RUTH 1:1 | These events take place during the time of “Judges” (the book just before this one in the Bible). Learn about the origin of Moab in Genesis 19:30-38 and learn of what Moab wanted to do to Israel in Numbers 22-24.
Elimelech has a powerfully ironic name which means: “My God is King”. Note also that Elimelech is from Bethlehem (future home-town of King David, and eventual birthplace of the King of Kings: Jesus, see Micah 5:2!), Naomi means “pleasant”. Bethlehem means “house of bread”.
RUTH 1:16 | After the tragic events of Naomi losing her husband and sons, and her decision to return to Bethlehem, Ruth clings to Naomi, declaring they are in this together no matter what.
RUTH 1:20-21 | Naomi’s honest feelings are recorded in God’s Word for us! She looked at all that had happened and it left her with the simple conclusion that God was against her! She tells everyone to call her “Mara”, which means “bitter.”
MATTHEW 1:5-6 | But Naomi didn’t know everything. From her perspective she couldn’t see the big picture, she didn’t know what was going to happen. That her grandson would be Obed and that his grandson would be King David. Or that David’s descendant would be Jesus.
MATTHEW 1:20-21 | The Question is always this: Is God Good? See 1 John 1:5. Naomi, through her tragic life thought God had afflicted her. But the truth is God was working through the events of a broken world filled with broken people to bring salvation to all people! Joseph thought Mary was unfaithful, but the truth is God was doing something amazing to bring salvation to all people! All of this, ALL OF THIS, through JESUS, whose name means: “The Lord Saves”.
DIG DEEPER: Read Genesis 12:1-7, 15:1-21, 16:1-16, 17:1-8, 18:1-19 and Matthew 1:2-6
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