Ruth 1
Background and Context
The Book of Ruth is set “in the days when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1), a dark and chaotic period in Israel’s history. It was a time of spiritual decline, moral anarchy, and repeated cycles of idolatry, oppression, and partial deliverance (see the repeated refrain in Judges 21:25: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit”). Famine, violence, and compromise were common. The nation had largely forgotten its covenant with the Lord.
Ruth is a short but powerful bridge between the chaos of Judges and the hope of the monarchy that leads to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. While Judges shows what happens when God’s people abandon Him, Ruth shows what happens when even one person (and one foreign woman at that) chooses radical loyalty to the God of Israel.
The story is set during a famine in Bethlehem (“house of bread”), and it involves real people facing real suffering: loss of husband, loss of sons, poverty, and cultural rejection. Yet God is quietly at work behind the scenes, sovereignly orchestrating events to bring redemption, not only for Naomi and Ruth, but for the entire nation — and ultimately for the world.
Ruth herself is a Moabite, a descendant of the incestuous line of Lot (Genesis 19). Moabites were historically enemies of Israel and were excluded from the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). That God would include a Moabite woman in the lineage of King David (and therefore of Jesus the Messiah — see Matthew 1:5) is one of the most beautiful pictures of grace in the Old Testament. It shows that God’s redeeming love is not limited by nationality, gender, or past sin. He delights to use the outsider, the unlikely, and the lowly to accomplish His purposes.
The book was likely written during the early monarchy (possibly during David’s reign) to remind Israel of God’s faithfulness and to show that even in the darkest days of the Judges, God was preserving a faithful remnant and preparing the line of the Messiah.
In short, Ruth is a story of redemption — of a family, of a nation, and ultimately of all who will come to God by faith. It teaches us that God can take the most broken situations, the most unlikely people, and the most painful losses and weave them into His perfect plan of salvation.
Introduction
The book of Ruth opens during the dark days of the Judges, when “everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Famine strikes Bethlehem, and a man named Elimelek takes his wife Naomi and their two sons and leaves the Promised Land for Moab. What begins as a search for comfort quickly turns into tragedy. Ten years later, Naomi returns to Bethlehem widowed and childless, accompanied by her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth. The chapter ends with a small but significant glimmer of hope: they arrive just as the barley harvest is beginning.
This is more than a beautiful love story. It is a powerful picture of God’s redeeming grace at work in the midst of pain, loss, and compromise. As we begin this study, we see that even when God’s people wander, He is still sovereignly weaving His redemptive plan. Ruth’s story shows us what that commitment looks like in the hardest of times.
1) In the Days When the Judges Ruled (1:1)
The opening words set the tone: “In the days when the judges ruled…” These were dark days marked by idolatry, moral chaos, and spiritual decline. The repeated refrain in Judges — “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25) — reveals a society that had rejected God’s authority. Ruth’s story begins in this moral fog, reminding us that God’s redemptive work often shines brightest against the darkest backgrounds.
2) Elimelek Leaves During the Famine (1:1-2)
Famine comes to Bethlehem (“house of bread”), and Elimelek chooses to leave God’s land for Moab, a pagan nation. Moab’s origins trace back to incest (Genesis 19), and its people had opposed Israel, seducing them into idolatry (Numbers 25). Elimelek forsakes the Promised Land for comfort in enemy territory. This decision reveals a heart that prioritizes temporary relief over trusting God’s provision. When we run from God’s place to the world’s comforts, we step onto dangerous ground.
3) Ten Years Pass and Tragedy Strikes (1:3-5)
Elimelek dies. His sons marry Moabite women (Orpah and Ruth) and then both sons die as well. Naomi is left widowed, childless, and without security or hope. In the ancient world, this was a devastating situation. The family that left Bethlehem full of promise returns broken and empty. Naomi’s losses illustrate how sin and compromise can lead to profound emptiness.
4) Naomi Decides to Return (1:6-7)
When Naomi hears that the Lord has visited His people and provided food in Bethlehem, she decides to return home. This small spark of hope — the famine has ended — becomes the turning point. God is still at work even when His people have wandered. His mercy is greater than our failures.
5) The Conversation Between Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law (1:8-18)
Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to return to their mothers’ homes, believing they have a better chance at a future in Moab. She feels she has nothing left to offer them. Orpah eventually returns, but Ruth makes one of the most beautiful declarations of loyalty in Scripture: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth chooses the God of Israel over the gods of Moab. Her commitment is costly, but it is also life-changing.
6) Naomi Returns Bitter (1:19-21)
When Naomi arrives in Bethlehem, the women of the town are excited to see her. She tells them, “Don’t call me Naomi… Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter” (Ruth 1:20). She feels God is against her. Yet even in her bitterness, she is honest with God. This raw honesty is the beginning of healing. God can handle our pain and disappointment.
7) They Return at the Beginning of the Barley Harvest (1:22)
The chapter ends with a quiet but significant detail: “They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.” This is no coincidence. God’s timing is perfect. The harvest is a symbol of hope and provision. The story that began in famine now turns toward abundance. God is preparing the ground for redemption.
Application
Ruth 1 shows us the cost of compromise and the beginning of redemption. Elimelek’s family left the Promised Land seeking comfort and found tragedy. Naomi returned empty and bitter. Yet God was still at work.
In a compromising culture, we are tempted to leave God’s ways when life gets hard. But running to the world for relief only leads to greater emptiness. The better path is to return to the Lord, even when we feel bitter or hopeless. He is the God who turns famine into harvest and bitterness into blessing.
If you are in a season of loss, disappointment, or spiritual famine, remember Naomi’s story. God has not abandoned you. He is still sovereign, still merciful, and still writing your redemption story. Return to Him. Cling to Him like Ruth clung to Naomi. And watch as He begins to provide in ways you never expected.
Small Group Questions
· Have you ever felt like Naomi — empty, bitter, or convinced that God is against you? What helped you through that season?
· What does Ruth’s commitment to Naomi teach us about loyalty and faith?
· How can we help people who are returning to God after a time of wandering or compromise?
· Where do you see “the beginning of the barley harvest” — a small sign of hope — in your own life right now?
For Further Study
Read Ruth 1 alongside Lamentations 3:19-24 to see how God’s mercies are new every morning even in seasons of bitterness.
Study Ruth 1:16-17 with John 6:66-69 to see Ruth’s declaration as a picture of true discipleship.
Meditate on Psalm 126:5-6 (“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy”) as a promise for those who return to the Lord after hardship.
