Ruth 1:1

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab.

Study Bible

In the days when the judges ruled
This phrase sets the historical context for the Book of Ruth. The period of the judges was a tumultuous time in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Hebrew word for "judges" is "שֹׁפְטִים" (shoftim), which implies leaders or rulers who were divinely appointed to deliver Israel from its enemies. This era, as described in the Book of Judges, was marked by moral and spiritual decline, highlighting the need for godly leadership. The setting underscores the contrast between the chaos of the time and the faithfulness of individuals like Ruth and Boaz.

there was a famine in the land
Famines were not uncommon in the ancient Near East and often signified divine judgment or a test of faith. The Hebrew word for "famine" is "רָעָב" (ra'av), which can denote a severe shortage of food. This particular famine drives the narrative forward, prompting Elimelech's family to leave Bethlehem. Theologically, famines in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for God's providential care and the testing of His people's faith, as seen in the accounts of Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph.

a man of Bethlehem in Judah
Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew, is ironically experiencing a famine. This small town in Judah is significant in biblical history as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. The mention of Judah situates the account within the tribal territories of Israel, emphasizing the covenantal promises associated with this region. The man's identity as a Bethlehemite connects the narrative to the broader redemptive history of Israel.

went to dwell in the land of Moab
Moab was located east of the Dead Sea and was often in conflict with Israel. The decision to "dwell" or "sojourn" (Hebrew: "גּוּר", gur) in Moab suggests a temporary stay, driven by necessity rather than choice. Moabites were descendants of Lot and had a complicated relationship with Israel, often seen as outsiders or enemies. This move highlights themes of exile and return, as well as the crossing of cultural and religious boundaries that will be central to Ruth's story.

he and his wife and his two sons
The inclusion of the entire family emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the unity of the family unit in facing hardship. The family structure is crucial in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the personal losses and redemptive relationships that follow. The mention of the wife and sons also foreshadows the significant roles women will play in the unfolding story, particularly Ruth and Naomi, who will demonstrate remarkable faith and loyalty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Judges
This period refers to the time in Israel's history when judges led the people, a time marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

2. Famine
A severe shortage of food that affected the land of Israel, prompting the movement of people in search of sustenance.

3. Bethlehem
A town in Judah, known as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. The name means "house of bread," which is ironic given the famine.

4. Moab
A neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot.

5. Elimelech
The man from Bethlehem who moved his family to Moab. His name means "My God is King."

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Provision
Despite difficult circumstances, believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision rather than seeking solutions outside His will.

Faithfulness in Hard Times
The account sets the stage for Ruth's faithfulness, reminding us to remain steadfast in our commitments even when life is challenging.

God's Sovereignty
The events in Ruth 1:1 remind us that God is sovereign over history, using even famines and migrations to fulfill His purposes.

Community and Support
The move to Moab highlights the importance of community and support systems during times of crisis.

Cultural and Spiritual Challenges
Living in Moab presented cultural and spiritual challenges, similar to the challenges Christians face in a secular world.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the period of the judges teach us about the importance of godly leadership and obedience to God?

2. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's provision during times of scarcity or difficulty in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the account of Elimelech's family moving to Moab challenge us to consider our own responses to crises?

4. How does the setting of Bethlehem, the "house of bread," during a famine, speak to the spiritual condition of Israel at the time?

5. What can we learn from the cultural and spiritual challenges faced by Elimelech's family in Moab that can help us navigate living in a secular society today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The period of the judges is characterized by the phrase "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," highlighting the moral and spiritual decline of Israel during this time.

The famine in Bethlehem can be contrasted with the abundance promised in Deuteronomy for obedience, showing the consequences of Israel's disobedience.

The move to Moab can be compared to Abraham's journey to Egypt during a famine, illustrating a recurring theme of seeking provision outside the Promised Land.