Interpretation of the Bible / Ruth 1:1

This verse begins a beautiful and touching story that teaches us several important lessons about faith, family, and friendship. We will examine some of these lessons below.

The Importance of Family

A man from Bethlehem-Judah made the decision to emigrate to Moab with his family, his wife, and two children. This decision was motivated by his love and concern for his family, as well as his desire to protect them from famine and instability in Israel. Family is a sacred institution, and it is important that we support each other and make decisions together in difficult times.

God’s Provision in Difficult Times

Famine was the reason the man from Bethlehem-Judah moved to Moab, but it was actually God’s providence that led him. Ruth 1:6 says, “When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.” God provides for His children even in difficult times.

Love and Faithfulness of a Daughter-in-Law

When a man from Bethlehem-Judah came to Moab, he died, leaving behind his wife and two children. The loyalty and love of Ruth, one of the daughters-in-law, for her mother-in-law is touching. In Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth says to her mother-in-law Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God 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 even death separates you and me.” Ruth is an example of friendship, love, and true devotion to a cause.