What does Ruth 1:2 mean?
"And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there." - Ruth 1:2
The Bible verse Ruth 1:2 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."
This verse is the opening of the book of Ruth, which is a short story found in the Old Testament. The book of Ruth is named after the main character, a Moabite woman who becomes the great-grandmother of King David, and ultimately an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
The verse introduces the central characters of the story: Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion. It also sets the stage by describing their origins as Ephrathites from Bethlehemjudah. The family leaves their homeland and travels to the land of Moab due to a famine, settling there for a period of time.
The story of Ruth is rich in themes and symbolism, and this verse sets the tone for the narrative. One of the main themes in the book of Ruth is the concept of loyalty and faithfulness. The characters in the story exhibit unwavering loyalty to each other, even in the face of adversity. This verse introduces the family's decision to leave their homeland and seek a better life in Moab, reflecting their commitment to each other and their willingness to make sacrifices for the well-being of their family.
Another important theme in the book of Ruth is the providence and sovereignty of God. The decision to leave Bethlehem and settle in Moab may have seemed like a pragmatic choice at the time, but it ultimately becomes a pivotal point in the narrative. Through their journey, the characters experience loss and hardship, but they also witness God's faithfulness and provision in unexpected ways. This theme runs throughout the book, highlighting the notion that God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of those who trust in him.
The geographical context of the story is also significant. Bethlehem plays a central role in the narrative, as it is the birthplace of David and the future birthplace of Jesus. The decision to leave Bethlehem and settle in Moab places the characters in a foreign land, bringing to light themes of displacement and the experience of living as strangers in a foreign land. This aspect of the story resonates with many people who have experienced the pain of leaving their homeland and navigating life in a new and unfamiliar place.
The names of the characters in this verse also carry symbolic meaning. Elimelech means "My God is King," reflecting a belief in the reign and authority of God. Naomi means "pleasant" or "sweet," but she later asks to be called "Mara," which means "bitter," reflecting the profound grief and hardship she experiences. The names of their sons, Mahlon and Chilion, are also meaningful, as they both reflect the idea of sickness and weakness, foreshadowing the tragedy that befalls the family in the following chapters.
In conclusion, Ruth 1:2 lays the groundwork for the themes, context, and symbolism that are woven throughout the book of Ruth. It introduces the key characters, their journey, and the various layers of meaning that underpin the narrative. The story of Ruth continues to resonate with readers today, offering timeless lessons about loyalty, faithfulness, and the mysterious ways in which God works in the lives of his people.
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Ruth 1:2 Artwork
Ruth 1:2 - "And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."
"And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there." - Ruth 1:2
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 1:14 - "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
ruth, the loyal daughter
Ruth 2:22 - "And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field."
Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Ruth 2:21 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest."
Ruth 1:22 - "So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 1:16 - "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"
"And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field." - Ruth 2:22
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
"And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz." - Ruth 2:1
"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her." - Ruth 1:14
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
Ruth 2:16 - "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."