The Old Testament book of Ruth reads almost like a play. It has well-crafted dramatic dialogue, compelling characters, and rich imagery. While the story may be familiar to you, during this study we will move slowly through the text, taking time to notice every detail and savor each splendid truth.

As the curtain rises, the unknown author of the book gives some background: “In the days when the judges ruled” (v. 1). His original audience lived during the time of the kings—a more stable and prosperous age. But for them, this opening sentence would have brought to mind the moral and spiritual depravity, which had prevailed in that previous age. The love story of Ruth and Boaz will stand in dramatic relief against the chaotic backdrop.

Next, the author sets the stage by giving us the inciting incident—“there was a famine in the land.” This famine was possibly a punishment for Israel’s disobedience and idolatry. Deuteronomy 28, verse 48 lists “hunger” as one curse God may bring if His people worship other gods.

Then, we are introduced to key characters, including “a man from Bethlehem in Judah,…his wife and two sons” (v. 1). Ironically, the name Bethlehem means “house of bread,” but when there was no longer any bread available, the family had to act. They traveled to Moab to “live for a while” (v. 1). The journey was 50 miles, which would have taken them 7–10 days, a relatively short, but nonetheless dangerous, trip. More concerning was the fact that Moab was an enemy of Israel. Moving to Moab was an unusual, even dangerous decision, no doubt influenced by a desperate situation. In verse 2, the family members are named. It’s important to note that Elimelek means “my god is king,” and Naomi means “beautiful, pleasant, and good.” They were Ephrathites, which will later become deeply significant. No detail is wasted.

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