Ruth 1:19

“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem, etc.] Went on their way directly till they came to it, without lingering or staying by the way, at least not unnecessarily, and not for any time; and they kept together, though Ruth was a younger woman, and could have gone faster, yet she kept company with her ancient mother, and was no doubt very much edified and instructed by her pious conversation; and it seems that they were alone, only they two; for as they had no camels nor asses to ride on, but were obliged to travel on foot, so they had no servants to wait upon them, and assist them in their journey, such were their mean circumstances: and it came to pass, when they were come to…”

“THEY COME TO BETH-LEHEM. (Rut 1:19-22) all the city was moved about them--The present condition of Naomi, a forlorn and desolate widow, presented so painful a contrast to the flourishing state of prosperity and domestic bliss in which she had been at her departure.”

“And they said - i. e. the women of Bethlehem said. “They” in the Hebrew is feminine. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Is this - Is this she that formerly lived in so much plenty and honour? How marvelously is her condition changed? Ruth 1:20”

“all the city: From this it would appear that Naomi was not only well known, but also highly respected at Beth-lehem. a proof that Elimelech was of high consideration at that place. Mat 21:10 Is this Naomi: Isa 23:7; Lam 2:15 Ruth 1:20”

“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the whole town was in commotion on their account (תּהם, imperf. Niph. of הוּם, as in Sa1 4:5; Kg1 1:45). They said, "Is this Naomi?" The subject to תּאמרנה is the inhabitants of the town, but chiefly the female portion of the inhabitants, who were the most excited at Naomi's return. This is the simplest way of explaining the use of the feminine in the verbs תּאמרנה and תּקראנה. In these words there was an expression of amazement, not so much at the fact that Naomi was still alive, and had come back again, as at her returning in so mournful a condition, as a solitary widow, without either husband or sons; for she replied ( Rut…”