What does Ruth 1:22 mean?
"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 1:22 - "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."
The verse Ruth 1:22 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "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."
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful tale of loyalty, devotion, and redemption. This verse marks a significant moment in the story, as it depicts the return of Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem. It highlights their physical journey from the land of Moab to Bethlehem, as well as their emotional and spiritual journey to find hope and restoration.
Contextually, the book of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, a period of instability and moral decline in Israel's history. The story begins with a famine in Bethlehem, which forces Elimelech and his family to flee to the nearby land of Moab. While in Moab, Elimelech dies, leaving behind his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The sons marry Ruth and Orpah, Moabite women, but eventually also die, leaving the three women widowed and in a difficult situation.
Naomi hears that the famine in Bethlehem has ended and decides to return to her homeland. She initially urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands, but Ruth's famous declaration of loyalty in Ruth 1:16-17 demonstrates her commitment to Naomi and her God, saying, "Entreat 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: 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."
This verse marks the fulfillment of Ruth's declaration, with both women traveling to Bethlehem together. The timing of their arrival is also significant, as it coincides with the beginning of the barley harvest. In a literal sense, this indicates a season of abundance and blessing, as the harvest was a time of rejoicing and provision for the Israelites. Symbolically, it represents a new beginning and the potential for a fresh start for Naomi and Ruth.
The themes of loyalty, faithfulness, and providence are evident throughout the book of Ruth. Ruth's commitment to Naomi, despite the hardships they faced, serves as a powerful example of loyalty and selflessness. Additionally, the overarching theme of God's providence is woven throughout the story, as He orchestrates events to bring about redemption and restoration for Naomi and Ruth.
The return to Bethlehem also holds significant spiritual symbolism. Bethlehem is the birthplace of King David, and the book of Ruth ultimately traces the lineage of David through Ruth and Boaz, who becomes Ruth's kinsman-redeemer. This lineage ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, as David is a forefather of Jesus. This connection emphasizes the role of Ruth and Naomi in God's larger plan of redemption for humanity.
In conclusion, Ruth 1:22 marks a pivotal moment in the story of Naomi and Ruth, symbolizing their physical and spiritual return to Bethlehem at a time of abundance and potential renewal. The verse encapsulates the themes of loyalty, providence, and redemption that permeate the book of Ruth, ultimately pointing to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in guiding the lives of His people.
Ruth 1:22 Artwork
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 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 2:22 - "And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field."
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 1:14 - "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 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
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:"
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."
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 1:16-17 - "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 1:20 - "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 1:7 - "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?"
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 1:1 - "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 1:19 - "¶ 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 1:9 - "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."
Acts 1:21-22
Acts 1:21-22
1 Chronicles 1:22 - "And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,"
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."
Job 22:1 - "Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,"
1 Chronicles 8:22 - "And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,"