Ruth 1:1

KJV

¶ Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now it came to pass in the days {H3117} when the judges {H8199} ruled {H8199}, that there was a famine {H7458} in the land {H776}. And a certain man {H376} of Bethlehemjudah {H1035}{H3063} went {H3212} to sojourn {H1481} in the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124}, he, and his wife {H802}, and his two {H8147} sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Back in the days when the judges were judging, at a time when there was a famine in the land, a certain man from Beit-Lechem went to live in the territory of Mo'av - he, his wife and his two sons.

Berean Standard Bible

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:1 serves as the foundational opening to the Book of Ruth, immediately establishing a critical setting and initiating crisis. It places the narrative within the turbulent and often chaotic era of the Judges, highlighting a severe famine in the land of Judah. This dire circumstance compels a family from Bethlehem—a man, his wife, and their two sons—to undertake a desperate journey, leaving their homeland to seek refuge and sustenance in the foreign and historically antagonistic country of Moab. This verse thus sets the stage for a profound story of hardship, displacement, divine providence, and ultimately, redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 1:1 functions as a crucial narrative prologue, immediately grounding the story in a specific historical period and introducing the initial catalyst for the entire plot. It smoothly transitions from a broad historical marker ("in the days when the judges ruled") to the specific plight of a single family, setting the emotional and theological tone for the book. This verse establishes the "problem"—famine and displacement—that the rest of the narrative will address, ultimately leading to restoration and the continuation of a vital lineage. The subsequent verses will quickly introduce the specific names of the family members and detail the unfolding tragedy that necessitates Ruth's eventual journey to Bethlehem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "in the days when the judges ruled" situates the story within a period of profound spiritual and moral decline in Israel, roughly spanning from the conquest of Canaan to the establishment of the monarchy. This era, vividly summarized in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Every Man Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes") as a time when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," lacked central leadership and was marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. Famine, such as the one described, was a devastating reality in ancient agrarian societies, often viewed as a consequence of disobedience to God's covenant (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Consequences of Disobedience")) or a test of faith. The family's origin, "Bethlehemjudah," meaning "house of bread" in Judah, adds a layer of bitter irony to the famine. Their decision to "sojourn in the country of Moab" was a desperate and culturally fraught choice, as Moab was a long-standing adversary of Israel, known for its pagan practices and historical conflicts (e.g., [Numbers 22-25](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-25 - Balaam and Balak")).
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several foundational themes that permeate the Book of Ruth. Firstly, it highlights **hardship and human vulnerability**, as a severe famine forces a family to abandon their home and heritage in search of survival. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty and providence**, as this initial crisis, though seemingly negative, becomes the very mechanism through which God orchestrates the larger narrative of redemption and the preservation of the Davidic line. Thirdly, the geographical contrast between "Bethlehemjudah" (Israel) and "Moab" (a foreign, often hostile land) establishes the theme of **displacement and the crossing of cultural boundaries**, which will be central to Ruth's journey and her eventual integration into Israel. Finally, the setting within the chaotic Judges period underscores the theme of **faithfulness amidst apostasy**, presenting a beacon of hope and God's continued work even in times of widespread spiritual decline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **וַיְהִי (Hebrew, _wayehî'_):** This common Hebrew narrative marker, translated as "Now it came to pass" or "And it happened," serves to introduce a new section or a significant event in the unfolding story. While seemingly simple, its use here signals to the reader that the following events are not merely incidental but are part of a divinely orchestrated sequence, setting the stage for the pivotal narrative of Ruth.
* **שֹׁפְטִים (Hebrew, _shof'tim'_):** Translated as "judges," this term refers to the charismatic leaders God raised up to deliver Israel during a period of decentralization and moral decay. The mention of this era immediately evokes the turbulent and often lawless conditions described in the Book of Judges, providing a stark backdrop against which the faithfulness and order of the Ruth narrative will stand out.
* **בֵּית לֶחֶם יְהוּדָה (Hebrew, _Beit Lechem Yehudah'_):** This compound geographical name, "Bethlehemjudah," literally means "house of bread of Judah." The inherent **irony** of a famine striking the "house of bread" is profound, emphasizing the severity of the crisis. Its specific tribal affiliation ("of Judah") is also significant, as Bethlehem would later become the birthplace of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled":** This opening clause establishes the historical context of the story, placing it within a period of significant spiritual and political instability in Israel, characterized by a lack of central authority and widespread moral relativism. It sets a somber tone, contrasting with the eventual hope and order that the Book of Ruth will present.
* **"that there was a famine in the land":** This phrase introduces the immediate catalyst for the family's actions. A severe agricultural famine, often a sign of divine judgment or a test, creates an existential crisis, forcing difficult decisions for survival. It underscores the vulnerability of human life in the ancient world and the desperate measures people would take to sustain themselves.
* **"And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab":** This identifies the family's origin—Bethlehem, a place whose name ironically means "house of bread"—and their destination—Moab, a neighboring, often hostile, pagan nation. The term "sojourn" (גּוּר, _gur_) implies a temporary residence, highlighting the family's intention to return once conditions improved, though their journey would lead to unforeseen and permanent changes.
* **"he, and his wife, and his two sons":** This final clause specifies the family unit, emphasizing their collective vulnerability and the shared nature of their desperate migration. While the man (later identified as Elimelech) is the head of the household, the inclusion of his wife and sons immediately establishes the familial focus of the narrative and the profound impact of the famine on their entire lives.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 1:1 skillfully employs several literary devices to set the stage for its profound narrative. The most striking is **Irony**, as a severe famine strikes "Bethlehemjudah," which literally means "house of bread of Judah." This stark contrast immediately highlights the dire circumstances and implicitly points to a divine hand in the unfolding events. The mention of the family's migration to Moab functions as subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the crucial role a Moabitess (Ruth) will play in the story, challenging conventional Israelite-Moabite relations and foreshadowing the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan. The verse also utilizes an **In Medias Res** opening, dropping the reader directly into a crisis ("there was a famine"), which creates immediate narrative tension and prompts curiosity about the characters' fate. Finally, the phrase "in the days when the judges ruled" serves as a precise **Historical Marker**, grounding the story in a specific, well-known period of Israelite history characterized by chaos, providing a significant backdrop for a narrative of faithfulness and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:1, while seemingly a simple historical introduction, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical principle that even in periods of national decline and personal hardship, God remains sovereignly at work, orchestrating events for His ultimate redemptive purposes. The famine, though a natural disaster, is presented as the catalyst for a series of events that will ultimately lead to the preservation of the Davidic line and the inclusion of a Gentile into the covenant community. This initial displacement foreshadows a larger spiritual truth: that God often uses our most challenging circumstances and desperate decisions to guide us toward His intended path, revealing His unseen hand even when life seems chaotic and devoid of hope. The story of Ruth, beginning with this crisis, stands as a testament to God's faithfulness amidst human suffering and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even during the "dark ages" of the Judges.

