This lovely little book of Ruth is set shortly after the children of Israel conquered the Promised Land. The book begins with a time of famine (v1), which in Old Testament times spoke of God’s judgment (see Deuteronomy 32 v24). This note of judgment overshadows this first section.

We are introduced to Elimelech whose name means God is King (v1-2). Sadly Elimelech showed by his actions that God was not his king as he left the Promised Land to go to pagan Moab. There his two sons marry Moabite women (v4) which was forbidden in God’s law (see Deuteronomy 7 v3-4; 23 v3-6).

The death of Elimelech (v3) and his  sons (v5) appears to be God’s judgment. In life when we are faithful to God we will face storms (see Mark 4 v35-37). Sometimes though the storms we face are down to our sin (see Jonah 1 v1-4).

God is a God of love but we must not be casual about obedience as we will reap what we sow (see Galatians 6 v7-9).