Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryRuth 1

Elimelech and Naomi; Death of Elimelech and His Sons.This story takes place during the time when the judges ruled over Israel . The exact judge ruling at this time is not named. Some think it was during the days of Ehud, Deborah, or Gideon, because there was a famine during Gideon’s time (Judges 6:3–4 ). The events are important because they focus on Bethlehem, the future birthplace of the Messiah, and show how God used people outside Israel—like Rahab and Ruth—in His plan.v. 1: There was a famine in the land of Canaan, a land known as one flowing with milk and honey (Leviticus 26:19–20 ). God had warned that famine would come as a punishment for sin. Even Bethlehem, which means the house of bread, had no food. Sometimes, a fruitful land is turned into barrenness to teach people to depend on God and not take blessings for granted. Elimelech decided to take his family to live in Moab, across the Jordan River, because there was food there (Ruth 1:1–2 ). Sometimes, God gives good things to people who do not know Him, while His own people go through hard times (Jeremiah 48:11 ). Elimelech wanted to provide for his family, which is a good thing (1 Timothy 5:8 ). He did not leave his wife and sons behind but took them with him. However, it was not right for him to leave the land God had given to Israel and go live among the Moabites. If he was in need, the law said his neighbors should help him (Leviticus 25:35 ), but it seems he left because he was not content with less. God wants us to trust Him and not run away from every problem. If everyone left like Elimelech, Israel would have been empty. It is better to stay where God has placed us and trust Him through hard times.

v. 2: One family from Bethlehem, led by Elimelech, suffered during the famine. His name means my God is king, which fit Israel’s situation because the Lord

v. 3, 5: Elimelech died, and soon after, both of his sons died as well (Ruth 1:3, 5 ). Some said their lives were shortened because they married women from Moab. This teaches us that we cannot run away from death because it can find us anywhere. Also, if we leave God’s ways, things usually do not work out well for us. Naomi lost her husband and her two sons. She was left alone in a foreign land with no family. Sometimes, God allows many troubles in a row to teach us to trust Him for comfort (Isaiah 47:9; 51:19 ). Only God can truly comfort someone who is so sad and alone.

v. 4: After Elimelech died, his two sons married Moabite women (Ruth 1:4 ). This was not what God wanted for the Israelites. They were not supposed to marry people from other nations who worshipped other gods. Orpah, one of the wives, later returned to her gods (Ruth 1:15 ). This shows they were not following God. Some old stories say Ruth was a princess, the daughter of the king of Moab, but there is no clear proof of this in the Bible (Judges 12:8–10 ).

Naomi Returns to Bethlehem with Ruth This section tells how Naomi hears that the Lord

v. 7: Naomi leaves the place where she was living, and her two daughters-in-law go with her. They start the journey back to the land of Judah together. This shows their respect and love for Naomi.

v. 8: Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers’ homes. She prays that the Lord

v. 9: Naomi also wishes that each of them will find rest and security in the house of a new husband. She kisses them farewell, but they both cry and say they want to go back with her to her people.

v. 10: Ruth and Orpah insist that they want to return with Naomi to her people. Their words show their loyalty and love.

v. 11: Naomi tells them to turn back because she cannot give them new husbands. She is too old to have more sons, and even if she could, it would be a long wait. Naomi is honest about her situation and does not want her daughters-in-law to suffer because of her.

v. 12: She explains again that even if she were to marry and have sons, the daughters-in-law could not wait until they grew up. Naomi is sad for their sake and encourages them to think about their own future.

v. 13: Naomi says it is harder for her than for them, because the hand of the Lord

v. 14: They all weep again. Orpah kisses Naomi and leaves, but Ruth clings to Naomi. This shows the beginning of Ruth’s strong loyalty.

v. 15: Naomi tells Ruth that Orpah has gone back to her people and her gods, and she encourages Ruth to do the same.

v. 16: Ruth answers with her famous words:“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 chooses to follow Naomi and the Lord

v. 17: Ruth continues, saying she will stay with Naomi until death, and only death will separate them. She asks the Lord

v. 18: When Naomi sees that Ruth is determined to go with her, she stops trying to persuade her. Ruth’s decision brings hope and shows her true character.

Naomi's Reception at Bethlehem.After a long and difficult journey, Naomi and Ruth finally arrived in Bethlehem. They came at the start of the barley harvest, which is the first harvest of the year. Naomi could now see for herself that the Lord

v. 20–21: Naomi answered her neighbors calmly and humbly. She said, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara (Ruth 1:20–21 ). Naomi means pleasant, but now she felt her life was bitter, so she wanted to be called Mara, which means bitter. She explained that she had left Bethlehem full, with her husband and sons, but came back empty and alone. She recognized that it was the Lord