Ruth 1:1-22

Verse 1-5: Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah Widowed

“In the days when the judges ruled” - This period was marked by rebellion against God and a constant cycle of apostacy by the people of Israel

Men of Bethlehem - they leave their home to go to Moab where there would have been more food available.

He left with his wife and two sons

Elimelech dies and Naomi is left with her two sons

Two sons take wives who are Moabites (not Jewish people).

Two sons die - “In that culture, a woman’s worth and security depended on family. Wage work essentially did not exist for a woman, and she couldn’t cultivate land without male relatives even if she were allowed to inherit it. (Naomi held the family land at Bethlehem—4:3—but it was useless to her.) So, her only hope of livelihood was managing the household and raising the children of a husband. She needed sons, not daughters, because grown sons would support her if her husband died. Also, bearing sons was a woman’s mission in life, barrenness was regarded as a disgrace and divine curse. Therefore, a childless widow too old to remarry was both worthless and vulnerable.” (Navigators)

Verses 6-18: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi

Naomi decides to go back to Israel for food (there were food laws that would allow for help to those who were starving)

Ruth decides to stay with Naomi while Orpah decides to go back

“returned to her people and her gods”

Ruth says that she will follow Naomi and the one true God

Verses 19-22: Naomi and Ruth Return

Naomi wants to be called Mara

Means bitter

The Almighty

Recognizes God’s sovereignty over the situation.