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

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." Illustrate a digital artwork inspired by a Biblical passage from Ruth 1:1-5. Showcase a scene of an ancient landscape during the period when judges ruled. The scene includes a severe famine, dry and dusty lands with wilted plants in Bethlehem, Judah. Portray a family of Ephrathites, a racially diverse man, and his wife, and their two sons who are preparing to leave their home. Show a glimpse of the distant country of Moab, with somewhat greener pastures indicating a better life. The artwork should possess the melancholic undertones of death and despair, as this family faces immense loss during their time in Moab.

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."

Illustrate a digital artwork inspired by a Biblical passage from Ruth 1:1-5. Showcase a scene of an ancient landscape during the period when judges ruled. The scene includes a severe famine, dry and dusty lands with wilted plants in Bethlehem, Judah. Portray a family of Ephrathites, a racially diverse man, and his wife, and their two sons who are preparing to leave their home. Show a glimpse of the distant country of Moab, with somewhat greener pastures indicating a better life. The artwork should possess the melancholic undertones of death and despair, as this family faces immense loss during their time in Moab.

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.

Ruth 1:1 Artwork

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." Illustrate a digital artwork inspired by a Biblical passage from Ruth 1:1-5. Showcase a scene of an ancient landscape during the period when judges ruled. The scene includes a severe famine, dry and dusty lands with wilted plants in Bethlehem, Judah. Portray a family of Ephrathites, a racially diverse man, and his wife, and their two sons who are preparing to leave their home. Show a glimpse of the distant country of Moab, with somewhat greener pastures indicating a better life. The artwork should possess the melancholic undertones of death and despair, as this family faces immense loss during their time in Moab.

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."

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 - "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 1:14 - "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 lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."

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?" Depict a scene depicting a biblical event from the book of Ruth. Include the characters of Naomi and Ruth in an earnest conversation. Naomi, the older woman, is telling her daughter-in-law, Ruth, about her hopes for Ruth's future. The image should resemble the style of detailed illustrations found in ancient manuscripts, with attention to the color and texture typically observed in such artworks. Both Naomi and Ruth should exhibit features of ancient Middle-Eastern descent. The entire scene is to be encapsulated within an intricate ornamental border, similar to those found in illuminated manuscripts of the past. Strategically positioned within the artwork, include the quote from 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 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 1:4 - "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 1:4 - "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 1:22 - "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 1:3 - "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."

Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."

Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her." An illustration of a moment from Ruth 1:18, where one person is determined to continue on a journey, leading to the other person ceasing communication. This scene should be in the medium of a historical stained glass window.

Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."

Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;" An interpretation of the biblical passage, Matthew 1:5 which states 'And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;'. The depiction should ideally show three seminal moments in this lineage. The first moment where Salmon introduces Booz of Rachab, then Booz introducing Obed of Ruth, and finally, Obed introducing Jesse. Each male figure should appear Middle Eastern to align with the geographical region of these biblical figures. Preferably, there should be some visual representation of their respective mothers too. The artistic approach should be inspired by the realm of digital art, encapsulating the modernity of the medium while maintaining the ancient ethos of the text.

Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"

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." Illustrate a scene inspired by Ruth 2:1 from the Bible, where a man named Boaz, portrayed as a wealthy, powerful figure from the family of Elimelech, is introduced. Naomi, a woman presumably known to him through her husband, is also a central character. The imagery should hearken to traditional visuals associated with biblical narratives, yet revealed through a digital medium of art.

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."

Ruth 1:5 - "And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband." Visual representation of Ruth 1:5 from the Bible: 'And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.' Scene showcases a somber atmosphere, where a sorrowful Middle-Eastern woman is standing alone, clutching onto the clothing of what seems like abandoned men's attire. This suggests the departure of her two sons and husband, showcasing the interpretation of the biblical verse in a poignant digital art style.

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 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 1:16 - "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 1:20 - "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."

