Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of Ruth's journey to Bethlehem is a significant episode in the biblical Book of Ruth, which is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian canon. This account is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and religious upheaval in Israel. Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes a central figure in this narrative, illustrating themes of loyalty, faith, and divine providence.Background Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, an Israelite woman who had moved to Moab with her husband, Elimelech, and their two sons due to a famine in Bethlehem. After the deaths of Elimelech and his sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the LORD had provided food for His people. Ruth, despite being a Moabite and having the option to return to her own family, chose to accompany Naomi, demonstrating her steadfast loyalty and commitment. Ruth's Declaration Ruth's decision to go to Bethlehem is encapsulated in her profound declaration of loyalty to Naomi, which is one of the most memorable passages in the Book of Ruth. When Naomi urged her to return to her own people, Ruth replied: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17, BSB) This declaration not only highlights Ruth's loyalty to Naomi but also signifies her conversion and commitment to the God of Israel, leaving behind her Moabite heritage and gods. Arrival in Bethlehem Ruth and Naomi's arrival in Bethlehem marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The town was stirred by their return, and the women of Bethlehem exclaimed, "Can this be Naomi?" (Ruth 1:19, BSB). Naomi, whose name means "pleasant," expressed her bitterness over the hardships she had faced, asking to be called Mara, meaning "bitter." Significance of the Harvest Their arrival coincided with the beginning of the barley harvest, a detail that foreshadows the providential care that God would extend to them. Ruth's willingness to glean in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself demonstrates her industriousness and humility. It is during this time that she encounters Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of God's plan for Ruth and Naomi. Theological Themes Ruth's journey to Bethlehem is rich with theological significance. Her account exemplifies the virtues of loyalty, faithfulness, and the transformative power of God's grace. Ruth, a foreigner, becomes an integral part of the Israelite community and is ultimately included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5, BSB). This inclusion underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers. Cultural and Historical Context The account of Ruth takes place during a time when Israel was experiencing cycles of apostasy and renewal. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with Israel, making Ruth's integration into the Israelite community all the more remarkable. Her account serves as a testament to the power of faith and the inclusivity of God's covenant community. Ruth's journey to Bethlehem is a narrative that continues to inspire and teach about the virtues of loyalty, faith, and divine providence, illustrating how God works through ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. Nave's Topical Index Ruth 1:19,22So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? Nave's Topical Index Library Ruth The Incarnation and Birth of Christ A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. The Exile --Continued. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia And ii. Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... Resources What is the story of Ruth and Boaz? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the first kinsman redeemer refuse to marry Ruth? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from Ruth's loyalty to Naomi? | GotQuestions.org Ruth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ruth: Becomes an Ancestor of Jesus Ruth: Gleaned in the Field of Boaz Ruth: Receives Kindness from Boaz Ruth: The Daughter-In-Law of Naomi Ruth: Under Naomi's Instructions Claims from Boaz the Duty of a Kinsman Related Terms Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences) Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |