Ruth 1:7

KJV

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore she went forth {H3318} out of the place {H4725} where she was, and her two {H8147} daughters in law {H3618} with her; and they went {H3212} on the way {H1870} to return {H7725} unto the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She left the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law and took the road leading back to Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road leading back to the land of Judah.

American Standard Version

And she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:7 marks the pivotal moment when Naomi, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, initiates the arduous journey back to the land of Judah from Moab. This verse signifies not merely a geographical relocation but a profound transition from a period of devastating loss and foreign exile to a path of uncertain hope, leading them toward the covenant land of Israel. It sets the stage for the crucial decisions and divine providence that will shape their destinies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Naomi's decision to return to Judah upon hearing that the Lord had visited His people by giving them food ([Ruth 1:6](/ruth/1-6 "Ruth 1:6 - Naomi's Decision to Return")). The preceding verses meticulously detail the family's migration from Bethlehem to Moab due to famine, and the subsequent tragic deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth as childless widows ([Ruth 1:1-5](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1-5 - The Family's Sojourn in Moab and Tragedies")). Therefore, Ruth 1:7 is the direct narrative consequence of Naomi's resolve, depicting the physical commencement of their journey homeward. It serves as the opening act of their departure, leading directly into the emotional and theological climax of Naomi's plea for her daughters-in-law to return to their own people, and Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi and her God ([Ruth 1:8-18](/ruth/1-8 "Ruth 1:8-18 - Naomi's Plea and Ruth's Loyalty")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral and spiritual decline where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - A Time of Anarchy")). Famine, as mentioned in [Ruth 1:1](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1 - Famine in Judah"), was a common scourge in ancient Israel, often interpreted as divine judgment. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a neighboring nation with a long, often hostile, history with Israel, rooted in their origins from Lot's incestuous relationship with his daughter ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of the Moabites")). Intermarriage with Moabites was generally prohibited or viewed with suspicion in Israelite law ([Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites from the Assembly")), making Ruth's presence in the narrative, and her eventual integration into Israel, particularly significant. The journey itself, from Moab to Judah, would have been arduous and dangerous for three women alone, highlighting their vulnerability and the courage required for such an undertaking.

* **Key Themes:** Ruth 1:7 is pregnant with several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Transition and New Beginnings**, as the women physically depart from a place of death and foreignness (Moab) towards the land of promise (Judah), symbolizing a move from despair to a glimmer of hope. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Return and Redemption**, as Naomi's journey is a return to her homeland and, implicitly, to the covenant community and the Lord's provision, foreshadowing the greater redemption that will unfold. Thirdly, the phrase "her two daughters in law with her" highlights the initial **Loyalty and Companionship** among the women, setting the stage for the profound test of commitment that will immediately follow in [Ruth 1:8-18](/ruth/1-8 "Ruth 1:8-18 - Naomi's Plea and Ruth's Loyalty"), where Ruth's extraordinary devotion to Naomi and her God is revealed, echoing the spirit of enduring faithfulness found in passages like [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went forth (Hebrew, _vatētseʼ_):** Derived from the verb יָצָא (yatsa'), meaning "to go out," "to depart," or "to come forth." In this context, it denotes a decisive and active physical departure. It's not a passive drifting but a deliberate step taken by Naomi, initiating the journey. The verb's placement at the beginning of the action emphasizes the immediate consequence of Naomi's decision in [Ruth 1:6](/ruth/1-6 "Ruth 1:6 - Naomi's Decision to Return"), marking a clear break from their past circumstances in Moab.
* **place where she was (Hebrew, _hammaqom asher hayetah-sham_):** This phrase refers to Moab, which, for Naomi, had become a "place" of profound grief and loss. It signifies not just a physical location but a state of being – a place associated with the death of her husband and sons, and the barrenness of her life. The departure from this "place" is therefore symbolic of leaving behind sorrow and a past defined by tragedy, even if the future remains uncertain.
* **land of Judah (Hebrew, _ʼerets Yehudah_):** This is the precise destination, carrying immense theological weight. Judah was the tribal territory of Naomi's lineage and, more significantly, the covenant land promised by God to Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 12:1-7](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). It represents the sphere of God's blessing and presence, in stark contrast to Moab, a foreign land. Their return to Judah is a move towards the community of faith and the potential for divine intervention and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was":** This clause highlights Naomi's initiative and the decisive action of departure. "Wherefore" (וַתֵּצֵא, *vatētseʼ*) connects this action directly to the preceding verse, where Naomi heard that the Lord had blessed Judah with food. It underscores her resolve to leave the place of desolation (Moab) and return to her homeland, driven by the hope of sustenance and a return to her people.
* **"and her two daughters in law with her":** This phrase emphasizes the initial solidarity and companionship among the three women. Orpah and Ruth's presence signifies their immediate loyalty to Naomi, sharing her journey and her grief. It sets the stage for the subsequent test of their commitment, highlighting the bond that has formed between them despite their cultural differences and shared sorrow.
* **"and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah":** This final clause specifies the direction and purpose of their journey. "Went on the way" (וַתֵּלַכְנָה בַּדֶּרֶךְ, *vatēlakhnah badderekh*) indicates the commencement of the actual travel. Their destination, "the land of Judah," is not merely a geographical point but a place imbued with covenantal significance, representing a return to their heritage, community, and the potential for God's blessing, moving away from the foreign and potentially idolatrous land of Moab.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Transition** as a primary literary device, marking a clear narrative shift from the static depiction of loss in Moab to the dynamic action of journeying. This physical movement symbolizes a deeper spiritual and emotional **Transition** for the characters. The act of "going forth" also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the pivotal choices and events that will unfold on this journey, particularly the separation of Orpah and Ruth, and Ruth's ultimate commitment. Furthermore, the contrast between "the place where she was" (Moab) and "the land of Judah" utilizes **Symbolism**. Moab represents a place of death, foreignness, and sorrow, while Judah symbolizes hope, covenant, and the potential for new life and divine provision. The journey itself can be seen as a **Metaphor** for the human experience of moving through hardship towards an unknown, yet potentially redemptive, future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:7, while seemingly a simple narrative description of travel, is deeply woven into the theological fabric of the book of Ruth and the broader biblical narrative. It subtly introduces the theme of divine providence, as Naomi's return is prompted by the news that the Lord has "visited His people" with food, suggesting God's active hand in orchestrating events, even in times of hardship. This journey back to Judah represents a return to the covenant community and the land of promise, signifying a movement from the periphery of God's people (Moab) back to the center of His redemptive plan. It foreshadows the themes of loyalty, redemption, and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, ultimately pointing to the broader story of God's faithfulness to His people and His sovereign work in bringing about His purposes through unexpected means.

