WebBecause of a severe famine in Judea, he emigrated to the land of Moab with his wife and his sons, Mahlon and Chilion. She would go where Naomi went and live where she lived. Even if I thought that there was hope that I could get married tonight and conceive sons, 13 surely you would not want to wait until they were old enough to marry! Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. named after him.) The family, compelled to emigrate to Moab through pressure of a famine, settled for several years in that country. Major Gift. The story in the book tells that Naomi plans to Dagn ), the Syrian and Canaanite god of seed, vegetation, and crops. We assume that names of Biblical characters are not accidental but reflect their essense or memorialize pivotal events of their lives. The danger of practicing pragmatism above principle. A Christian wife is having difficulties in her relationship with her husband, and she shares this with a Christian friend. Create a Memorial We, too, live in very pragmatic times, and those who live by principle especially the principles of Gods Word are few and far between. Born. As you will recall, Mrs. Orpah succumbed to Naomis reasoning and chose to pursue what appeared to be in her best interest. Jethro had seven daughters who served as his shepherdesses. In our text (as in Judges and everywhere else in Scripture), man looks bad, very bad, and God looks good, very good. The name of Achimelech, the priest who gave aid to David at Nob, reflects his elevated stature (Leviticus Rabbah 1,3) and Malchizedek was the King of Salem (Malkiel in Numbers 25, 24 deserves a separate discussion). Amen (Romans 11:33-36). Follow your sister-in-law back home! 16 But Ruth replied. She was one who received Gods blessings because she blessed one of Abrahams offspring by remaining with her and committing to care for her.28 Ruth was a woman who committed herself for a lifetime, and she did so in spite of her national pride, her family affections, the example of her sister-in-law, and the urgings of her mother-in-law. The term she used to refer to Him Shaddai was a term that emphasized Gods great power. There is no doubt that this is a great honor and privilege for a woman. We read of the origin of the Moabites in Genesis 19,3 just after the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 26 The way they acquired the 400 wives by wiping out Jabesh Gilead is no more noble. When we met, I had no idea who he was, but he introduced himself something like this, Hi, Bob, Im Nate Mirza. T -6d$zA ^C(D`Ed8 BR. Elamtu), region on the edge of the southwestern part of the Iranian plateau, modern Khuzistan, Sidon His counsel (even though it effectively called God a liar) was given as though it were in her best interest. Lot fled with his daughters and was living in a cave. Encyclopedia.com. Call me Mara because the Sovereign One has treated me very harshly. Naomis hope was in the physical rather than in the spiritual, in the present rather than in eternity. Beware of well-meaning advice that is not rooted in Scripture and that is supportive of what you would really like to do, rather than what God commands us to do. 35 Or who has first given to God, that God needs to repay him? She urged her daughters-in-law to return to their mothers home, with the expectation that the LORD would bless them with security in a marriage to a new12 Moabite husband. Follow your sister-in-law back home! (Ruth 1:15). To him be glory forever! (6) Most (if not all) of Naomis actions, attitudes, and advice were misguided and downright wrong. WebThe Bible Exposition Commentary: The meaning of redemption. There were no state registries or social security numbers and names served a much more fluid purpose than they do today. Dedicate an Article And one of these two Ruth is a Moabite, not an Israelite. 11 In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. Ruth 4:9 Now that Orpah has decided to turn back, Naomi appears to have more leverage. That strongly suggests that she was still a Moabite at heart, still an idolater at heart. 20 Yet the children born during your time of bereavement will say within your hearing. Bildungswesen. Religion. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Elimelech Weisblum 1717 Tykocin, Kingdom of Poland. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend (Isaiah 55:8-11). Text Copyright 2005 by Rabbi Dr. Meir Levin and Torah.org. Due to the famine in Israel during the time of the Judges, Elimelech crossed over to Moab, where he and his two sons died. A godly Israelite would not only trust in the one true God, Yahweh, they would also know that there are no other gods. 22 Feb. 2023
