth, and to trust in God's care and provision for our lives. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all our decisions, and to trust in His goodness and love for us.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Naomi and her family, who face severe hardship and loss. Despite their suffering, Ruth chooses to follow Naomi and the God of Israel, demonstrating her faith and loyalty. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and to have faith and loyalty like Ruth (Ruth 1:16).

Voices from the Church

“The story of Ruth is a beautiful illustration of the power of faith and loyalty, and the way in which God can use even the most unlikely people to achieve His purposes.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The book of Ruth teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, and that He can use even the most difficult circumstances to bring about His will.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Story (1:1-5) — The chapter introduces us to the story of Elimelech and his family, who move to Moab due to famine in Judah.
  2. The Death of Elimelech and His Sons (1:3-5) — The death of Elimelech and his sons leaves Naomi and her daughters-in-law as widows in a foreign land.
  3. Naomi's Decision to Return to Judah (1:6-7) — Naomi decides to return to Judah, upon hearing that the Lord has visited His people by giving them bread.
  4. Ruth's Decision to Follow Naomi (1:8-18) — Ruth chooses to follow Naomi, despite the risks and uncertainties, demonstrating her faith and loyalty.
  5. Conclusion (1:19-22) — The chapter concludes with Naomi and Ruth returning to Judah, where they will face new challenges and opportunities for faith and growth.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the famine in Judah and the deaths of Elimelech and his sons.
The Providence of God
The chapter demonstrates God's providence and care, as seen in the way He provides for Naomi and Ruth in their time of need.
Faith and Loyalty
The chapter highlights the importance of faith and loyalty, as seen in Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel.
Redemption
The book of Ruth ultimately points to Christ as the redeemer of all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

Lessons from Ruth 1

  1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering.
  2. Demonstrate Faith and Loyalty — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and loyalty, as seen in Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel.
  3. Seek God's Guidance and Wisdom — The chapter reminds us to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all our decisions, and to trust in His goodness and love for us.
  4. Be Open to New Opportunities — The chapter shows us that God can use even the most difficult circumstances to bring about new opportunities for faith and growth.
  5. Remember God's Providence and Care — The chapter demonstrates God's providence and care, as seen in the way He provides for Naomi and Ruth in their time of need.

Themes from Ruth 1

  1. Faith and Loyalty — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and loyalty, as seen in Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel.
  2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the famine in Judah and the deaths of Elimelech and his sons.
  3. Redemption — The book of Ruth ultimately points to Christ as the redeemer of all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
  4. Providence and Care — The chapter demonstrates God's providence and care, as seen in the way He provides for Naomi and Ruth in their time of need.
  5. Trust and Obedience — The chapter reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and to obey His will, even in the midst of uncertainty and challenge.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel?
  2. How does the chapter illustrate the sovereignty of God in the midst of suffering?
  3. What role does faith and loyalty play in the story of Ruth?
  4. How does the book of Ruth point to Christ as the redeemer of all people?
  5. What challenges and opportunities for faith and growth do Naomi and Ruth face as they return to Judah?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Story (1:1-5)

1:1 The chapter introduces us to the story of Elimelech and his family, who move to Moab due to famine in Judah.
1:2 The family settles in Moab, where Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi and her sons as widows.

2. The Death of Elimelech and His Sons (1:3-5)

1:3 The death of Elimelech leaves Naomi and her sons as widows in a foreign land.
1:4 The sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, but they also die, leaving the three women as widows.

3. Naomi's Decision to Return to Judah (1:6-7)

1:6 Naomi decides to return to Judah, upon hearing that the Lord has visited His people by giving them bread.
1:7 Naomi sets out on the journey, accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.

4. Ruth's Decision to Follow Naomi (1:8-18)

1:8 Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their families, but Ruth chooses to follow Naomi.
1:16 Ruth declares her loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel, 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."

5. Conclusion (1:19-22)

1:19 Naomi and Ruth return to Judah, where they are greeted by the people of Bethlehem.
1:20 Naomi is bitter and expresses her feelings of emptiness and sorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of Ruth chapter 1?

The chapter is set in the time of the judges, a period of Israel's history marked by spiritual decay and moral chaos. The story of Ruth takes place during this time, and is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus, which includes Ruth as one of His ancestors (Matthew 1:5).

