Ruth Chapter 1 (25th October 2000)

These studies on Ruth were taken from notes I wrote when on a Carmarthen Evangelical Church holiday in Bryn-Y-Groes, Bala in the year 2000. The speaker was the Rev Graham Hind. As they are in notes form they are not as comprehensive as they could be, but I hope, reader, you get blessing from them.

The book is set during the time of the Judges - archaeologically not a lot is found during this time! The period of the Judges covers approximately 300 years - 1,200 years before Christ - about 3,200 years ago. There were ups and downs during this time. The people of God would slip into sinful ways and God would raise a judge - the people would turn from their wicked ways, but after a generation or so, they would slip back into their sinful ways and God would raise another judge and so on.

This book speaks to us because it tells of ordinary people - Naomi and her family. Christ shines through i this wonderful little book.

There was a famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech decided to take his family (Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion) to the other side of the Dead Sea and to Moab.

1). Elimelech's decision. He wanted to go, even if only for a little while, perhaps until the problems in Bethlehem had gone. But they stayed there (v2) - Elimelech and both his sons died there and were buried in Moab! Elimelech's name means God is King - a name he definitely didn't live up to! He took all the decisions and didn't leave anything to God. We see a parallel with Lot in Genesis - he made the decision on his own and didn't trust God.

Naomi means 'pleasant'. When she went back to Bethlehem she had nothing because of her husband's decision. He felt his decision was the best for his family even though he should have stayed in Bethlehem, with God's people, despite the hard times! What God says is important not what I think is best! (Psalm 73) Elimelech needed to pray (James 4:8). Going our own way leads to disaster. The consequences of his sons is shown in Elimelech's decision by them marrying pagan wives - this is forbidden in Scripture. If Elimelech stayed in Bethlehem, his sons would not have married Moabites.

Naomi lost her husband and her sons. Naomi was a woman of tremendous faith and not a moaner (v6). Perhaps she looked out for Israelites passing through Moab so that she could find out what was happening back in her homeland. She loved the Lord and she loved the news of His people! The love of God burned in her heart and she longed to go home!

2) Naomi's decision. Because of her faithfulness she would rather have been back in Bethlehem with God's people. She needed fellowship with them as we need fellowship with believers. God doesn't forget His people (Hebrews 13:5b).

Naomi probably didn't love Orpah less than Ruth because they were all close! Both of her daughters in law went to the border with her, but then she told them to go back to their land. Moabites were not welcome in Israel. If they went with Naomi they would have faced contemp and poverty. Naomi probably had their future in mind - they could find husbands amongst their own people! Orpah went back!

3) Ruth's decision. She was determined to turn her back on the world - she made a powerful and godly decision. She was joined to Naomi, not just as an in law but spiritually. She wanted Naomi's God. Her heart was moved and she wasn't bothered about her life. Ruth was willing to give up her pagan life in Moab - she was willing to leave her family, upbringing and religion behind even though she may have faced poverty and rejection in her new country! She would do anything to follow Naomi's God [Jehovah]. Ruth was being drawn. Naomi was amazed with Ruth's decision, but it was a work of God - Naomi was drawn and Ruth also was drawn. God loves lost sinners. Following Christ means turning ones back on the world and everything it holds dear. Repent means to turn around - we have to turn our backs on the world if we want to follow Christ! Turn from the world to draw closer to God and receive His blessings. He never turns away those who cry out to Him! Amen!

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Name meanings:

Elimelech - My God is King
Naomi - Pleasant
Mahlon - Sick
Chilion - Pining
Orpah - Gazelle
Ruth - Friendship

Bethlehem - House of Bread