“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.”
Historical Context:The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges in Israel, a period of transition between the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy. It was a time characterised by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, as described in the book of Judges. Ruth provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during this tumultuous era.
The Setting:The verse begins by mentioning a famine in the land. Famine was a common occurrence in ancient times and often had severe consequences. The famine in this context drives a man from Bethlehemjudah (Bethlehem in the territory of Judah) to the country of Moab. Moab was located east of the Dead Sea and was populated by the descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:37).
The Characters:
- The certain man:The verse does not mention the name of the man, but we later learn that his name is Elimelech. He is the husband of Naomi and the father of two sons.
- Bethlehemjudah:The place of origin for the family. Bethlehem would later become significant as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
- Elimelech’s wife:The verse does not mention her name, but we learn later that her name is Naomi.
- Two sons:The verse does not provide their names, but they are Mahlon and Chilion.
Sojourning in Moab:The family decides to leave Bethlehemjudah and go to Moab as sojourners, likely in search of sustenance during the famine. This decision to leave the Promised Land and live among the Moabites carries both practical implications and spiritual significance.
Key Themes:
- Famine:The famine represents a challenging circumstance that sets the stage for the events to follow. It is a reminder of the difficulties and hardships faced by individuals and families during this time.
- Faithfulness:The story of Ruth showcases the faithfulness of individuals even in the face of adversity. It demonstrates God’s work through ordinary people and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
- Providence:The book of Ruth reveals God’s providential care and guidance, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The events that unfold in the story demonstrate how God orchestrates circumstances for His purposes and to fulfil His plans.
In conclusion, Ruth 1:1 serves as an introduction to the setting and characters of the book. It establishes the historical context, the challenging circumstances of famine, and the decision of Elimelech and his family to go to Moab. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding narrative that reveals God’s faithfulness and providential care throughout the book of Ruth.