. She then kissed both of them, a very clear signal of dismissal. The first chapter of Ruth is very important because our appraisal of Ruth, Naomi, and (soon) Boaz in the first chapters of Ruth will greatly shape our understanding of the rest of the book. The NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION, also known as THE NET BIBLE, is a completely new translation of the Bible, not a revision or an update of a previous English version. That person is a true Jew at heart. Somehow God wrote His law on Ruths heart, not unlike Tamar and Rahab, her predecessors. Second, Naomis words are even more forceful here,14 issuing Ruth a command to leave her. I was bereaved and barren, dismissed and divorced. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with Clearly as quite young men. The younger daughter then did likewise and bore a son named Ammon. (One was named Orpah and the other Ruth.) ." Naomi doesnt mention that these women would likely not find an Israelite husband. Do clownfish have a skeleton or exoskeleton. Naomi and her sons lived in Moab for ten years and then both Mahlon and Kilion died as well, childless. It is not Naomis belief in the sovereignty of God that troubles me as much as how she applies it. "Elimelech I am reminded of Satans strategy in the Garden of Eden. . RACHEL (Heb. Moabs hostility and opposition to Israel continued on into the period of the Judges. His faithfulness to His people and to His covenant is at a time when His people are not faithful to Him and when they are living in disregard for His law. Perhaps he was not even fully aware of this failing but God was. Web(5) And they died. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? The closing chapters of the Book of Judges contain some of the most gruesome accounts in all of the Bible homosexual Benjamites want to rape a guest in their city; a woman is brutally gang raped by these same men; her husband seems more than willing to sacrifice her to save his life, and then he chops her dead body into twelve pieces which he delivers to every part of Israel. Lots daughters, the Israelites (on behalf of the Benjamites), and Naomi are inclined to resort to a pragmatic solution, rather than one that is faith-based and rooted in principle. Naomis people (Israel) would be her people, and Naomis God would be her God. Both were related to Naomi in the same way. This is the origin of the Moabites and the Ammonites. I will be their God and they will be my people (Jeremiah 31:33). 17 See Ruth 4:17, 21-22. In spite of the fact that Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and his two sons (Mahlon and Kilion) are living according to the spirit of their day (doing what is right in their own eyes), two people (Ruth and Boaz) stand out as examples of those who live by faith in the God of Israel, and whose lives exemplify living in accordance with Gods Word. The oldest daughter went first, bearing a son whom she named Moab. Naomi, so to speak, put all of her eggs into one basket marriage and bearing children. We know of Abimelech, son of the leader Gideon and Abimelech, the King of Gerar. Once again I would suggest that Naomis strong urging for Ruth and Orpah to return was as much for her interests as for her daughters-in-law. 10 The rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return, but instead water the earth and make it produce and yield crops, and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat. %PDF-1.5
As I was studying our text for this message, it occurred to me that the text which describes the origin of the Moabites in Genesis 19 is a key to understanding the story of Ruth, and especially Naomis role in this account. But he by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children and childrens children, to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:6-7, emphasis mine). These are the times of darkness when godliness should shine forth as a brilliant light. She was full when she had a husband and two sons; now she was empty, for all she had was Ruth. xkOF;GBYH6=3fn=3_]o{09j?]YNvflo'N_~iv4:8N.N";>5"!2M*bNH$!E/EA@e|h9!MSrj:3Y^&!:Xqw-8O?n#-"XY+;-ZN$ayCp}k _F+w +g du]yB2 (0#`2BYfeu(pV,!g\A:>ffY)Yr,gl}*>3|5g-a>F#oE|v0m7G;o}\B,=y"Z|GMogbAD[ J6tW8!jm4GIt\ul4yg2b>x|YH&-B(k7zk4%>5z$@Q8nK+ja4aAqTND&QqM @%(g]v/mnn-vTY2^JrxVNgl/'u:K-cdw>-xs_X0$%.$f#X2l| @n:c
0/#S=>k"ey4=^Gy^tb^ e All rights reserved. His oldest daughter concluded that their father would die without an heir. iddunnu) comes from the root , Hadad Which is greater 36 yards 2 feet and 114 feet 2 inch? Someone reminded me that the Book of Ruth is a lot like the Book of Esther. She has no husband to father sons, and she is too old to bear children anyway. They did not seem to live by it, so why would they consider it important to teach it to a Moabite? Web- And Elimelech Naomi's husband died. He was one of the c, JETHRO Mahlon chose a young woman named Ruth, but he also died shortly thereafter. We find Ruth contrasted with Orpah, and then with Naomi. But Ruth refuses to abandon Naomi and clings to her tightly. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your children will conquer nations and will resettle desolate cities (Isaiah 54:1-3). A famine plagued Israel in the days of the judges. 6 So she decided to return home from the region of Moab, accompanied by her daughters-in-law, because while she was living in Moab she had heard that the Lord had shown concern for his people, reversing the famine by providing abundant crops. I hate to say this, but after being involved in ministry for many years, I would have to say that some of the worst counsel I have ever heard has come from well-meaning Christians. Here is a story that not only warms our hearts, it encourages our faith by unveiling the providential hand of God in bringing salvation and blessing during one of the darkest periods in history. My impression is that Naomi had changed not only in her appearance (she may not have aged well in Moab), but also in spirit. And she was honored to be a part of the messianic line.34. (3) One gets the impression that those who remained in Bethlehem fared reasonably well during the famine; certainly better than Naomi and her family did. God is always at his work. The ultimate test is the Word of God and Naomis counsel, while it sometimes used Gods name, did not conform to Gods Word. It is no wonder that Naomi speaks to her daughters-in-law about husbands, marriage, and children, because this is what is on her mind. Apparently Elimelech abandoned his people because they scorned their leaders. ,), Midianite priest and father-in-law of *Moses. 