In verses 1-3:
The story of Ruth happens at some point during the time of the judges. These were dull days for Israel, when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). Regardless, during those dim and fiendish occasions, there were still some who followed God. Naomi and Ruth are an excellent image of reliability, fellowship, and responsibility, both to God and to one another.
Moab was the land east of the Dead Sea. It was one of the countries that persecuted Israel during the time of the judges (Judges 3:12). The famine must have been serious in Israel for Elimelech to move his family there. Regardless of whether Israel had effectively crushed Moab, there still would have been strains between them.
In verses 4-6:
Cordial relations with the Moabites were dissuaded (Deuteronomy 23:6) yet not illegal since the Moabites lived outside the Promised Land. Getting married to a Canaanite, nonetheless, was against God's law (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). Moabites were not permitted to come to the Tabernacle to worship, since they had not allowed the Israelites to go through their territory during the Exodus from Egypt (Deuteronomy 23:3-4).
In verses 7-9:
There was barely anything more terrible than being a widow in the old world. Widows were exploited or overlooked. They were quite often stricken with poverty. God's Law, subsequently, gave that the closest relative of the dead spouse, the requirement of caring for the widow; yet Naomi had no family members in Moab, and she could not say whether any of her family members were as yet alive in Israel.
Indeed, even in her frantic circumstance, Naomi had a magnanimous disposition. Despite the fact that she had chosen to go back to Israel, she urged Ruth and Orpah to remain in Moab and begin their lives once again, despite the fact that this would mean difficulty for herself. Like Naomi, we should think about the necessities of others and not only ourselves. As Naomi found out, when we act unselfishly, others are urged to follow our model.
In verses 10-14:
Naomi's remark here alludes to the levirate marriage, the commitment of a dead man's sibling to provide for his widow (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This law kept the widow from poverty and gave a way for the family name of the dead spouse to proceed.
Naomi, nonetheless, had no other male children for Ruth or Orpah to wed, so she urged them to stay in their country and remarry. Orpah concurred, which was her right. Yet, Ruth was prepared to surrender the chance of safety, and kids, to accompany and assist Naomi.
In verses 15-18:
Ruth was a Moabitess, yet that did not prevent her from revering to the genuine God, nor did it prevent God from approving of her love and piling incredible gifts upon her. The Jews were by all accounts, not the only individuals that God adored. God picked the Jews to be individuals through whom the remainder of the world would come to know him. This was satisfied when Jesus Christ was brought into the world as a Jew. Through him, the entire world can come to know God. Acts 10:35 says that "in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." God acknowledges all who love him. Regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity, God can and does work through all people. Ruth is an ideal illustration of God's fairness.
Although Ruth was from a nation that was frequently loathed by Israel, she was honored due to her unwaveringness. She turned into an extraordinary great-grandmother of King David and an immediate precursor of Jesus. Nobody should feel excluded to serve God in view of race, sex, or national origin. He can utilize each situation to further his Kingdom.
In verses 19-22:
Naomi had encountered extreme difficulties. She had left Israel wedded and secure; she returned bereft and poor. Naomi changed her name to communicate the harshness and torment that she felt. Naomi was not dismissing God by straightforwardly communicating her aggravation. In any case, she appears to have neglected to focus on the huge assets that she had in her relationship with Ruth and with God. (Job 6:4; Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5)
At the point when we face unpleasant occasions, God invites our fair petitions, yet we are to be mindful so as not to disregard the adoration, strength, and assets that he gives in our current connections. Furthermore, do not permit harshness and frustration to frazzle us to the positive changes that could enter our lives. (James 4:8)
Since Israel's environment is very moderate, there are two harvest times every year, in the spring and in the fall. The harvest of barley occurred in the spring, and it was during this season of bounty and hope that Ruth and Naomi went back to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was a cultivating local area, and in light of the fact that it was harvest time, there was a lot of extra grain in the fields.
Bethlehem is around five miles southwest of Jerusalem. The town was encircled by lavish fields and olive forests. Its harvests were bountiful. Naomi and Ruth's re-visitation of Bethlehem was absolutely essential for God's arrangement, for it is here where David was born (1 Samuel 16:1); and, as prophesied by the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2), Jesus Christ would likewise be brought into the world there. This move, at that point, was more than simply advantageous for Ruth and Naomi, it prompted the satisfaction of Scripture.
