Ruth 1:22

KJV

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 Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Naomi {H5281} returned {H7725}, and Ruth {H7327} the Moabitess {H4125}, her daughter in law {H3618}, with her, which returned {H7725} out of the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124}: and they came {H935} to Bethlehem {H1035} in the beginning {H8462} of barley {H8184} harvest {H7105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is how Na'omi returned, with Rut the woman from Mo'av, her daughter-in-law, accompanying her from the plain of Mo'av. They arrived in Beit-Lechem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Berean Standard Bible

So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

American Standard Version

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:22 marks the poignant conclusion of the first chapter, detailing the return of Naomi and her loyal daughter-in-law, Ruth the Moabitess, from the desolate land of Moab to Bethlehem in Judah. This arrival, precisely timed with the commencement of the barley harvest, signifies a crucial turning point, shifting the narrative from profound loss and displacement to the hopeful prospect of divine provision and new beginnings within the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the opening chapter of the Book of Ruth, which meticulously establishes the dire circumstances of Naomi's family. [Ruth 1:1-5](/ruth/1-1-5 "Ruth 1:1-5 - Elimelech's Family in Moab") recounts their migration from Bethlehem to Moab due to famine and the subsequent deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion, leaving Naomi and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows. [Ruth 1:6-18](/ruth/1-6-18 "Ruth 1:6-18 - Naomi's Return and Ruth's Vow") describes Naomi's decision to return to Judah upon hearing that the Lord had visited His people with food, and her attempt to send her daughters-in-law back to their own families. While Orpah reluctantly departs, [Ruth's steadfast vow](/ruth/1-16-17 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty") to remain with Naomi sets the stage for their joint journey. [Ruth 1:19-21](/ruth/1-19-21 "Ruth 1:19-21 - Naomi's Bitter Return to Bethlehem") portrays their arrival in Bethlehem, where Naomi expresses her profound bitterness to the townswomen, lamenting that the Almighty had dealt very bitterly with her. Verse 22 then provides the specific detail of their arrival during the barley harvest, transitioning the narrative from the initial sorrow and arduous journey to the potential for new life and provision in Bethlehem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Ruth are set "in the days when the judges ruled" ([Ruth 1:1](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1 - Setting in the Time of Judges")), a tumultuous period of spiritual and social instability in Israel (c. 1375-1050 BC). Famine was a recurring challenge, often seen as divine judgment or a test. The journey from Moab to Bethlehem, though geographically not exceptionally long, would have been arduous and perilous for two women traveling alone. Moabites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37) and often antagonistic towards Israel, having refused passage and provision to the Israelites during the Exodus ([Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites and Ammonites")). This historical animosity makes Ruth's acceptance into Israelite society, and ultimately into the Davidic lineage, particularly remarkable. The "barley harvest" was the first harvest of the year, typically occurring in April/May, signifying a time of renewal and provision after the lean winter months. This timing is crucial for the plot, as it facilitates Ruth's gleaning, a practice mandated by Mosaic Law for the poor and sojourners ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning Laws") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Rights of the Poor and Sojourners")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the Book of Ruth. Firstly, **Return and Restoration** is powerfully evident in Naomi's physical journey back to Bethlehem, a name meaning "house of bread," symbolizing a hopeful return from a place of famine and death (Moab) to the land of promise and potential provision. This journey, despite Naomi's initial bitterness, foreshadows a spiritual and material restoration orchestrated by God. Secondly, **Unwavering Loyalty and Faith** is profoundly demonstrated by Ruth, "the Moabitess." Her commitment to Naomi, despite the cultural and social barriers, reflects a deep devotion that extends to Naomi's God. Her foreign identity is consistently highlighted, amplifying the significance of her choice and setting the stage for her remarkable integration into Israelite society. Thirdly, **Divine Timing and Providence** is underscored by their arrival "in the beginning of barley harvest." This precise agricultural timing is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, immediately opening doors for Ruth to glean in the fields, a practice that directly leads to her encounter with Boaz and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for both women and, ultimately, for all of Israel through the lineage of David and Christ. This highlights God's sovereignty working through seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish His grand purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Returned (Hebrew, _shuv_):** This verb signifies a turning back, a reversal of direction, often with implications of repentance, restoration, or a return to a former state. Here, it emphasizes the physical journey back to Judah, but also hints at a spiritual turning from a land of foreign gods to the land of God's covenant people. Its repetition in the verse underscores the significance of this momentous transition from exile to homecoming.
* **Moabitess (Hebrew, _Mo'aviyah_):** This specific ethnic identifier is used frequently throughout the book, drawing attention to Ruth's foreign origin. In a society where Moabites were often viewed with suspicion or hostility (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites")), her inclusion and eventual prominence highlight God's expansive grace and the breaking down of ethnic barriers. Her identity as a Moabitess makes her loyalty and eventual integration into Israelite society all the more remarkable and a testament to God's inclusive plan.
* **Barley Harvest (Hebrew, _qatsir se'orim_):** Barley was a staple crop, and its harvest marked the beginning of the agricultural year, typically occurring in spring (March-April). This timing is not merely a descriptive detail but a crucial plot device, setting the stage for Ruth's gleaning in the fields, which was a provision for the poor and sojourners. This act of gleaning directly leads to her encounter with Boaz, thereby initiating the path to provision, redemption, and the continuation of Naomi's family line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her":** This clause emphasizes the joint nature of their journey and return. Naomi is the primary subject, but Ruth's presence and identity ("the Moabitess") are immediately highlighted, signaling her crucial role in the unfolding narrative. Her status as "daughter-in-law" underscores the familial bond that transcends cultural boundaries, a bond forged through shared grief and Ruth's unwavering loyalty.
* **"which returned out of the country of Moab":** This repetition of "returned" (or a similar verb, often _shuv_) reinforces the completion of their arduous journey from a foreign land. It marks a definitive break from their past of loss and exile in Moab, emphasizing the transition back to their ancestral home and the covenant community. It underscores the profound shift from a place of death and famine to the land of promise.
* **"and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest":** This final clause specifies their destination, Bethlehem ("house of bread"), a place of potential provision, and the precise timing of their arrival. The "beginning of barley harvest" is a detail pregnant with theological significance, as it immediately opens the door for Ruth to glean, setting in motion the providential events that will lead to her marriage to Boaz and the restoration of Naomi's family. This timing highlights God's perfect orchestration of events.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to enhance its meaning and impact. The **repetition** of the verb "returned" (or a similar concept) emphasizes the completion of their journey and the significant transition from Moab to Bethlehem, underscoring the theme of restoration and a new beginning. The consistent use of the epithet **"Ruth the Moabitess"** functions as a form of **characterization**, highlighting her foreign identity and setting up the dramatic tension and eventual triumph of God's inclusive grace. This also serves as a subtle **irony**, as the Moabite woman becomes the instrument of salvation for an Israelite family. The phrase "in the beginning of barley harvest" serves as crucial **foreshadowing** and a **plot device**, signaling the imminent opportunities for provision and the divine hand at work in orchestrating the events that will lead to Ruth's encounter with Boaz. This precise timing also functions as **symbolism**, where the harvest represents new life, abundance, and the promise of a future after a period of barrenness and sorrow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:22 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign providence, working through seemingly ordinary circumstances and the faithful actions of individuals to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The arrival of Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem at the precise moment of the barley harvest is a testament to divine timing, ensuring that Ruth would find provision and eventually encounter Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. This narrative highlights the themes of loyalty, compassion, and the breaking down of ethnic barriers, demonstrating how God's grace extends even to foreigners who choose to align themselves with His people and His covenant. It underscores that even in the midst of profound loss and bitterness, God is actively orchestrating new beginnings and leading His people towards restoration, often in ways they do not immediately perceive. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan to provide a redeemer, not just for Naomi's family, but ultimately for all humanity.

