1 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.

2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

6 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.

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.

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

9 The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.

14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

22 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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elimelech and his sons die in the land of Moab.
Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In the land - Of Canaan. It must be early: for Boaz was born of Rahab. So Christ descended from two Gentile mothers.
McArther Bible Commentary
This introduction to Ruth sets in motion the following events (Rth. 1:6-4:22), which culminate in Obed's birth and his relationship to the Davidic line of Christ. See Introduction: Background and Setting.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 12:10 Genesis 26:1 Judges 2:16 Judges 17:7 Judges 17:8 2 Kings 8:1 Micah 5:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elimelech and his sons die in the land of Moab.
Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ephrathites - Bethlehem was otherwise called Ephratha. Naomi signifies my amiable or pleasant one: Mahlon and Chilon signify sickness and consumption. Probably they were sickly children, and not likely to be long - lived. Such are the products of our pleasant things, weak and infirm, fading and dying.
McArther Bible Commentary
Elimelech. His name means "my God is king," signifying a devout commitment to the God of Israel. Most likely, he was a prominent man in the community whose brothers might have included the unnamed close relative and Boaz (cf. Rth 4:3). Naomi. Her name means "pleasant." Mahlon and Chilion. Their names mean "sick" and "pining," respectively. Ephrathites. A title used of people who lived in the area more anciently known as Ephrath (Gen 35:16, Gen 35:19; Gen 48:7) or Ephrathah (Rth 4:11; Mic 5:2), but later more prominently called Bethlehem (Rth 1:1). Jesse, father of David, is called "an Ephrathite of Bethlehem" (1Sa 17:12) and "Jesse the Bethlehemite" (1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:18; 1Sa 17:58).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 35:19 Judges 3:30 Judges 17:7 Ruth 1:3 Ruth 1:5 Ruth 2:1 Ruth 4:9

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elimelech and his sons die in the land of Moab.
Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:2 Ruth 1:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elimelech and his sons die in the land of Moab.
Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Took wives - Either these were Proselytes when they married them, or they sinned in marrying them, and therefore were punished with short life, and want of issue.
McArther Bible Commentary
the women of Moab. See Introduction: Interpretive Challenges. Orpah. Her name means "stubborn." Ruth. Her name means "friendship." about ten years. This period would seem to include the entire time of Naomi's residency in Moab.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:3 Ruth 1:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elimelech and his sons die in the land of Moab.
Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Was left of her two sons, and her husband - Loss of children and widowhood are both come upon her. By whom shall she be comforted? It is God alone that is able to comfort those who are thus cast down.
McArther Bible Commentary
the woman survived. Naomi, a widow in Moab whose two sons have died also, believed that the Lord had afflicted her with bitter days until she would die (Rth 1:13, Rth 1:20-21). No reason for the death of these three men in her life is given. Ruth married Mahlon, and Orpah united with Chilion (cf. Rth 4:10).
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:2 Ruth 1:4 Ruth 1:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Bread - That is, food; so she staid no longer there than necessity forced her.
McArther Bible Commentary
The death of Elimelech and his two sons (Rth 1:3, Rth 1:5) prepared the way for Naomi and Ruth to leave Orpah in Moab (Rth 1:6-14), and they returned together to Bethlehem (Rth 1:15-22).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 6:11 Exodus 4:31 Ruth 1:5 Ruth 1:7 Psalm 132:15 Jeremiah 29:10 Zephaniah 2:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
McArther Bible Commentary
she went out. Naomi had friends (Rth 1:19), family (Rth 2:1), and prosperity (Rth 4:3) awaiting her in Bethlehem.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:6 Ruth 1:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Mother's house - Because daughters used to converse more frequently with their mothers, and to dwell in the same apartments with them, which then were distinct from those parts of the house where the men dwelt. The dead - With my sons, your husbands, while they lived.
McArther Bible Commentary
Naomi graciously encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return to their homes (Rth 1:8) and to remarry (Rth 1:9), but they insisted on going to Jerusalem (Rth 1:10).
Bible Cross References
2 Timothy 1:16 Ruth 1:7 Ruth 1:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:8 Ruth 1:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:9 Ruth 1:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Your husbands - According to the ancient custom, (Genesis 38:8) , and the express law of God, (Deuteronomy 25:5) , which doubtless she had acquainted them with before, among other branches of the Jewish religion.
McArther Bible Commentary
Naomi selflessly reasoned a second time for their return, because she would be unable to provide them with new husbands (possibly in the spirit of a levirate marriage as described in Deu 25:5-6). If Orpah and Ruth waited, they would most likely have become as old as Naomi was then before they could remarry (cf. Gen 38:11).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:11 Deuteronomy 25:5 Ruth 1:10 Ruth 1:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
McArther Bible Commentary
I am too old. Naomi was probably over fifty.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:11 Ruth 1:11 Ruth 1:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
It grieveth me - That you are left without the comfort of husbands or children; that I must part with such affectionate daughters; and that my circumstances are such, that I cannot invite you to go alone with me. For her condition was so mean at this time, that Ruth, when she came to her mother's city, was forced to glean for a living. It is with me, that God has a controversy. This language becomes us, when we are under affliction; tho' many others share in the trouble, yet we are to hear the voice of the rod, as if it spake only to us. But did not she wish to bring them to the worship of the God of Israel? Undoubtedly she did. But she would have them first consider upon what terms, lest having set their hand to the plow, they should look back.
McArther Bible Commentary
the hand of the Lord. This is a figure of speech which describes the Lord's work. The Lord is spirit (Joh 4:24) and therefore does not have a literal hand.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:11 Judges 2:15 Ruth 1:12 Ruth 1:14 Job 19:21 Psalm 32:4

