Ruth 1:7
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.
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}.
She left the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law and took the road leading back to Y'hudah.
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.
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.
Cross-References
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2 Kings 8:3
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. -
Exodus 18:27
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land. -
Ruth 1:14
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. -
Ruth 1:10
And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.
Commentary
Ruth 1:7 (KJV) describes the critical turning point for Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth as they begin their journey back to the land of Judah from Moab. This verse marks the literal and symbolic departure from a period of loss and uncertainty, initiating a new chapter in their lives.
Context
This verse follows a period of immense hardship for Naomi. Driven by famine in Bethlehem of Judah, her family โ husband Elimelech and two sons, Mahlon and Chilion โ had emigrated to Moab. There, tragedy struck as all three men died, leaving Naomi a widow and her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, also widows (Ruth 1:1-5). Hearing that the Lord had blessed His people with food in Judah, Naomi decided to return. Verse 7 details the immediate action resulting from that decision: "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." This departure from Moab was not just a change of location but a move towards the covenant land, away from a foreign land associated with grief.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase for "went forth" (ืึทืชึตึผืฆึตื - vatฤtseสผ) is a simple, direct verb indicating a physical departure. There's no complex theological nuance in the word itself, but its placement at the beginning of their journey emphasizes the decisive action taken. The destination, "the land of Judah" (ืึถืจึถืฅ ืึฐืืึผืึธื - สผerets Yehudah), is significant, distinguishing it from the land of Moab and connecting it to the heritage and promises associated with Israel.
Practical Application
Ruth 1:7 reminds us that life often involves difficult transitions and journeys away from what is familiar or painful. It teaches us about the courage required to leave a past behind and step into an unknown future, even when the path is uncertain. This verse encourages us to trust in God's leading, even through difficult circumstances, and to value the companionship and support of others during times of change. Just as Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth began their journey, we too are often called to "go forth" from our comfort zones or places of hardship, trusting that God is guiding our steps back to a place of blessing and purpose, much like the Lord restores our soul and leads us in paths of righteousness.
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