Rth 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 Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
The time of the Judges was dark for people did what was right in their own eyes! Elimelech, Naomi & their two sons left for Moab! After 10 years, her husband died and their two married sons also died leaving three childless widows!
Rth 1:16-17, But Ruth said: “…For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God… The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
Ruth saw Naomi’s faith even in times of trouble! She didn’t blame the LORD, but she blamed herself for leaving the promised land! Ruth clung to her and decided to leave her old life behind trusting in the GOD of Naomi!
Rth 1:21, I went out full, and the LORD has BROUGHT ME HOME AGAIN EMPTY. … the LORD HAS TESTIFIED AGAINST ME, AND THE ALMIGHTY HAS AFFLICTED ME?”
SHE LOST EVERYTHING BUT HER FAITH IN GOD! AND SHE RETURNED TO HER GOD! OFTEN AFFLICTION EITHER BRINGS US CLOSER TO GOD OR DRIVES US AWAY!
Hos 14:1, O ISRAEL, RETURN TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, FOR YOU HAVE STUMBLED BECAUSE OF YOUR INIQUITY;