3 Sometime later Naomis husband Elimelech died, so she and her two sons were left alone. It provides us with a look at the life of the common person in Israel 21 I left here full, but the Lord has caused me to return empty-handed. His oldest daughter concluded that their father would die without an heir. It purposefully draws our attention to it, for it first tells us that a man went out and then tells us that the name of the man was Elimelech. 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. There is literally a gap between the man and what he called himself. Naomi was preoccupied with the here and now, rather than trusting in Gods covenant promises by faith. . where did these children come from? (Isaiah 49:20-21). (1) There is no clear link to a particular time, to a particular judge, or to a particular event recorded in the Book of Judges. God sees things not as we see them. When I realized this, I blurted out, What a witch!, much to the surprise of the rest of the class. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with Not long afterward he died, and his two sons married Moabite She gave them very pragmatic counsel, based upon what could be seen, rather than on Gods Word and the principle of faith. W. Moran, The Amarna Letters (1992), 326; W. Watson and N. Wyatt (eds. He lived during the period of the Judges, had a hereditary possession near Bethlehem, and is chiefly known as the husband of Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ru and ancestress of David the king. In our text (as in Judges and everywhere else in Scripture), man looks bad, very bad, and God looks good, very good. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. 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. 14 In her first attempt, Naomi issues a parting blessing, punctuated by a farewell kiss (verse 9). In addition, anyone who wants to share the Bible with others can print unlimited copies and give them away free to others. As Orpah kisses Naomi goodbye and turns back toward home, Ruth clings all the more tightly to her mother-in-law. Thus, we cannot say with certainty that the story of Ruth occurs late in the period of the judges, though this seems likely. 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? Ordinarily it would be translated as, My God is King. 3 0 obj
In Ugaritic documents of the 13th century the name is written Imlk and pronounced either Ili-Milku or Ili-Malku. Webelimelech Due to the famine in Israel during the time of the Judges, Elimelech crossed over to Moab, where he and his two sons died. Elimelech died and left Naomi in the care of their two sons, who eventually married Moabitish women. And so they, like Lots daughters (the oldest one in particular), devised a scheme whereby the line would be preserved, albeit apart from faith and obedience to Gods Word. Best Answer. First, she insisted that Naomi must cease urging her to turn back. Web1290 BC Elimelech dies, likely stricken by God for abandoning his inheritance, allowing his two sons to marry Moabites and not joining the battle against Benjamin in Judges 20. ). Pay attention to do everything I have told you, and do not even mention the names of other gods do not let them be heard on your lips (Exodus 23:13). God had just destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great sin. Jethro had seven daughters who served as his shepherdesses. God loves to show mercy and compassion. 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. The mans name was Elimelech. In an effort to escape the famine, a man named Elimelech took his family to Moab, where he intended for his family to sojourn until the famine ended.10 How could he have imagined how long his family would stay? They need new or different husbands to marry and to bear children. WebRuth 1:3. Naomi and her sons lived in Moab for ten years and then both Mahlon and Kilion died as well, childless. This is the edited manuscript of Lesson 1 in the series, Ruth: A Story of Redemption, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh on January 10, 2010. endobj
But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. Cholim Prayers for Those in Need, Make a Donation Who was Elimelech? Judaism. Had you done so, you would have been able to even withstand Gods anger (Petichta Ruth Rabbah 5). 34 So in the morning the older daughter said to the younger, Since I had sexual relations with my father last night, lets make him drunk again tonight. Is the volume of resulting sugar mixture equal more than or less than the sum (20 ml sugar 50 ml water ) of the volumes of the unmixed sugar and water? 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. 2 Kings 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. The resolution to these irregularities is primarily exegetical. Ill attempt to support my conclusions as we proceed in our study of this book. The focus is usually on one person and not on the group. 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). Somehow God wrote His law on Ruths heart, not unlike Tamar and Rahab, her predecessors. Now it is true that Machlon, Kilyon, and Elimelech pass quickly from the scene and Orpah follows them soon thereafter. It was a bad start, and sadly things didnt get any better over time. Lot and his two daughters are now living in a cave. Stated in the words of the author of Judges, every man (and woman) was doing what was right in their own eyes. Here is a woman who is not walking by faith, but by sight, who is not living according to the law, but in disregard for it. It seems that they are pointing out a certain disconnect between the name and the behavior. And they will do this because they believe they are doing their friend a favor. . You will note from the first verse of chapter 1 that the setting for the story of Ruth is the times of the judges. The contrast between Naomi and Ruth is very clear when the two womens words and actions are viewed from the vantage point of the Abrahamic Covenant. Elimelech died, whereupon Mahlon and Chilion both married local women. The Hebrew term Elohim is plural, but some render it god here, and others gods. Chemosh appears to be the primary Moabite god, but there may well have been others. Word had reached Naomi in Moab that God had visited His people by ending the famine and providing abundant crops back in Israel. What a marvelous woman of faith Ruth was. The contrast between Ruth and Naomi. She seems to have little or no conviction regarding her sins, the sins of her husband, or of the sins of the nation. 