Return to Bethlehem
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: Ruth
- Chapters: Ruth 1
- Summary: Naomi returns from Moab to Bethlehem, and Ruth comes with her in covenant loyalty.
Details
After the deaths in Moab, Naomi hears that the LORD has visited His people with bread and heads home. Ruth refuses to abandon her and enters Bethlehem as a foreigner under grace. Naomi returns calling herself Mara, but the harvest setting hints that bitterness will not be the end of the story.
Key People Involved
- Naomi - Returns in grief
- Ruth - Leaves Moab to remain with Naomi
- Orpah - Parts ways before the return is completed
Key Places
Important Verses
“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem…” - Ruth 1:19
Cross-References
- Related events: Ruth’s Vow to Naomi, Gleaning in the Field
- Related books: Ruth, Judges
Notes
The return to Bethlehem is both geographical and covenantal. Ruth comes not only to a new land, but to the people and God of Israel.