This verse from Ruth 1:7 is a simple statement of movement and intent, but it's loaded with implied context:
"She" refers to Naomi. Naomi is the central figure in the Book of Ruth. She is a Hebrew woman who, with her husband and two sons, had left Bethlehem in Judah during a famine and settled in Moab. Her husband and sons have all died in Moab.
"Went out of the place where she was" This means Naomi left Moab, where she had been living. The implication is she is leaving her adopted home.
"and her two daughters-in-law with her" Naomi's two sons had married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. This clause emphasizes that Naomi is not alone in her decision to return to Judah.
"They went on the way to return to the land of Judah" This is the key point. Naomi has heard that the famine in Judah has ended (verse 6), and she is making the decision to return to her homeland. The fact that her daughters-in-law are with her indicates a potential for a major shift in their lives as well.
In summary, Ruth 1:7 marks the beginning of Naomi's journey back to her roots, and it introduces the important element of her daughters-in-law, whose loyalty and decisions will drive the rest of the story. It sets the stage for themes of loss, loyalty, redemption, and the inclusion of outsiders into the Israelite community.
This verse from Ruth 1:7 is a simple statement of movement and intent, but it's loaded with implied context:
"She" refers to Naomi. Naomi is the central figure in the Book of Ruth. She is a Hebrew woman who, with her husband and two sons, had left Bethlehem in Judah during a famine and settled in Moab. Her husband and sons have all died in Moab.
"Went out of the place where she was" This means Naomi left Moab, where she had been living. The implication is she is leaving her adopted home.
"and her two daughters-in-law with her" Naomi's two sons had married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. This clause emphasizes that Naomi is not alone in her decision to return to Judah.
"They went on the way to return to the land of Judah" This is the key point. Naomi has heard that the famine in Judah has ended (verse 6), and she is making the decision to return to her homeland. The fact that her daughters-in-law are with her indicates a potential for a major shift in their lives as well.
In summary, Ruth 1:7 marks the beginning of Naomi's journey back to her roots, and it introduces the important element of her daughters-in-law, whose loyalty and decisions will drive the rest of the story. It sets the stage for themes of loss, loyalty, redemption, and the inclusion of outsiders into the Israelite community.