What does Ruth 1:1 mean?
"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 Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons." - Ruth 1:1
The book of Ruth begins with the opening verse, "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" (Ruth 1:1, KJV).
This verse sets the stage for the book of Ruth, providing the historical and geographical context in which the story takes place. The book is set during the time of the judges, a period of unrest and instability in the history of ancient Israel. This era is characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, as described in the book of Judges. The fact that the events of Ruth take place within this broader historical context is significant, as it shows that even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, God is still at work in the lives of His people.
The verse also mentions a famine in the land, which serves as a backdrop for the difficult decisions and challenges that the main characters will face throughout the story. Famine was a common occurrence in the ancient world and often brought with it hardship and suffering. In this context, the famine serves as a powerful symbol of the trials and tribulations that will test the faith and resilience of the characters in the book of Ruth.
The verse introduces us to a man from Bethlehemjudah, a town that holds great significance in the biblical narrative. Bethlehem is the birthplace of King David, the great-grandson of Ruth and Boaz, and ultimately the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The mention of Bethlehem at the beginning of the book foreshadows the importance of this small town in the redemptive story of God's people. It suggests that the events that will unfold in the book of Ruth are not merely isolated incidents, but rather part of a larger, grander plan that God is orchestrating for the salvation of His people.
The verse also introduces us to the main characters of the story: a man, his wife, and their two sons. This family's decision to leave Bethlehem and sojourn in the country of Moab sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the book. The move to Moab, a land with a reputation for its pagan practices and idolatry, foreshadows the challenges and conflicts that will arise as a result of their decision to leave the land of their people and inhabit foreign territory. It also sets the stage for the interactions and relationships that will develop between the Israelite family and the Moabite people, revealing themes of loyalty, love, and faithfulness amidst cultural and religious differences.
In conclusion, the opening verse of the book of Ruth provides crucial context for the story that follows. It situates the events within the larger historical and geographical framework of ancient Israel, introduces us to the main characters and their decision to leave their homeland, and sets the stage for the trials and challenges that they will face as the story unfolds. The verse also contains symbolic elements that foreshadow the redemptive and salvific themes that will come to fruition as the story progresses. In this way, the verse serves as a powerful introduction to the narrative of Ruth and lays the groundwork for the rich and profound themes that will be explored throughout the book.
Have questions about Ruth 1:1?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ruth 1:1 Artwork
Ruth 1:1 - "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 Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons."
Ruth 1:1-5 - "In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man's name was Elimelek, his wife's name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband."
"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 Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons." - Ruth 1:1
"In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man's name was Elimelek, his wife's name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband." - Ruth 1:1-5
ruth, the loyal daughter
Ruth 1:14 - "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."
Ruth 1:4 - "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."
Ruth 1:22 - "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 Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 1:16 - "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:"
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
Ruth 1:5 - "And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her." - Ruth 1:14
"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." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 1:20 - "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."
Ruth 1:17 - "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."
Ruth 1:11 - "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?"
Ruth 1:7 - "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."
Ruth 1:9 - "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."
Ruth 1:15 - "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."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 1:19 - "¶ So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?"
Ruth 1:2 - "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 Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."
"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 Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest." - Ruth 1:22
Ruth 1:8 - "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."
"And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people." - Ruth 1:10