College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Ruth 1 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 1
Ten tragic years in Moab. Naomi with Elimelech, her husband, and her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, left Bethlehem-judah when the famine in the land was so severe that they were unable to maintain themselves any longer in Israel. As the Scripture says, they dwelt there about ten years. In that time Elimelech died. Mahlon and Chilion married, Chilion to Orpah and Mahlon to Ruth. Both Mahlon and Chilion died, thus Naomi was left alone with her two widowed daughters-in-law.
Orpah left behind in Moab. Naomi was determined to return to the home she had left in Israel at Bethlehem-judah. She encouraged both her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Orpah decided this was best for her and kissed Naomi, parting from her.
Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem. Ruth's famous articulation of her decision has been an encouragement to many, especially to a man and his wife when they exchange their vows. The two widowed women thus made their lonely way across Jordan to the west and came to Naomi's home in Bethlehem-judah. There was a love between them which made them inseparable.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
No bread in the house of bread. Bethlehem means house of bread. There was a famine in the land, and there was no bread in the house of bread. Life's situations are often similar to this. The title of a place or a person may belie the truth of the matter. Professors are not always possessors is a proverbial statement. They may profess truth but not possess truth. Kings are not always rulers. They may be ruled by vile passions. Churches are not always filled with people who are called out, the root meaning of ecclesia. It is ironic that people living in the place signifying the house of bread had to flee to a foreign country in order to find something to eat.
2.
Thy God shall be my God. Ruth had found more in Naomi than a concerned and conscientious mother-in-law. By her association with Elimelech's family, especially her marriage to Mahlon, she had come to the point where she was willing to leave her family, her people, and her pagan gods. When such firm foundations are laid for marriage and family life, all around is happiness.
3.
Call me Mara. When Naomi came home to Beth-lehem-judah, many older members of the community remembered her and welcomed her back. Since she came home alonewidowed and without sonsthey asked if it really were Naomi. It was hard to believe that she had suffered such losses. In answer she replied, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara. The Hebrew word, Mara, means bitter. She felt God had dealt bitterly with her. A similar fate may await many Christians, but all need to remember that the child whom a father loves he chastens. Even though we may feel God has dealt bitterly with us, we should praise His holy name.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 1
1.
Where was Naomi's home in Israel?
2.
What was the name of Naomi's husband?
3.
What were the names of the two sons of Naomi?
4.
What were the names of the two women of Moab whom Naomi's sons married?
5.
How long was Naomi in Moab?
6.
Did Orpah return to Bethlehem with Naomi?
7.
What is the meaning of the word Naomi?
8.
What name did Naomi ask the people of Bethlehem to call her?
9.
What is the meaning of the word Mara?
10.
What time of year was it when Naomi returned to Bethlehem?