In chapter 1, we are introduced to a happy Hebrew family residing in the country of Judah, in the city of Bethlehem.

How do I know they were happy?

Check out their names. Elimelech means, “God is my King;” Naomi means “pleasant;” and, according to Our Nearest Kinsman by Roy Hession, Mahlon means “song;” while Chilion means “satisfaction.”

This family was one where God was King; where there was pleasantness, song, and satisfaction. Why? Because they resided in the city of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem means, “House of Bread,” and it is the city where Jesus, the Bread of Life, would be born centuries later. No wonder there was satisfaction and pleasantness in Elimelech’s family. No wonder there were songs and happiness. God was their King and they were living in the House of Bread.

Gang, we will always be a happy, blessed, successful people if we dwell in the House of Bread, which is the Word of God. When we eat of Heavenly manna, we will experience earthly happiness.

How do I know this?

Psalm 1 declares that the man who meditates in the Word and who delights in the Law of the Lord will be like a tree whose leaf does not wither, a tree which prospers in whatever it does. Picture, if you would, a strong oak tree. What is an oak tree? An oak tree is simply a little nut that refused to give ground. I like that! Because that’s what we are. We’re all little nuts, and all a little nutty. But if we refuse to give ground, and plant our roots in the Word of God - if we study it, meditate on it, devour it, and make it top priority in our lives - we will find ourselves growing in strength and stability. We will find ourselves experiencing God’s blessing.