The Book of Ruth: Exploring the Theme of Redemption

If this Bible book were turned into a movie, it would stand out for its emphasis on female relationships. No shootouts, explosions, or chases, but rather the engaging story of two women, woven with abundant dialogues, represented in 55 out of 85 total verses.

We will explore this wonderful and powerful narrative, offering moments of reflection and meaningful experiences. Despite the sadness that permeates the story of two women who have lost everything, we will discover how the presence of God manifests powerfully, even in unexpected ways.

The Book of Ruth, unique in the Bible for the lack of physical miracles, presents us with a continuous testimony of the presence, power, and providence of a loving God. We will explore the beauty of small moments, addressing the theme of real-life change that encourages those who are hurt or discouraged.

This book offers support to those who believe that God has something better for their lives despite adverse circumstances. Through the story of Ruth, let's immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of sweetness, friendship, hope, serene courage, and faithfulness, despite adversities.

Finally, the Book of Ruth, centered on two women, provides a plot of female relationships different from the usual: no jealousy or rivalry, but friendship, selflessness, loyalty, commitment, and deep and lasting affections. Let's explore the theme of redemption, symbolized by the Hebrew word "goel," which appears 13 times, meaning to be redeemed from an unhappy or sinful condition.

---

Chapter 1 of the book of Ruth

Today, we'll explore together chapter 1 of the book of Ruth, focusing our attention on verses 1-18. This chapter opens during the period of the Judges, an era characterized by the lack of a king in Israel and a context where everyone did what was right in their own eyes, as stated in the last verse of the book of Judges (Judges 21:25).

The beginning of the book of Ruth prompts us to reflect on the famine that strikes the land during those days. A famine that leads Elimelech, the head of the family, to make a decision that will have profound consequences. Elimelech's name, which means "God is my king," seems to contrast with his action of moving from Bethlehem in Judah to Moab in search of refuge.

Bethlehem, "the house of bread," takes on symbolic meaning in the biblical context, and Elimelech's decision to abandon it in a time of difficulty highlights a lack of faith. Despite the proximity of Moab, Elimelech's choice proves to be a mistake, taking his family away from the promised land.

The names of Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, meaning "sickly" and "weary" respectively, might suggest that their birth was not without difficulty. The use of prophetic names in biblical culture is common, and here it seems to emphasize the challenges the family is about to face.

The decision to move to Moab is even more significant considering Moab's history in Scriptures. Moab's descent from an act of incest is indicated in Genesis 19 when Lot's daughters conceive by him. This connection with deceit and immorality makes Moab not only forbidden but also morally ambiguous.

The author highlights Elimelech's dilemma in living in accordance with his name ("God is my king") while acting contrary to divine will. This situation is not unfamiliar to many people today who profess faith but choose paths that seem right in their own eyes, without considering God's will.

Tragedy befalls the family when Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi widowed with two sons. Mahlon and Chilion decide to marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. This choice, besides breaking divine laws, ties them to women from an idolatrous culture, distant from true worship of God.

The story becomes even more intense when Mahlon and Chilion also die, leaving Naomi without a husband and sons. This tragic event prompts Naomi to make the decision to return to Bethlehem, especially when she learns that the famine in Judah has ended.

Naomi's return to Bethlehem marks a crucial point in the narrative. It can be speculated that the reason for the return is not only the end of the famine but also the recognition of her own mistakes and the willingness to face the consequences of past choices.

The story becomes even more complicated when Naomi advises her daughters-in-law to return to their Moabite families, hoping they can rebuild their lives away from her. This moment is crucial, highlighting Ruth's loyalty and deep bond with Naomi.

Ruth, with touching words, expresses her decision to stay with Naomi. Her loyalty extends beyond family ties, reaching out to the people and the God of Israel. Her declaration of faithfulness is often celebrated during wedding ceremonies and underscores her commitment not only to her mother-in-law but also to God.

Ruth's decision to follow Naomi to Bethlehem is an extraordinary act of faith. This act of "repentance," turning away from Moab and directing steps toward Bethlehem, represents a turning point in the protagonist's story.

The story of Ruth, therefore, becomes a powerful example of how a single decision, driven by faith and obedience to God, can change the course of life and even influence world history. Ruth, a Moabite woman and sinner, becomes the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, the "bread of life" born in Bethlehem.

The challenge this narrative poses to us is to reflect on our daily decisions. Are we like Elimelech, who, while professing faith, acts based on what seems right in our eyes, disregarding God's will? Or are we ready to follow Ruth's example, choosing the path of faithfulness to God even when it seems counter-cultural?

The fundamental message here is that one decision can shape our destiny. Each of us is called to consider our choices and act in line with God's will, leaving any "Moab" in our lives to embrace His will in Bethlehem. May this story of Ruth inspire us to make choices enlightened by faith and to follow the path that leads to true life, in the will of God.