25 Translations differ here, but I think that this daughters choice of words is very important to consider. Not long afterward he died, and his two sons married Moabite Who thinks of Orpah today? How could Naomi point them in the wrong direction? It is not only Ruth and Naomi who benefit from Gods work in the Book of Ruth, for everyone who has been saved by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ has been saved by the offspring of Ruth and Boaz. Naomis third appeal is to Ruth alone, based on Orpahs decision to return home. But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. Here the name reflects the mans essence.The name of one was Peleg, for in his days, the entire world became divided (ni-peleg-a) (Geneis 10,25) This name was was given for Dispersion (after the Tower of Babel) that occurred during Pelegs lifetime. , Akk. From these events, we can easily see that the Moabites were no friend to Israel. Think of it: Naomi and her husband leave the land where God promised to bless them. The Midrash explains: What does a fox watch out for in the ruins? And so this older daughter persuaded her younger sister that both of them needed to get their father drunk, and then each should lie with him, so that they might produce offspring for their father. There is no reason for you to return to Judah with me! ; Akkad. When I realized this, I blurted out, What a witch!, much to the surprise of the rest of the class. The benchmark by which we need to compare Ruth and Naomi is the Abrahamic Covenant: 1 Now the LORD said to Abram, Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father's household to the land that I will show you. This is completely secular thinking. 5 Then Naomis two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, also died. And they continued to live there about ten years. Elimelech was severely punished for his failings but the good within him was preserved and rewarded and he became the progenitor of the Royal line. 17 Wherever you die, I will die and there I will be buried. The crises of life are Gods pop quizzes, times when He puts our faith to the test, times when He gives us an opportunity to put our faith on display. In her second effort, Naomi insists that her daughters-in-law must not return with her because it would only cause them to endure some of her affliction (verse 13). In addition, why would a private individual carry a name that signifies royalty. Now it is true that Machlon, Kilyon, and Elimelech pass quickly from the scene and Orpah follows them soon thereafter. He arose and fled from them (Ruth Rabbah 1, 4). Apparently he was willing to help only if he wears the mantly of authority. God had just destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great sin. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. It follows, therefore, that these characters must be important in setting the theme of the book. 12 The word new is not in the original text. The mans name was Elimelech. And they will do this because they believe they are doing their friend a favor. In short, Naomi is a picture of Israels spiritual condition at this point in their history. ), Handbook of Ugaritic Studies (1999), index, 841. Both women initially refused to heed Naomis exhortation to leave her and return to Moab. I believe the opening words of A Tale of Two Cities go like this: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . Surely these words aptly describe Ruth in the period of the judges. Lot and his two daughters are now living in a cave. Would man who truly believes that His God is King abandon his people at the time of famine? Naomi was married to Elimelech and had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They came empty (at least according to Naomis assessment see verse 21), but God would not let them go hungry (or childless). Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. Lot was turned to salt because she looked back at the city. No details, however, are given, as, on the one hand, no blame is attached to the conduct A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? This was a violation of the Mosaic law (De 7:3; 23:3; Ezr 9:2; Ne 13:23); and Jewish writers say that the early deaths of both the young men were divine judgments inflicted on them for those unlawful connections. His name was Nate Mirza. In such a declared emergency, she reasoned, they must take extraordinary measures. They arrived, in fact, just in time for the barley harvest. It has been supplied by the translators. We should first note that Naomis words here are prompted by Orpahs decision to return home. A few years later, king Saul will offer the sacrifices, even though he was instructed to wait for Samuel, all because Saul felt this was a crisis that justified setting aside obedience in faith to Gods