* [Leviticus 23:22](/leviticus/23-22 "Leviticus 23:22 - Law of Gleaning")
* [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites and Ammonites")
* [Psalm 126:5-6](/psalms/126-5-6 "Psalm 126:5-6 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:22 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating life's challenges. It reminds us that even after periods of immense loss, grief, and displacement, God is capable of orchestrating new beginnings. Naomi's return, though tinged with bitterness, marks a hopeful shift from emptiness to potential provision, encouraging us to trust in God's ability to restore even when circumstances seem bleak. Ruth's unwavering loyalty and courageous step into an unfamiliar land, despite her foreign identity, challenge us to consider the depth of our own commitment to God and to those He has placed in our lives. Her example encourages us to embrace new seasons with faith, even when they require stepping out of our comfort zones. Furthermore, the precise timing of their arrival during the barley harvest serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous providence; He works through the mundane details of life, like agricultural cycles, to fulfill His grand purposes. This should inspire us to look for God's hand in our daily lives, recognizing that every detail, every season, can be part of His perfect plan for our redemption and flourishing. Our journey back to a place of hope or restoration, much like Naomi and Ruth's, often begins with a humble step of faith, trusting that God will provide and lead us into His promised abundance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you identify with Naomi's feelings of bitterness or Ruth's courage in facing an unknown future?**
* **Can you recall a time when God's "perfect timing" was evident in your own life, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances?**
* **What steps of faith might God be calling you to take, even if they lead you to unfamiliar territory or require sacrifice?**
* **How does the story of Ruth, a foreigner, challenge your understanding of God's inclusive grace and His heart for all peoples?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ruth specifically called "the Moabitess" in this verse and throughout the book?**