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices for each item listed. For I am too old to get married again. Naomi tended to focus only on herself, on her lack of sons to give in marriage, and on her lack of a child to carry on the family line. 20 Yet the children born during your time of bereavement will say within your hearing. Clearly as quite young men. The all-powerful God was making Naomis life miserable, so she thought and said. 4 The LORD said to Moses, Arrest all the leaders of the people, and hang them up before the LORD in broad daylight, so that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. 5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, Each of you must execute those of his men who were joined to Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-5). Wouldnt it be better for the two of them to travel together? 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! 15 They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, 16 on the day when God will judge the secrets of human hearts, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus (Romans 2:12-16, emphasis mine). But here is where the similarity ends. More tears are shed. Perhaps he was not even fully aware of this failing but God was. Ruth 4:9 We will return with you to your people., 11 But Naomi replied, Go back home, my daughters! name of Lot's elder daughter's son and the people and land are (6) Most (if not all) of Naomis actions, attitudes, and advice were misguided and downright wrong. Ruths spiritual journey is similar to that of Abraham. Mahlon married Ruth in Moab while Kilion married Ruth's sister Orpah. This is a text that has always puzzled me. There we read of the Sodom-like immorality of some of the Benjamites in the city of Gibeah, which resulted in the near extinction of their tribe. Rabbi Shimon Ben Gamliel said: The ancestors who used the power of Divine Inspiration drew names out of (future) events; we who do not have access to Divine Inspiration, draw names from our forefathers (Genesis Rabbah 37,7)., What does the name Elimelech mean? He arose and fled from them (Ruth Rabbah 1, 4). Apparently he was willing to help only if he wears the mantly of authority. She persuaded her younger sister to help her get him drunk, and then for both of them to sleep with him to produce offspring for him. How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! Copyright Torah.org Project Genesis. WebThe Bible Exposition Commentary: The meaning of redemption. Not only is Naomi unable to provide these women with husbands (and thus with children), God is also dealing harshly with her. Conversely, one who is not a Jew and isnt instructed by the Law may have the law written on his (her) heart, and thus do the things the law requires. He stood and surrounded it with rebuilt walls from three directions. It took two attempts to convince Orpah to turn back and three attempts to convince Naomi that her efforts to turn Ruth away were futile. "I Have Already Written of You Thrice:" Megilat Esther and the Eternal War with Amalek, Many Can Have "Urim" - Power; But Few Have "Tumim" Power. There they made a new home and seemed to do well (the Bible does not give us many details) until Elimelech died. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. And one of these two Ruth is a Moabite, not an Israelite. Take note of the fact that Ruths covenant is not a short-term commitment; it is a lifetime commitment. If I have counted correctly, the term is used 48 times in the Old Testament; 9 times in the Pentateuch, 2 times in Ruth, 2 times in the Psalms, 1 time in Isaiah, 2 times in Ezekiel, 1 time in Joel, and 31 times in Job. 20 It could well be that Orpah had much to say, but the author did not wish to focus on her as she is not the heroine of this story. And she was honored to be a part of the messianic line.34. 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). The two women, now forever bound together by Ruths covenant, continued on their way until they reached Bethlehem. Both were related to Naomi in the same way. But when she urged Ruth to return to her pagan god(s), that was the worst unkindness of all. - In 2012, I became a member of juFORUM, a Germany-wide network of young scientists. But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. It has been supplied by the translators. Just being Jewish and knowing the Law of Moses isnt enough; one must also live by the law. It says in verse three that Elimelech died in Moab. For my intense suffering is too much for you to bear. What a relief it is to leave Judges behind and come to the Book of Ruth! He is slow to anger, and He does forgive sin. Can one, on the other hand, forgive and excuse his deficiencies and the damage that they bring about? And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. Like Moabs mother, the Israelites reasoned that due to their circumstances, an Israelite line might become extinct. We should first note that Naomis words here are prompted by Orpahs decision to return home. Instead, it was God who