* [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "God Calls Abram to Leave His Country"): Just as Abram was called to "go forth" from his country to a land God would show him, Naomi's departure signifies a similar act of faith, albeit returning to a known promise rather than venturing into the unknown.
* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "God's Plans for Hope and a Future"): While written in a different context, this verse resonates with the underlying hope of Naomi's journey, suggesting God's plans for a future and a hope for His people, even when they are in a foreign land or returning from one.
* [Luke 15:18](/luke/15-18 "The Prodigal Son's Return"): The prodigal son's decision to "arise and go to his father" mirrors Naomi's decisive act of leaving a place of destitution to return to her homeland, illustrating the universal theme of returning from a place of brokenness to a place of restoration.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:7 offers profound insights into the human experience of transition, loss, and the courageous steps required to embrace an uncertain future. It reminds us that life often necessitates "going forth" from familiar places, even those marked by deep sorrow, in pursuit of a new beginning. This verse encourages us to recognize that even in the aftermath of profound loss, there is a call to move forward, to trust in the possibility of divine provision, and to seek connection with the community of faith. It challenges us to consider what "place" we might need to "go forth" from—be it a place of bitterness, stagnation, or fear—and to embark on a journey of faith, trusting that God is guiding our steps. The presence of Orpah and Ruth with Naomi also highlights the invaluable role of companionship and loyalty during difficult transitions, reminding us of the importance of supporting one another through life's challenging passages.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "place" (physical, emotional, spiritual) might God be calling me to "go forth" from in my life right now?**
* **How does this verse inspire courage in the face of uncertain or difficult transitions?**
* **In what ways can I better support those who are currently "going forth" through a period of loss or significant change?**
* **How does Naomi's decision to return to "the land of Judah" reflect a trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific mention of "the land of Judah" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "the land of Judah" is highly significant because it distinguishes their destination from Moab, a foreign and often hostile land. Judah was the tribal territory of Naomi's family and, more importantly, the heartland of Israel, the covenant people of God. Returning to Judah meant returning to the community where God's promises were active, where His presence was known, and where there was a hope of provision and restoration, in contrast to the spiritual and physical barrenness Naomi experienced in Moab. It signals a move towards the sphere of divine blessing and away from a place associated with death and foreign gods.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:7, depicting a journey of return from foreignness to the promised land, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Naomi's journey was a return to the land of promise and the hope of redemption, Jesus' entire life can be seen as a divine "going forth" from the glory of heaven to the brokenness of earth, to bring humanity back to God. He is the true "way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) by which we return from our spiritual exile in sin to the Father's presence. Furthermore, Jesus, as our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, fulfills the longing for restoration and new life that Naomi and Ruth sought in their return to Judah. His journey to the cross and resurrection is the definitive act of redemption, bringing those who were "aliens and strangers" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")) into the household of God, making us fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's family. Through Him, the journey from spiritual Moab (a place of death and separation) to the heavenly Judah (God's eternal kingdom) is made possible, echoing the promise that we are "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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.