What can we learn from Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel?

Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel teaches us about the importance of faith and loyalty. Despite the risks and uncertainties, Ruth chooses to trust in God's providence and care, and to follow Naomi, demonstrating her commitment to her mother-in-law and her new family.

How does the chapter illustrate the sovereignty of God in the midst of suffering?

The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the famine in Judah and the deaths of Elimelech and his sons. Despite the suffering and hardship, God is still in control, and is working out His purposes in the lives of Naomi and Ruth.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Ruth 1:1 → Deuteronomy 23:3-4 The Moabites are descended from Lot, and are therefore related to the Israelites, but they are also a forbidden people to the Israelites.
2 Ruth 1:4 → Genesis 19:30-38 The story of Lot and his daughters is connected to the story of Ruth, as both stories involve the Moabites and their relationship to the Israelites.
3 Ruth 1:6 → Exodus 3:7-8 The Lord's visitation of His people in Judah is reminiscent of His visitation of the Israelites in Egypt, where He heard their cry and came to deliver them.
4 Ruth 1:8 → Genesis 2:24 Naomi's urge for her daughters-in-law to return to their families is based on the principle of leaving one's family and cleaving to one's spouse.
5 Ruth 1:16 → Deuteronomy 6:5 Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel is reminiscent of the Shema, where the Israelites are commanded to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might.
6 Ruth 1:20 → Naomi's expression of bitterness and emptiness is reminiscent of the psalmist's cry in Psalm 42:5, where he says "Why are you downcast, O my soul?"
7 Ruth 1:1 → Matthew 1:5 The story of Ruth is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus, which includes Ruth as one of His ancestors.
8 Ruth 1:4 → Ephesians 2:11-12 The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes part of the people of God, is a reminder of God's plan to include all nations in His kingdom, as seen in the New Testament.

Sermons on Ruth 1

SermonDescription
Jacob Prasch Ruth by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of
T. Austin-Sparks The Book of Ruth #2 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the book of Ruth in understanding God's plan of redemption. The book portrays the state of human loss and hopelessness,
T. Austin-Sparks The Book of Ruth #3 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Ruth and the importance of faith. He highlights how Ruth's faith led to immense blessings in her life, including being in the di
Sandeep Poonen Faithful on the Outside but Decayed on the Inside by Sandeep Poonen This sermon delves into the parable of the lost son from Luke 15, focusing on the often overlooked character of the older brother. It highlights the dangers of a decaying heart, wh
William MacDonald The Lordship of Christ by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of making a total commitment to God. He references the story of Ruth from the book of Ruth in the Bible. The preacher highlig
Roy Hession (The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and
David Guzik Ruth - Chapter 1 by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of crisis and how people often react poorly under pressure. He emphasizes that even if we fail or want to run away during a crisis,
William MacDonald Writings by William MacDonald The video is a sermon on the preaching of the word of God. It emphasizes the importance of using short sentences and words, varying sentence patterns, and incorporating human inter
Jim Wilson Free From Bitterness by Jim Wilson In this sermon, Jim shares his personal testimony of how he found freedom from bitterness in his own life. He has been a Christian for 60 years and has spent much of his time minis
Major Ian Thomas Drop Your Sack by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker challenges believers to examine their lives and the evidence they present as members of the bride of Christ. He questions whether their lives reflect th

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ruth 1

Matthew Henry's commentary on Ruth 1 highlights the themes of faith, loyalty, and the sovereignty of God. Henry notes that the story of Ruth is a beautiful illustration of the power of faith and loyalty, and the way in which God can use even the most unlikely people to achieve His purposes. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering, and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all our decisions. Henry's commentary reminds us that the book of Ruth ultimately points to Christ as the redeemer of all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity, and that the story of Ruth is a powerful reminder of God's love and care for all people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Sovereignty of God

We notice that God is sovereign over all events, including the famine in Judah and the deaths of Elimelech and his sons. This highlights God's control over all things, even in the midst of suffering.

The Faith of Ruth

Ruth's faith is evident in her decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel, despite the risks and uncertainties. This demonstrates her trust in God's providence and care.

The Loyalty of Ruth

Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is a key theme in the chapter, as seen in her refusal to leave Naomi's side. This demonstrates her commitment to her mother-in-law and her new family.

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