The scene is laid in Bethlehem of Judea, which is situated some six miles south of Jerusalem, and also in Moab beyond the Jordan, bordering on and east of the Dead Sea. During the reign of the Judges a grievous famine spread throughout the land of Judah. Elimelich, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Maholon and Chilton, determined to immigrate into the country of Moab beyond the Jordan Rover. There seems to have been no absolute necessity for this sojourn. Others continued to remain in Judea and tided over the period of distress. 

While it would seem that upon their arrival in Moab they were well received by Eglon, the King of Moab, yet they did not prosper. The two sons married daughters of Moab. Mahlon, the eldest son, married Ruth (some writers say that Ruth was the young daughter of King Eglon), and Chilton married Orphah. Both women appear to have been model wives. Within ten years, however, Elimelech and his two sons died childless, and were buried in the land of Moab. Noami was left in destitute circumstances. Her heart and her spirit were broken. She felt that God had deserted her - the last link which bound her to earth was torn away. "The heart knows it's own bitterness." Thus, apparently, she is alone. What does the human heart dread more than to be utterly alone!  Loneliness, how can we define it? One must experience it to know its real depth. "Kings and priest, warrior and maiden, philosopher and child -- all must walk those mighty galleries alone."   Naomi yearned for her old home and the home friends and resolved to return to Bethlehem again. 

This story is the classic example of true and tried friendship between two women. It is often compared with David and Jonathan, and Damon and Pythias. It is the passionate love of a girl for her mother-in-law. 

RUTH
From Moab's hills the stranger comes,
By sorrow tried, widowed by death;
She comes to Judah's goodly homes,
Led by the trusting hand of faith.
Ye friends of god, a welcome lend
The fair and virtuous Ruth to-day;
A cheerful heart and hand extend.
And wipe the widow's tears away.
She leaves her childhood's home, and all
That brothers, friends and parents gave;
The flowery fields, the lordly hall,
The green sod o'er her husband's grave;
Ye friends of God, a welcome lend

The fair and virtuous Ruth to-day;
A cheerful heart and hand extend,
And wipe the widow's tears away.
She leaves the gods her people own --
Soulless and weak, they're hers no more;
Jehovah, He is God alone,
And Him her spirit will adore.

Ye friends of God, a welcome lend
The fair and virtuous Ruth to-day;
A cheerful heart and hand extend,
And wipe the widow's tears away.
By Rob Morris

TO RUTH
"Uncomplaining"
When we learn to give up idols,
Worship just the God of Truth,
Walk the hard road of endurance
With our uncomplaining Ruth,
Then our patience will grow greatly,
And our love will be complete;
As we humbly glean together
To obtain our Sheaf of Wheat.
We entreat her not to leave us,
But to serve with us, in Truth;
Then our God, and all our peoples
Will be One, who serve with Ruth