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Naomi returns home.
Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with them thus part in love. Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire "rest in the house of a husband," or some wordly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Kissed - Departed from her with a kiss. Bade her farewell for ever. She loved Naomi, but she did not love her so well, as to quit her country for her sake. Thus many have a value for Christ, and yet come short of salvation by him, because they cannot find in their hearts, to forsake other things for him. They love him, and yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better.
McArther Bible Commentary
At the second plea to return, Orpah turned back. Naomi pleaded with Ruth a third time to return.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:13 Ruth 1:15 2 Samuel 19:39

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Orpah stays behind, but Ruth goes with Naomi.
See Ruth's resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Orpah was loth to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake. Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made. See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those that go in religious ways without a stedfast mind, stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To her gods - Those that forsake the communion of saints, will certainly break off their communion with God. This she saith, to try Ruth's sincerity and constancy, and that she might intimate to her, that if she went with her, she must embrace the true religion.
McArther Bible Commentary
her gods. This refers to Chemosh, the chief Moabite deity, who required child sacrifice (2Ki 3:27).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 24:15 Judges 11:24 Ruth 1:14 Ruth 1:16 2 Kings 2:2

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Orpah stays behind, but Ruth goes with Naomi.
See Ruth's resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Orpah was loth to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake. Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made. See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those that go in religious ways without a stedfast mind, stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ruth recited her hallmark expression of loyalty to Naomi and commitment to the family into which she married.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:15 Ruth 1:17 Ruth 2:12 Ruth 4:15 2 Samuel 15:21 Psalm 45:10 Proverbs 17:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Orpah stays behind, but Ruth goes with Naomi.
See Ruth's resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Orpah was loth to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake. Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made. See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those that go in religious ways without a stedfast mind, stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
There will I be buried - Not desiring to have so much as her dead body carried back into the land of Moab: but Naomi and she having joined souls, she desires they may mingle dust, in hopes of rising together, and remaining together for ever.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Lord do so to me. Ruth's vow bore further testimony to her conversion. She followed the path first blazed by Abraham (Jos 24:2).
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:16 Ruth 4:15 1 Samuel 3:17 1 Samuel 14:44 1 Samuel 20:13 2 Samuel 15:21 1 Kings 2:23 1 Kings 13:31 1 Kings 19:2 2 Kings 6:31 Psalm 45:10

