When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had attended to His people by providing them with food, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab. When Naomi heard in MoabThe phrase begins with Naomi, a central figure in the Book of Ruth, who is residing in Moab. Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea, was often in conflict with Israel, yet it provided refuge for Naomi's family during a famine. The Hebrew root for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. Naomi's hearing signifies a turning point, a divine intervention that prompts action. It reflects the importance of being attuned to God's movements and signals a shift from despair to hope. that the LORD had attended to His people
The phrase highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "attended" (פָּקַד, paqad) can mean to visit, care for, or intervene. It underscores God's faithfulness and His active role in the lives of His people. This divine attention is a reminder of God's providence and mercy, even after periods of judgment or hardship. It reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. by providing them with food
This provision of food is a tangible expression of God's care and a reversal of the famine that initially drove Naomi's family to Moab. The Hebrew word for "food" (לֶחֶם, lechem) is often associated with sustenance and life. In a broader biblical context, it symbolizes God's provision and blessing. This act of provision is a testament to God's ability to restore and sustain His people, encouraging believers to trust in His timing and provision. she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there
Naomi's decision to return signifies repentance and a return to the land of promise. The Hebrew root for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is rich with meaning, often used in the context of repentance and restoration. It marks a physical and spiritual journey back to God's covenant land. Naomi's leadership in this decision reflects her faith and hope in God's renewed favor. Her daughters-in-law's involvement highlights themes of loyalty and family, setting the stage for Ruth's profound commitment to Naomi and to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaomiA widow living in Moab, originally from Bethlehem in Judah. She is the central figure in this verse, making a pivotal decision to return to her homeland. 2. MoabA region east of the Dead Sea, where Naomi and her family had moved due to famine in Judah. It is significant as a place of refuge but also of loss for Naomi. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is recognized as the provider and sustainer of His people. His intervention is the catalyst for Naomi's decision. 4. Naomi's Daughters-in-lawRuth and Orpah, who are initially part of Naomi's plan to return to Judah. Their relationship with Naomi is central to the unfolding account. 5. BethlehemNaomi's original home, known as the "House of Bread," which is now experiencing God's provision after a period of famine. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in ProvisionGod is attentive to the needs of His people and provides in His perfect timing. Just as He provided food for Naomi's people, He is aware of our needs and will provide for us. Responding to God's CallNaomi's decision to return to Bethlehem is a response to God's provision. We are called to be attentive to God's work in our lives and respond in faith and obedience. Community and SupportNaomi's journey is not solitary; she initially sets out with her daughters-in-law. This highlights the importance of community and support in times of transition and decision-making. Hope in Times of DespairNaomi's situation seemed dire, yet God's provision brought hope. In our own lives, we can trust that God can bring hope and restoration even in difficult circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem reveal about her faith and understanding of God's character? 2. How does the concept of God's provision in Ruth 1:6 encourage you in your current circumstances? 3. In what ways can you be attentive to God's work in your life and respond in faith, similar to Naomi's response? 4. How can you support others in your community who are going through transitions or difficult times, as Naomi's daughters-in-law initially did? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a surprising way. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you share that testimony with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12The call of Abram to leave his country and go to a land God would show him parallels Naomi's return to her homeland, highlighting themes of faith and obedience. Exodus 16God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the Israelites connects to His provision of food in Bethlehem, demonstrating His faithfulness to provide for His people. Psalm 34:10This verse speaks of those who seek the Lord lacking no good thing, which aligns with God's provision for Naomi's people. People Chilion, Elimelech, Ephrathites, Mahlon, Mara, Naomi, Orpah, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Aid, Bread, Daughters, Daughters-in-law, Field, Fields, Giving, Got, Home, Law, Mercy, Moab, Naomi, News, Prepared, Providing, Ready, Remembered, Return, Returned, Riseth, Started, Turneth, VisitedDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 1:6 8300 love, and the world Ruth 1:3-13 5117 Ruth Ruth 1:3-17 5674 daughters Ruth 1:6-18 5339 home Library A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert
'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 Beth-lehem. And it …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch: …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Bands of Love
P. G. Ruth i. 16, 17 A homeless Stranger amongst us came To this land of death and mourning; He walked in a path of sorrow and shame, Through insult, and hate, and scorning. A Man of sorrows, of toil and tears, An outcast Man and a lonely; But He looked on me, and through endless years Him must I love--Him only. Then from this sad and sorrowful land, From this land of tears He departed; But the light of His eyes and the touch of His hand Had left me broken-hearted. And I clave to Him as He turned …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others What is Thy Beloved, More than Another Beloved, O Thou Fairest among Women! what is Thy Beloved, More than Another Beloved, that Thou Dost So Charge Us?
The daughters of Jerusalem do not cease to call her the fairest among women, because her most painful wounds are hidden, and those which are exposed even add lustre to her beauty. They are astonished at beholding a love so strong, so constant and so faithful in the midst of so many disasters. They inquire, Who is this Well-beloved? For, say they, He must be of unequalled attraction, thus to engage His Spouse; for though these souls are spiritual, they are not yet sufficiently advanced to comprehend …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Epistle xxxii. To Narses the Patrician.
To Narses the Patrician. Gregory to Narses, &c. Your most sweet Charity has said much to me in your letters in praise of my good deeds, to all which I briefly reply, Call me not Noemi, that is beautiful; but call me Mara, that is bitter; for I am full of bitterness (Ruth i. 20). But as to the cause of the presbyters [1555] , which is pending with my brother and fellow-bishop, the most reverend Patriarch John, we have, as I think, for our adversary the very man whom you assert to be desirous of observing …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Man.
THE IMAGE OF GOD. MAN is God's image, and to curse wickedly the image of God, is to curse God himself. Suppose that a man should say with his mouth, I wish that the king's picture were burned; would not this man's so saying render him as an enemy to the person of the king? Even so it is with them that by cursing wish evil to their neighbors or themselves; they contemn the image of God himself. This world, as it dropped from the fingers of God, was far more glorious than it is now. VALUE OF THE SOUL. …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Epistle vi. To Narses, Patrician .
To Narses, Patrician [1305] . Gregory to Narses, &c. In describing loftily the sweetness of contemplation, you have renewed the groans of my fallen state, since I hear what I have lost inwardly while mounting outwardly, though undeserving, to the topmost height of rule. Know then that I am stricken with so great sorrow that I can scarcely speak; for the dark shades of grief block up the eyes of my soul. Whatever is beheld is sad, whatever is thought delightful appears to my heart lamentable. For …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
Here my meditation dazzles, and my pen falls out of my hand; the one being not able to conceive, nor the other to describe, that most excellent bliss, and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. iv. 17; Rom. viii. 18)--whereof all the afflictions of this present life are not worthy--which all the elect shall with the blessed Trinity enjoy, from that time that they shall be received with Christ, as joint-heirs (Rom. viii. 17) into that everlasting kingdom of joy. Notwithstanding, we may take a scantling thereof. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ruth 1:6 NIVRuth 1:6 NLTRuth 1:6 ESVRuth 1:6 NASBRuth 1:6 KJV
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