Book of Ruth

Introduction 

1.     Remember, Ruth was likely intended to be presented as a “reader’s play.”   Indeed, it may have been such for centuries before it was written down.   Each actor likely presented by a different character (simply memorizing his/her part), each with distinctive language, grammar and accent (unfortunately, this is “lost” in the translation).  There are also several short sections of Hebraic poetry, also “lost” in the translation.  The 4 chapters of the book are the 4 “acts” of the play.   This first act introduces the characters and sets up the problem – which forms the plot.

2.     This story is set around 1200 BC, a chaotic time when the Hebrews were few in number, disorganized and poor – hardly achieving subsistence (and too frequently, not even that – starvation was a common cause of death during this period).   Then, as now, Judah was a harsh, rocky, dry area given to long and severe droughts – all making farming difficult and unreliable.  Farms were not well established, so during droughts, it was not unusual to simply abandon the land and move to “greener pastures” perhaps returning when conditions permitted. 

3.    In very poor, agricultural societies, it is normal for the husband to be much older than the wife – sometimes even a full generation older.  This was necessarily in order for the man to be in an economic situation where he could support a wife and children.  The “down side” to this is that women often became widowed while still quite young – with no one to support them.  In most cases, she looked to her oldest son for support IF he was able.  But not infrequently, sons were barely able to support themselves and their family – not their widowed mother.  It was particularly serious if she was widowed with no sons or if her sons were still just boys.  Every such poor agricultural society (even today) has this critical problem.  The ancient Jews “handled” this in the same exact way as all other Middle Eastern people did of the day (we’ll discuss a few scenarios of that in the commentary).

4.    It’s EASY (almost unavoidable) to simply read this as a heart-warning story of faithfulness and trust.  It IS that, but it is also Holy Scripture with a MUCH bigger point than how one lady survived.  We find powerful themes of God’s faithfulness and mercy, and of God’s providence (See Psalm 107:9, Psalm 146:9).  There is a powerful theme of God’s universal grace (don’t miss the point that Ruth is NOT a Hebrew!!!  Or that part of David’s line – and Jesus’ – is NOT Hebrew!).  And a powerful them of redemption.   There are powerful, big, bold reasons why this book is in our Bible!

Chapter 1

1:1-5

1.     After the Exodus, the 40 years of wanderings, and then the many years of settling in the Holy Lands, the Hebrews then entered a long period of chaos – some three centuries!  The “days of the Judges” was from about 1380-1050 BC.  From the Book of Judges and from evidence found by historians and archeologists, we know that this was a very difficult time.  The previous inhabitants were still in the land – causing constant problems.  It was claimed by foreign rulers during most of this time.  The area was economically very poor.  There was no central leadership, indeed, no government at all.  The people often wandered spiritually and morally, too!   Things would get SO bad that God would rise up some dramatic “Judge” (reformer) – often  a stunning figure – who would call the people back, only for them to quickly fall away again, only for the whole cycle to repeat itself: over and over and over.  Ruth likely lived smack in the middle of this era. 

2.    Bethlehem is a very old town – history confirms it existed during this time.  Ironically, the name means “house of bread” but it was in an area where grain farming while common was difficult. 

3.    Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons (probably in their late teens) flee to Moab –  close by but evidently not effected by the drought.   Moab referred to the land immediately east of the Dead Sea.  Moabites were loosely related to the Hebrews  (see Genesis 19:30-38) but they were not Jewish by faith and there was a strained relationship between the Moabites and Hebrews (Numbers 22-24, etc.).  Archeologists  have found evidence of strong links to Egypt during this period and perhaps some intermarriage – perhaps adding to the division with the Hebrews.  Later, in the Kingdom era, it would become incorporated into the northern Israel but would be infamous for immorality and infidelity to God. Notice in verse 6 the reference to “His people” referring to the Jews – not Moabites!  Normally, this area is even more effected by drought so it’s unique that it seems to have avoided this one. 

4.    The text tells us that Elimelech and Naomi were from the tribe of Ephraim.  That tribe had its own land way in the north but for unknown reasons, they lived in the land of the tribe of Judah.   Thus see 1 Samuel 17:12.   

5.    They remained there for 10 years, obviously doing okay there.  During this time, Elimelech dies and the two sons married.  Since Hebrew Jews did not live in Moab, they of course married Moabite women (probably in their teens).  One or both of the sons would have taken care of their widowed mother – but both of them soon died, as well!   This means 3 women are now in a desperate situation:  Naomi and the widowed wives of her two sons.  The fact that no grandchildren are mentioned strongly suggests both were widowed very early, shortly after marriage.  Being young, they both could have easily remarried – but that was not a likely option for Naomi who probably was in her mid to late 40’s by now.

1:6-18

1.    The three women are obviously living together (perhaps pooling their resources, perhaps being  provided for by families of the two young husbands) when Ruth decides to go back to Bethlehem.   This of course was also for economic reasons:  she likely had no one in Moab to care for her, all her relatives where back in Judah.   But to stop there is to entirely miss the point!  She is a Hebrew, a Jew!  God has been FAITHFUL and the drought has ended!  Her faith and faithfulness call her to return – to her God, her people, her land.

2.    The two daughter-in-laws are determine to go with Naomi – giving strong evidence of the very close relationship between them!   But Naomi – thinking of THEIR best interests rather than her own desires – advises them to remain with their relatives and people – counseling them to re-marry.  The parting is full of love and blessing….

3.    One of them – Orpah – finally takes the strong counsel of Naomi, however reluctantly.  But Ruth “clings to her.”   Naomi pleads but to no avail.   Then comes the verse for which this Book is known, verse 16.    Verse 18 suggests that Naomi still feels it is wrong for Ruth to join her – but Ruth is simply determined. 

1:19-22

1.    Naomi and Ruth travel to Bethlehem (a trip of several days).  Bethlehem at this point probably consisted of no more than 200 – 300 people.  Although gone for a decade, she is remembered.  The villagers are “stirred.”  This is  likely because of her situation:  she is widowed and penniless.  Naomi seems to confirm that – sharing their sense of grief – saying she should no longer be called “Naomi” (the word means “pleasant” ) but rather “Mara” (“bitter”).  But of course, she comes not only as a widow with a mouth to feed – but with her daughter-in-law, also a widow with the mouth to feed – who is not even Hebrew.  In verse 21, she seems to rebuke God for her tragic situation. 

2.     Therein ends Act One.  Perhaps there is a break – for the actors and audience.  What are you left wondering about?  What feelings to you have at this point?  How does Naomi’s rebuke of God sitting with you?   What seems stunning and fascinating about what had been related so far?