* [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")
* [Genesis 12:10](/genesis/12-10 "Genesis 12:10 - Abram's Famine and Sojourn in Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:1 offers a poignant reminder that life's most significant stories often begin not with prosperity, but with profound hardship and unexpected journeys. The famine forced Elimelech's family out of their familiar comfort zone in Bethlehem, compelling them to venture into a foreign land where they would face further trials, yet also where God's unseen hand was actively at work to bring about His eternal purposes. For us today, this verse highlights that difficult circumstances are not necessarily deviations from God's plan, but can often be integral parts of it. What appears to be a setback, a loss, or a tragedy can, in God's sovereign design, be a necessary step toward a greater good that He is orchestrating. Our faith is frequently tested in times of scarcity, uncertainty, and displacement, mirroring the family's migration. The Book of Ruth, beginning in such bleakness, ultimately blossoms into a narrative of profound hope and redemption, encouraging us to trust God's providence even when our immediate circumstances seem desperate and His path unclear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with unexpected hardship or scarcity in my own life, and what does this verse challenge me to consider about my reactions?**
* **In what ways might God be working through difficult circumstances in my life, even when His plan is not immediately clear or seems counter-intuitive?**
* **What does this verse teach me about trusting God's providence, particularly when I feel forced to make desperate decisions or leave my comfort zone?**

### FAQ

**Why does the story begin during the time of the Judges?**

Answer: The opening phrase "in the days when the judges ruled" is crucial for setting the socio-spiritual backdrop of the narrative. This period, as described in the Book of Judges (e.g., [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Every Man Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")), was characterized by moral decay, spiritual apostasy, and political instability due to the absence of a king and a lack of adherence to God's law. By placing the story in this chaotic era, the Book of Ruth highlights a stark contrast: amidst widespread unfaithfulness, God continues to work through the faithfulness of ordinary individuals, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan and providing a beacon of hope and order.

**What is the significance of the famine mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "famine in the land" serves as the immediate catalyst for the entire narrative of the Book of Ruth. Beyond being a natural disaster, famines in biblical narratives often carry theological significance, sometimes indicating divine judgment or a test of faith (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Here, it is the initial hardship that compels Elimelech's family to leave Bethlehem. This forced displacement, though tragic, is divinely orchestrated to set in motion the events that will lead to Ruth's integration into Israel, her marriage to Boaz, and her pivotal role in the lineage of King David and ultimately, the Messiah.

**Why was going to Moab a risky decision for an Israelite family?**

Answer: Migrating to "the country of Moab" was a highly risky and culturally fraught decision for an Israelite family. Moab was a long-standing historical adversary of Israel, with a history of conflict (e.g., [Numbers 22-25](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-25 - Balaam and Balak")). Furthermore, Moabites were excluded from the assembly of the Lord for ten generations due to their lack of hospitality and hiring of Balaam against Israel (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")). Their pagan worship and foreign customs presented significant spiritual and social challenges for an Israelite family, underscoring the desperation caused by the famine and the extreme measures taken for survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:1, though set in a time of hardship and seemingly far removed from the New Testament, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "famine in the land" in Bethlehem, the "house of bread," ironically points to a deeper spiritual hunger in a world devoid of true sustenance. Centuries later, from this very Bethlehem, Jesus would be born, declaring Himself to be the "Bread of Life" who satisfies all spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The family's desperate journey to Moab, a foreign and hostile land, tragically leads to the death of the Israelite men but ultimately brings Ruth, a Moabitess, into the lineage of David and, by extension, into the very line of Christ. This remarkable inclusion of a Gentile into the Messianic genealogy powerfully foreshadows the expansive nature of Christ's redemption, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile and uniting all believers into one body through His blood ([Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-13 - Gentiles Included in Christ")). Thus, the initial crisis of Ruth 1:1, orchestrated by divine providence, sets the stage for the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus, who would come from Bethlehem to bring life out of death, abundance out of famine, and inclusion out of alienation, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 12:10

¶ And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.

Genesis 26:1

¶ And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

Ezekiel 14:13

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

2 Kings 8:1

¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

2 Kings 8:2

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

Judges 17:8

And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find [a place]: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.

Leviticus 26:19

And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: