Ruth 1:22
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Their arrival in Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest isn't just a setting detail; it subtly foreshadows Ruth's future role. This timing, just before Passover when the firstfruits were offered, sets the stage for her to become a vital part of God's provision and plan, beginning with her gleaning.
After years of loss and hardship in Moab, Naomi makes the painful decision to return to her homeland, and her loyal Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, insists on going with her. Their arrival in Bethlehem marks the beginning of the barley harvest, a time of renewal and provision that sets the stage for Ruth's subsequent gleaning.
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem, but the city's reaction tells a story of deep sorrow. What does their welcome reveal about Naomi's journey?
The return to Bethlehem isn't just a geographical move; it's the end of a profound emotional and spiritual pilgrimage for Naomi. The city's stunned reaction, "Is this Naomi?" speaks volumes. The name Naomi means 'pleasant' or 'lovely,' but her experiences have branded her as Mara, meaning 'bitter.' She arrives home not with the abundance she left with, but empty – a widow and childless. Yet, her return, and Ruth's unwavering presence, plants a seed of future hope in the midst of her pain. This contrast highlights that even in deep loss, God can orchestrate circumstances that lead toward eventual restoration.
Ruth, a Moabite woman, enters Bethlehem just as the barley harvest begins. Why is this timing so significant?
The arrival of Naomi and Ruth coincides precisely with the beginning of the barley harvest. This isn't accidental. In ancient Israel, the barley harvest was the first of the major harvests, commencing around Passover. It was a time of national renewal and provision, marked by the offering of the firstfruits. For Ruth, a foreigner from Moab – a nation often at odds with Israel – arriving at this pivotal moment is deeply symbolic. It signifies her integration into God's people and the promise of provision and new life within the covenant community, even before her story truly unfolds in chapter two.
Understand the original words
ham-Mo'aviyyah · Hebrew Proper Noun/Adjective
A member of the Moabite nation, descendants of Lot. Moab was historically an antagonistic neighbor to Israel, making Ruth’s presence as a faithful convert a significant theological demonstration of God's grace extending beyond national boundaries.
Beth Lechem · Hebrew Proper Noun
A geographical location (meaning "House of Bread") in the tribe of Judah. It serves as the birthplace of David and the promised Messiah, representing the place of provision and covenant fulfillment.
qatsiyr se'orim · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The first of the seasonal agricultural cycles in ancient Israel. It served as a time of thanksgiving for provision and often acts as a symbolic backdrop for restoration, new beginnings, and the grace of God.
Their arrival at the barley harvest, a season of reaping and gathering, symbolizes a turning point and the beginning of God's provision and redemption for Naomi and Ruth.
c. 11th Century BC
Period of the Judges in Israel
Israel was in a period of disunity and frequent conflict, governed by charismatic leaders called judges. This era lacked strong central authority, leading to social and economic instability.
c. 11th Century BC
Famine in Bethlehem
A severe famine struck Judah, prompting Elimelech and Naomi to leave Bethlehem and sojourn in Moab.
c. 11th Century BC
Marriages in Moab
Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, despite Israelite prohibitions against Moabites entering the assembly of the Lord.
c. 11th Century BC
Deaths of Elimelech and his sons
Tragedy struck the family as Elimelech and both his sons died in Moab, leaving Naomi widowed and childless.
c. 11th Century BC
This passage describes the offering of the barley 'wave sheaf' at the beginning of the harvest, directly connecting to the timing mentioned in Ruth 1:22 and highlighting the significance of their arrival during a time of religious observance and provision.
Jeremiah 31:12This prophetic promise of restoration and abundant joy speaks to the hope of return and re-establishment, mirroring Naomi's own journey back to Bethlehem and her eventual restoration.
Matthew 1:5This verse directly traces the lineage of Jesus back to Boaz and Ruth, showing how their return to Bethlehem and Ruth's integration into Israel set the stage for the Messiah's arrival, fulfilling a divine plan.
John 4:35Jesus speaks of the fields being white for harvest, drawing a parallel between the literal agricultural harvest and the spiritual harvest of souls, underscoring the opportune timing of Ruth and Naomi's arrival in Bethlehem.
clarkeRuth 1:22: "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."
In the beginning of barley harvest - This was in the beginning of spring, for the barley harvest began immediately after the passover, and that feast was held on the 15th of the month Nisan, which corresponds nearly with our March. The Targum says, "They came to Beth-lehem on that day in which the childre…
henryRuth 1:19-22: "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?"
1:19-22 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…
Their arrival in Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest isn't just a setting detail; it subtly foreshadows Ruth's future role. This timing, just before Passover when the firstfruits were offered, sets the stage for her to become a vital part of God's provision and plan, beginning with her gleaning.
After years of loss and hardship in Moab, Naomi makes the painful decision to return to her homeland, and her loyal Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, insists on going with her. Their arrival in Bethlehem marks the beginning of the barley harvest, a time of renewal and provision that sets the stage for Ruth's subsequent gleaning.
After years of loss and hardship in Moab, Naomi makes the painful decision to return to her homeland, and her loyal Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, insists on going with her. Their arrival in Bethlehem marks the beginning of the barley harvest, a time of renewal and provision that sets the stage for Ruth's subsequent gleaning.
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Naomi's Return Journey
Naomi, hearing the famine in Judah had ended, decided to return to Bethlehem, accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Arrival in Bethlehem during Barley Harvest
Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest, a time of potential and new beginnings.
"So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest." — Their arrival in Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest isn't just a setting detail; it subtly foreshadows Ruth's future role. This timing, just before Passover when the firstfruits were offere…
