In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text specifically notes the famine occurred "in the land," the land God promised to Israel, even though Bethlehem means "house of bread." This stark contrast highlights how even in a place of divine provision, hardship could strike, forcing a desperate move. It’s a potent reminder that circumstances don't always align with names or promises, creating a tension that sets the stage for the unfolding story.
In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This story opens during a time of instability in Israel, the era of the judges, when a severe famine strikes the land of Judah. Driven by desperation to provide for his family, a man named Elimelech from Bethlehem makes the fateful decision to relocate his household to the neighboring country of Moab. This move, though seemingly practical, marks the beginning of a tragic unraveling for his family, setting the stage for profound loss and unexpected turns of fate.
Ever feel like you're living through a chaotic, uncertain time? The book of Ruth opens by placing us in such an era.
The opening phrase, 'In the days when the judges ruled,' doesn't pinpoint a specific date. This period in Israel's history (roughly 1375-1075 BC) was marked by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, and divine deliverance. Without a central king or consistent leadership, 'everyone did what was right in his own eyes' (Judges 21:25). This lack of stability and order likely contributed to the hardships, including the famine mentioned, and created an environment where difficult, even questionable, decisions had to be made by individuals.
A devastating famine forces a family to make a life-altering decision. But was their solution truly faith in action?
The famine in the land of Judah was severe enough to drive Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons from their homeland. They chose to 'sojourn'—to temporarily live—in Moab. This was a land with a complicated relationship with Israel; Moabites were descendants of Lot (Abraham's nephew) but had a history of antagonism towards God's people (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). While seeking to provide for his family in a time of crisis is understandable, Elimelech's move was a step away from the land God had promised and into the sphere of a foreign, often hostile, culture. It raises questions about trusting God's provision within His covenant land, even during hardship.
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shaphat · Hebrew Verb
A historical period in Israel characterized by a cycle of apostasy, oppression, and divine deliverance through leaders raised up by God; it was a time when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
ra'ab · Hebrew Noun
An extreme scarcity of food, often interpreted in the Old Testament as a manifestation of divine judgment, discipline, or a trial of faith for the covenant people.
gur · Hebrew Verb
A temporary resident or foreigner who lives in a place without the full rights of a citizen; it implies a state of being "at home away from home."
Mo'ab · Hebrew Noun
An ancient territory located east of the Dead Sea; the Moabites were descendants of Lot and were frequently antagonistic toward Israel, often representing a place of spiritual danger or separation from the Promised Land.
Beth Lechem · Hebrew Noun
Literally meaning "House of Bread"; a city in Judah that served as a place of historical significance, particularly as the eventual birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.
The story of Ruth begins during a period of uncertainty and hardship in Israel, highlighting how even in times of famine and displacement, God's providence can lead to redemption and the establishment of His lineage.
c. 13th-11th century BC
Period of the Judges
A time in Israel's history characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance, led by charismatic figures called judges. The exact timing of Ruth's story within this period is debated, but it likely occurred during a time of instability.
Likely during the Period of the Judges— this verse
Famine in Bethlehem
A severe shortage of food afflicted the land of Judah, making it difficult for inhabitants to sustain themselves and their families.
During the Period of the Judges
Elimelech's Migration to Moab
Facing the famine, Elimelech and his family left their home in Bethlehem, Judah, to settle temporarily in the fertile land of Moab.
Likely late 11th century BC
Death of Elimelech and Sons
Elimelech died in Moab, and his sons Mahlon and Chilion also passed away, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, widowed.
Following the deaths in Moab
Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
Naomi, hearing that the famine in Judah had ended, decided to return home, accompanied by Ruth, who famously pledged her loyalty.
Early 11th century BC
Naomi and Ruth Arrive in Bethlehem
Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, marking the beginning of their new life and Ruth's integration into Israelite society.
This passage describes a famine caused by enemy invasions, directly mirroring the context in Ruth 1:1 and highlighting the difficult circumstances during the period of the judges.
Deuteronomy 23:3-6This passage details the historical animosity between Israel and Moab, providing crucial background for Elimelech's decision to sojourn in a land that was forbidden to fully integrate into the Israelite community.
Genesis 12:10Similar to Abraham leaving Canaan during a famine, Elimelech also leaves his land during a time of scarcity, illustrating a recurring theme of seeking provision in foreign lands when facing hardship.
Luke 15:13The Prodigal Son's departure from his father's home to a 'distant country' to squander his inheritance echoes Elimelech's move to Moab, suggesting a theme of spiritual or familial distancing that often begins with seeking worldly comfort.
gillRuth 1:1: "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."
Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled,.... So that it appears that this history is of time and things after the affair of Micah, and of the concubine of the Levite, and of the war between Israel and Benjamin; for in those times there was no king nor judge in Israel;…
henryRuth 1:1-5: "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."
1:1-5 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…
The text specifically notes the famine occurred "in the land," the land God promised to Israel, even though Bethlehem means "house of bread." This stark contrast highlights how even in a place of divine provision, hardship could strike, forcing a desperate move. It’s a potent reminder that circumstances don't always align with names or promises, creating a tension that sets the stage for the unfolding story.
This story opens during a time of instability in Israel, the era of the judges, when a severe famine strikes the land of Judah. Driven by desperation to provide for his family, a man named Elimelech from Bethlehem makes the fateful decision to relocate his household to the neighboring country of Moab. This move, though seemingly practical, marks the beginning of a tragic unraveling for his family, setting the stage for profound loss and unexpected turns of fate.
This story opens during a time of instability in Israel, the era of the judges, when a severe famine strikes the land of Judah. Driven by desperation to provide for his family, a man named Elimelech from Bethlehem makes the fateful decision to relocate his household to the neighboring country of Moab. This move, though seemingly practical, marks the beginning of a tragic unraveling for his family, setting the stage for profound loss and unexpected turns of fate.
"In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons." — The text specifically notes the famine occurred "in the land," the land God promised to Israel, even though Bethlehem means "house of bread." This stark contrast highlights how even in a place of div…
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Last reviewed October 2026