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 1:17 - "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 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."" Represent the Biblical scene from Ruth 1:16-17. Visualise Ruth as she fervently expresses her devotion, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.". Maintain the religious and historical undertone while using digital art style.

Ruth 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.""

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." A depiction of a profound biblical event inspired by the book of Ruth 1:7. Three women are embarking on a journey. The eldest one carries an aura of wisdom and resilience, leading her two younger companions. They're seen stepping out of a place, possibly a humble dwelling, revealing determination in their collective gesture. The surrounding landscape unfurls the path ahead towards their destination, the land of Judah. This scene should be set in the context of ancient times and be depicted in the style of digital art, preferably using vibrant colors and sharp contours to illustrate their courage and determination.

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 1:11 - "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?" An evocative scene from the Biblical content Ruth 1:11, where Naomi beseeches her daughters to reconsider traveling with her. 'Why will you go with me? Do I have more sons in my womb to become your husbands?' she questions them. She's painted in the styles reminiscent of the artistry before 1912, such as the intense emotions seen in Baroque art, the intimacy and detail of the Renaissance, and the symbolic nature of Gothic art, applied using modern digital art techniques. Highlights include the expressions on their faces, the older woman's outstretched hand warding off the younger women, and the desolate backdrop to signify the harsh journey that lies ahead.

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 1:9 - "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 1:9 - "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 1:2 - "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." An image inspired by the biblical passage Ruth 1:2. Depict a family, consisting of a man, woman (his wife), and their two sons, originally from Bethlehem in Judah, now settling in the country of Moab. They are Ephrathites, highlighting their origins. The style should be resembling early 20th-century digital art, characterized by sharp, distinct line work, solid colors, and flat shading.

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."

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."

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."

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?" Create an image showing a scene from the Old Testament, specifically Ruth 1:19. Show two women journeying through a desert landscape, their destination a city in the distance, glowing with anticipation of their arrival. Have townspeople appearing from buildings and the crowded marketplace, pointing and whispering amongst themselves, expressing surprise and curiosity. The scene should reflect digital art qualities - crisp lines, vibrant colors and smooth gradients.

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 1:8 - "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." Generate a detailed illustration of a biblical scene based on the Ruth 1:8 verse. A woman symbolizing Naomi is imparting her wisdom to her two daughters-in-law, who can be depicted as a Middle-Eastern woman and a Caucasian woman. They are seen in an old house, with hints of ancient architecture around; Naomi is motioning for them to return to their respective homes. Insert subtle elements hinting at their kindness towards the deceased, perhaps shown in symbolic forms, such as peaceful doves or a tranquil sky. Translate this powerful story into a digital art form, utilizing vivid colours, sharp contrasts and meticulous details.

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."

Ruth 1:6 - "¶ 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."

Ruth 1:6 - "¶ 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."

Ruth 1:21 - "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?"

Ruth 1:21 - "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?"

Ruth 1:13 - "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."

Ruth 1:13 - "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."

Ruth 4:1 - "Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down." A visual interpretation of Ruth 4:1, 'Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.' The scene unfolding in a town’s entrance gate during ancient times. You see a Middle Eastern man, Boaz, already seated, with a second man, his kinsman, coming by with Boaz inviting him to sit. The style should be fluid, vivid, and dynamic as seen in typical digital art.

Ruth 4:1 - "Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down."

Ruth 1:12 - "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;" A scene inspired by Ruth 1:12 from the Bible - 'Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;'. Illuminate a moment of departure, where an elderly woman emotionally gestures to two younger women, signaling their need to leave. The anticipation or possibility of new life--symbolized by the presence of infants--with the older woman's implication of hopelessness as she grapples with her age and solitude. The overall mood should express both sentimentality and defeat. The image structure should integrate components familiar in electronic visual art such as vector imaging and pixel art.

Ruth 1:12 - "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;"

1 Chronicles 1:1 - "Adam, Sheth, Enosh,"

1 Chronicles 1:1 - "Adam, Sheth, Enosh,"

genesis 1:1

genesis 1:1