7 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. (Ruth 1:1)

God specifically promised there would always be plenty in the land if Israel was obedient. Therefore, a famine in the land meant that Israel, as a nation, was not obedient unto the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:13-17).

The man’s name was Elimelech and his wife’s name was Naomi and his two sons were named Mahlon [invalid] and Chilion [pining]; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem of Judah. They went to the country of Moab and continued there. (Ruth 1:2)

Elimelech, whose name means "My God is King.

Mahlon means invalid and Chilion means to pine, to suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart.

Many people name their children without understanding what their names really mean. The reason I say this is because I know someone who has named her son Chilion.

Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. (Ruth 1:14)

Ruth, whose name means "friend"

The Hebrew for clung in Ruth 1:14 is the same word used to describe the marriage relationship. In other words, Ruth clung to her mother-in-law in covenant fidelity

For wherever you go, I will go;

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people,

And your God, my God. (Ruth 1:16)

How did Ruth come to make such a deep commitment? Could Ruth have seen and experienced the love of God through Naomi?

The pledge that Ruth made to Naomi could very well fit into a modern wedding ceremony that is if the couple really understands it.

Ruth said, “Your God will be my God”. Ten years of Naomi’s compromise in Moab never made Ruth confess her allegiance to the God of Israel. Yet as soon as Naomi stood and said, “I’m going back to the God of Israel, I’ll put my fate in His hands” Ruth stood with her.

If you think you will persuade your friends or relatives to Jesus by your compromise, you are mistaken. Perhaps you are sincere, but you are mistaken. Only a bold stand for Jesus will really do it.

Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:20-21)

Naomi means pleasant

Mara means "bitter."

Even though Naomi questioned her circumstances, she did not reject God. She called Him Almighty. She understood His greatness, and she respected His sovereignty.

Chapter 1