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 Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. |
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 Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. |
3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. |
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. |
5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. |
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? |
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; |
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. |
14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. |
1 Naomi removes to Moab, Rut 1:1-2.
Her husband and sons die, Rut 1:3-5.
Designing to return to Bethlehem, she addresses her daughters - in - law, Rut 1:6-13.
Orpah stays, but Ruth returns with her, Rut 1:14-18.
They came to Bethlehem, Rut 1:19-22.
1:1 In the land - Of Canaan. It must be early: for Boaz was born of Rahab. So Christ descended from two Gentile mothers.
1:2 Ephrathites - Bethlehem was otherwise called Ephratha.Naomi signifies my amiable or pleasant one: Mahlon and Chilon signify sickness and consumption. Probably they were sickly children, and not likely to be long - lived. Such are the products of our pleasant things, weak and infirm, fading and dying.
1:4 Took wives - Either these were Proselytes when they married them, or they sinned in marrying them, and therefore were punished with short life, and want of issue.
1:5 Was left of her two sons, and her husband - Loss of children and widowhood are both come upon her.By whom shall she be comforted?It is God alone that is able to comfort those who are thus cast down.
1:6 Bread - That is, food; so she staid no longer there than necessity forced her.
1:8 Mother's house - Because daughters used to converse more frequently with their mothers, and to dwell in the same apartments with them, which then were distinct from those parts of the house where the men dwelt. The dead - With my sons, your husbands, while they lived.
1:11 Your husbands - According to the ancient custom, Gen 38:8, and the express law of God, Deu 25:5, which doubtless she had acquainted them with before, among other branches of the Jewish religion.
1:13 It grieveth me - That you are left without the comfort of husbands or children; that I must part with such affectionate daughters; and that my circumstances are such, that I cannot invite you to go alone with me. For her condition was so mean at this time, that Ruth, when she came to her mother's city, was forced to glean for a living. It is with me, that God has a controversy. This language becomes us, when we are under affliction; tho' many others share in the trouble, yet we are to hear the voice of the rod, as if it spake only to us. But did not she wish to bring them to the worship of the God of Israel? Undoubtedly she did.But she would have them first consider upon what terms, lest having set their hand to the plow, they should look back.
1:14 Kissed - Departed from her with a kiss. Bade her farewell for ever. She loved Naomi, but she did not love her so well, as to quit her country for her sake. Thus many have a value for Christ, and yet come short of salvation by him, because they cannot find in their hearts, to forsake other things for him. They love him, and yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better.