Answer: The consistent designation of Ruth as "the Moabitess" serves multiple significant purposes. Historically, Moabites were often viewed with suspicion or hostility by Israelites due to past conflicts and their idolatrous practices (e.g., [Numbers 25:1-3](/numbers/25-1-3 "Numbers 25:1-3 - Israel's Sin with Moabite Women")). By repeatedly highlighting her foreign origin, the narrative emphasizes the extraordinary nature of her loyalty to Naomi and, by extension, to the God of Israel. It underscores the theme of God's expansive grace, demonstrating that His redemptive plan extends beyond ethnic boundaries, embracing even those who were traditionally outsiders. This sets the stage for her remarkable inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately, of the Messiah, showcasing God's sovereignty in using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.

**What is the significance of their arrival "in the beginning of barley harvest"?**

Answer: The timing of their arrival is highly significant and not merely a descriptive detail; it is a crucial element of divine providence. The barley harvest was the first harvest of the year, typically occurring in spring (April/May). This timing immediately provided an opportunity for Ruth to glean in the fields, a practice mandated by Mosaic Law to provide for the poor and sojourners ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning Laws")). It is through this act of gleaning that Ruth encounters Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, setting in motion the entire chain of events that leads to her marriage, the restoration of Naomi's family line, and Ruth's place in the messianic lineage. It highlights God's meticulous care and perfect timing in orchestrating events to bring about His purposes of provision and redemption.

**Did Naomi return to Bethlehem with a sense of hope or bitterness?**

Answer: While Ruth 1:22 describes their physical return, the preceding verses ([Ruth 1:19-21](/ruth/1-19-21 "Ruth 1:19-21 - Naomi's Bitter Return")) clearly indicate that Naomi returned with a profound sense of bitterness and grief. She famously tells the women of Bethlehem, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" ([Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Lament")). She felt that God's hand was against her, having lost her husband and sons in Moab. Her return was born out of necessity and a desire to be back in Judah, but it was overshadowed by her personal tragedy. However, Ruth's presence and the providential timing of their arrival during the harvest hint at the hope and restoration that God would soon bring, despite Naomi's initial despair.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:22, with its depiction of a loyal Moabitess returning to Bethlehem at the time of harvest, powerfully foreshadows the expansive grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Ruth, a Gentile outsider, is welcomed into the covenant community and ultimately into the lineage of David ([Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")) and, by extension, into the genealogy of Jesus ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")). Her journey from Moab, a land of spiritual barrenness, to Bethlehem, the "house of bread," mirrors the spiritual journey of humanity from sin and separation to life and communion found in Christ. Just as Ruth arrived at the beginning of the barley harvest, symbolizing new provision, Christ, the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), came to bring spiritual sustenance and abundance. His sacrifice on the cross, often associated with the Passover and the Feast of Firstfruits (which occurred during the barley harvest), inaugurated a new harvest of souls from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). Ruth's inclusion, despite her foreign background, prefigures the New Covenant reality where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")), and all who believe, regardless of their origin, are brought into God's family through Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer ([Hebrews 2:11-17](/hebrews/2-11-17 "Hebrews 2:11-17 - Christ Our Kinsman-Redeemer")). Her story is a testament to God's plan to redeem and include, culminating in the universal invitation of the Gospel.

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

Ruth 2:23

So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

2 Samuel 21:9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell [all] seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first [days], in the beginning of barley harvest.

Exodus 9:31

And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley [was] in the ear, and the flax [was] bolled.

Exodus 9:32

But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they [were] not grown up.