Word.27. From Ruth 4:13, one might infer that God prevented both Orpah and Ruth from bearing children to their husbands. The suffering of His people, whether for sins they have committed or for living righteously, is but the prelude to His glorious salvation. They would be a reminder that Elimelech and Naomi had left Bethlehem when the going got tough. In addition, anyone who wants to share the Bible with others can print unlimited copies and give them away free to others. It must be, the Sages reasoned, that Elimelech misread his destiny. This makes perfect sense when we consider that Biblical individuals were called by several different names over their lifetimes and that names were given in remembrance of major events. In her mind, this was the normal, the customary, way to produce offspring. I would be very reluctant to conclude that Ruths husband or his parents taught her the law. We know that this backfired because Balaam could not curse those whom God had blessed.5 When this approach did not work, Balaam counseled Balak how to harm Israel in a very different way by having the Moabite women seduce the Israelite men.6 One might easily infer from this that the Moabites, like the Canaanites, were a sexually immoral people (in a way that tempted the Israelites). It is not for us to say how far those are right who see in the death of Elimelech and his sons Gods punishment for the disregard of His Orpah and Ruth were committed to returning to Israel with their mother-in-law. . 36 In this way both of Lots daughters became pregnant by their father. Anyone anywhere in the world with an Internet connection will be able to use and print out the NET Bible without cost for personal study. There may have been others who traveled to Moab with Elimelech and his family, but the author does not make a point of telling this to his readers. Now it's ironic that he left Bethlehem because he was afraid he couldn't survive there, yet he went over into Moab and died anyway. It seems that they are pointing out a certain disconnect between the name and the behavior. To do it any other way was to disobey God. , ' eylam; Elamite halhatamti; Akk. Even if she were able to bear children, it would be unreasonable for these two widows to wait 20 years for replacement husbands. No, in Naomis mind there was no good reason to remain with her as she returned to her homeland. WebPrevious commentary: Next commentary: About this commentary: are made available by the generosity of . But here is where the similarity ends. This is entirely consistent with Old Testament history and with the warnings recorded in Leviticus 26:18-20 and Deuteronomy 28:23-24. Im an Assyrian not a Syrian. The Bearing children was to be done Gods way. Naomi seems to be encouraging Ruth to accompany Orpah as she returns home. and lifts up the needy from the garbage pile, 9 He makes the barren woman of the family. How did Elimelech know that strict justice was (loose) in the world? The Messianic seed was often put at risk in the Old Testament. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. The barley harvest will play a significant role in moving this story forward in the next two chapters. Dagon first appears as an important and widely, Rachel Ordinarily it would be translated as, My God is King. Elimelech was Naomi's husband. Her God is all powerful, but not merciful and gracious. He was right, but, was there, perhaps, a personal element in his reaction? WebElimelech was a member of the tribe of Judah, a native of Bethlehem Judah, a man of wealth and probably head of a family or clan ( Ruth 1:2,3; 2:1,3 ). Naomi saw singleness (widowhood for her) and childlessness as a curse, while Paul taught that singleness could facilitate ministry to others and to God (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). "Elimelech 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. Due to the famine in Israel during the time of the Judges, Elimelech crossed over to Moab, where he and his two sons died. Following their deaths, his wife Naomi returned to Beth-Lehem together with her daughter-in-law *Ruth (Ruth 1:13; 2:1, 3; 4:3, 9). There Ruth married *Boaz, one of Elimelech's relatives. You must not bow down to their gods; you must not serve them or do according to their practices. The name (Phoen. Her name means "ewe," while that of her siste, Elam For I am too old to get married again. What a relief it is to leave Judges behind and come to the Book of Ruth! SIDON (also Zidon ; Heb. Judah married a Canaanite woman, and two of his sons died because of their sin. 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In Moab for ten years and then with Naomi succumbed to Naomis reasoning and chose to pursue appeared. Levin and Torah.org webthe Bible Exposition commentary: the meaning of redemption or without credit to that... Journal, Eng but I think that this is a Moabite at heart, still an idolater heart! His two sons die, I will be their God and they will do because... Most ( if not all ) of Naomis actions, attitudes, and his two daughters are now in!, I blurted out, what a witch!, much to the Book of Ruth two Ruth a... Relief it is to Ruth alone, based on Orpahs decision to return home of God that troubles as! Then Naomis two sons married Moabite who thinks of Orpah today behind and come the.
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