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Orpah stays behind, but Ruth goes with Naomi.
See Ruth's resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Orpah was loth to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake. Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made. See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those that go in religious ways without a stedfast mind, stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Left speaking unto her - See the power of resolution! Those who are half - resolved, are like a door a - jar, which invites a thief. But resolution shuts and bolts he door, and then the devil flees from us.
Bible Cross References
Acts 21:14 Ruth 1:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
They come to Bethlehem.
Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem. Afflictions will make great and surprising changes in a little time. May God, by his grace, fit us for all such changes, especially the great change!, Naomi signifies "pleasant," or "amiable;" Mara, "bitter," or "bitterness." She was now a woman of a sorrowful spirit. She had come home empty, poor, a widow and childless. But there is a fulness for believers of which they never can be emptied; a good part which shall not be taken from those who have it. The cup of affliction is a "bitter" cup, but she owns that the affliction came from God. It well becomes us to have our hearts humbled under humbling providences. It is not affliction itself, but affliction rightly borne, that does us good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Is this - Is this she that formerly lived in so much plenty and honour? How marvelously is her condition changed?
McArther Bible Commentary
they came to Bethlehem. A trip from Moab (at least Rth 1:60-75 miles) would have taken about Rth 1:7-10 days. Having descended about 4,500 feet from Moab into the Jordan Valley, they then ascended 3,750 feet through the hills of Judea. all the city. Naomi had been well known in her prior residency (cf. Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Rth 1:2). The question "Is this Naomi?" most likely reflected the hard life of the last decade and the toll that it had taken on her appearance.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 21:10 Ruth 1:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
They come to Bethlehem.
Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem. Afflictions will make great and surprising changes in a little time. May God, by his grace, fit us for all such changes, especially the great change!, Naomi signifies "pleasant," or "amiable;" Mara, "bitter," or "bitterness." She was now a woman of a sorrowful spirit. She had come home empty, poor, a widow and childless. But there is a fulness for believers of which they never can be emptied; a good part which shall not be taken from those who have it. The cup of affliction is a "bitter" cup, but she owns that the affliction came from God. It well becomes us to have our hearts humbled under humbling providences. It is not affliction itself, but affliction rightly borne, that does us good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Naomi - Which signifies pleasant, and chearful. Mara - Which signifies bitter or sorrowful.
McArther Bible Commentary
Naomi … Mara; full … empty. Naomi's outlook on life, although grounded in God's sovereignty, was not hopeful; thus she asked to be renamed Mara, which means "bitter." Her experiences were not unlike Job (Job 1; 2), but her perspective resembled that of Job's wife (Job 2:10). In reality, Naomi had (1) a full harvest prospect, (2) Ruth plus Boaz, not to mention (3) the hope of God's future blessing.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:3 Exodus 15:23 Job 6:4

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
They come to Bethlehem.
Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem. Afflictions will make great and surprising changes in a little time. May God, by his grace, fit us for all such changes, especially the great change!, Naomi signifies "pleasant," or "amiable;" Mara, "bitter," or "bitterness." She was now a woman of a sorrowful spirit. She had come home empty, poor, a widow and childless. But there is a fulness for believers of which they never can be emptied; a good part which shall not be taken from those who have it. The cup of affliction is a "bitter" cup, but she owns that the affliction came from God. It well becomes us to have our hearts humbled under humbling providences. It is not affliction itself, but affliction rightly borne, that does us good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Full - With my husband and sons, and a plentiful estate for our support. Testified - That is, hath borne witness, as it were, in judgment, and given sentence against me.
Bible Cross References
Job 1:21 Job 10:17 Job 30:11

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
They come to Bethlehem.
Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem. Afflictions will make great and surprising changes in a little time. May God, by his grace, fit us for all such changes, especially the great change!, Naomi signifies "pleasant," or "amiable;" Mara, "bitter," or "bitterness." She was now a woman of a sorrowful spirit. She had come home empty, poor, a widow and childless. But there is a fulness for believers of which they never can be emptied; a good part which shall not be taken from those who have it. The cup of affliction is a "bitter" cup, but she owns that the affliction came from God. It well becomes us to have our hearts humbled under humbling providences. It is not affliction itself, but affliction rightly borne, that does us good.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ruth, the Moabitess. This title also appears at Rth 2:2, Rth 2:21; Rth 4:5, Rth 4:10. Ruth stands out as a foretaste of future Gentile conversions (cf. Rom. 11). at the beginning of barley harvest. Normally the middle to the end of April.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 9:31 Leviticus 23:10 Leviticus 23:11