Ruth 1:6

ยถ Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

Then she arose {H6965} with her daughters in law {H3618}, that she might return {H7725} from the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124}: for she had heard {H8085} in the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124} how that the LORD {H3068} had visited {H6485} his people {H5971} in giving {H5414} them bread {H3899}.

So she prepared to return with her daughters-in-law from the plain of Mo'av; for in the plain of Mo'av she had heard how ADONAI had paid attention to his people by giving them food.

When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had attended to His people by providing them with food, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab.

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that Jehovah had visited his people in giving them bread.

Commentary

Ruth 1:6 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, signaling Naomi's decision to leave Moab and return to her homeland, Judah, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.

Context

Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons had migrated from Bethlehem-Judah to the country of Moab due to a severe famine in their land (Ruth 1:1). After approximately ten years, both Elimelech and their sons, Mahlon and Chilion, died in Moab, leaving Naomi a widow and childless. This verse reveals the impetus for her return: she received news that the famine had ended in Judah, and God had blessed His people with sustenance once more. This news offered a beacon of hope in her desolate situation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Provision: The central reason for Naomi's return is the report that "the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread." This highlights God's active involvement and care for His covenant people. Even after a period of famine and hardship, God's faithfulness is evident as He restores their land's productivity. This demonstrates God's consistent provision, a theme found throughout Scripture, reminding us that God will supply all needs.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: Naomi's life in Moab had been marked by tragedy and loss. The news of bread in Judah represents a renewed hope and a tangible reason to leave a place associated with sorrow and foreignness. It underscores how even small pieces of good news can ignite the will to persevere.
  • Return to Homeland and Heritage: Naomi's decision to return to Judah signifies a desire to reconnect with her roots, her community, and the blessings of the God of Israel. It's a symbolic journey from a land of death and foreign gods back to the land of promise and the living God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD had visited his people" uses the Hebrew verb ืคึธึผืงึทื“ (*paqad*), which means "to visit, attend to, muster, appoint." In this context, it carries the positive connotation of God's benevolent attention, intervention, and remembrance of His people. It implies that God actively intervened to end the famine and restore fertility to the land, providing "bread" (ืœึถื—ึถื, *lekhem*), which symbolizes not just food but also life and sustenance. This is similar to how God "visited" His people in Egypt to deliver them from bondage (Exodus 4:31).

Practical Application

Ruth 1:6 offers encouragement that even in seasons of profound loss, uncertainty, or "famine" in our lives, God remains faithful. Just as Naomi heard of God's provision, we are called to trust in God's timing and His ability to turn circumstances around. It reminds us that our hope is ultimately found in God's active care for His people, and that returning to our spiritual foundations and community of faith can be a source of renewed strength and blessing. We are encouraged to look for the "bread" God provides, even after difficult periods, and to recognize His hand in our daily sustenance and blessings.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 132:15

    I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

  • Exodus 16:4

    Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

  • Exodus 16:6

    And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

  • Psalms 111:5

    He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

  • Exodus 3:16

    ยถ Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and [seen] that which is done to you in Egypt:

  • Exodus 4:31

    And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

  • Luke 19:44

    And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
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