demonstrated His sovereignty by bringing about the chain of events that culminated in the establishment of monarchy in Israel. Lot and his family were spared, but his wife died (turned to salt) because she looked back. 14 For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. A lion approached and he fought off the lion. 17 Wherever you die, I will die and there I will be buried. Machlon and Chillon died also both of them. Many years later, the Israelites were camped on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho, poised to enter the Promised Land. Naomi told her friend not to call her Naomi (which means pleasant) any longer, but rather to call her Mara (which means bitter). He came alongside Eve as her friend, as someone who was doing her a favor. We certainly are reminded of the sovereignty of God by our text, but unfortunately most of the emphasis on Gods sovereignty in chapter 1 comes from Naomi, and she is not seeing things as she should. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? He went first from Israel, the land of the living, and led them thence, and so he now goeth out of She had to leave her family, her homeland, and her gods and go to the place of Gods blessing. ), Handbook of Ugaritic Studies (1999), index, 841. Hebrews 12:6,10,11 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth, Elimelech -- 'God is king', the husband of Naomi, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular, Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular, Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there, Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also, dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her, Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her, The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly received, OT History: Ruth 1:3 Elimelech Naomi's husband died (Ru Rut. ELIMELECH (Heb. In her mind, this was the normal, the customary, way to produce offspring. Only death will be able to separate me from you!. 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. Part of the story about Naomi plays there, and another part in Bethlehem. Create a Memorial He was right, but, was there, perhaps, a personal element in his reaction? 15 So Naomi said, Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. Ruths words are beautiful, and thus it is no wonder that some have chosen to employ them for their marriage vows. The ultimate test is the Word of God and Naomis counsel, while it sometimes used Gods name, did not conform to Gods Word. When M, Elijah ben Solomon Abraham Ha-Kohen of Smyrna, Elijah ben Eliezer Philosoph Ha-Yerushalmi, Elijah ben Baruch (ben Solomon ben Abraham) The Elder, https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/elimelech. Second, Naomis words are even more forceful here,14 issuing Ruth a command to leave her. The term she used to refer to Him Shaddai was a term that emphasized Gods great power. 17 See Ruth 4:17, 21-22. Follow your sister-in-law back home! 16 But Ruth replied. We find Ruth contrasted with Orpah, and then with Naomi. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. Surely it fell short of what Ruths experience will be. Who would carry on his line? Her commitment is not just to Naomi; it is a lifetime commitment to Israel and to her God. Major Gift. 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. A Christian wife is having difficulties in her relationship with her husband, and she shares this with a Christian friend. WebElimelech died, leaving Naomi with only her two sons. 8 Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds, 9 for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans. Such people are in misery, and honestly, they make those around them miserable as well. 1 Copyright 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. HADAD , an early Semitic god, first appears in texts written in the Old Akkadian dialect and in Eblaite (third millennium). Webwas Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and ChilionEphrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. You need to get right with God. When the years of famine came he said, Now all of them will come to my door post, each one with his begging cup in his hand. And so they did. , ), Phoenician port, N. of Tyre in Lebanon. 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. Naomi is not at all like Ruth or Boaz; she is, in fact, a backdrop against which Ruth and Boaz are contrasted. One has to ponder the outcome of her decision. Posted on September 7, 2005 By Rabbi Dr. Meir Levin |, Bar Mitzvah Keeping the Right Perspective, Bar and Bas Mitzvah A Special Celebration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah: A Re-enactment of Kabolas Hatorah, Shavuos and Bar Mitzvah: Causes For Celebration, Marital Partners Compatibility of Missions. Judah (through whom the messianic line would be traced) kept his third son from a Levirate marriage with the first sons widow, and then had sex with a woman he thought was a cult prostitute.31 God not only preserved the messianic line, He was faithful to fulfill His (Abrahamic) covenant32 with Abraham. Naomis hope was in the physical rather than in the spiritual, in the present rather than in eternity. Apparently Elimelech abandoned his people because they scorned their leaders. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). We will not focus overmuch on the details as much as on the concepts. "Elimelech 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). Humans cannot see beyond these two alternatives but God has another choice. WebRuth 1:2. Ruth 2:1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. She would go where Naomi went and live where she lived. My problem with the text in Romans 2 was that I couldnt think of an example of what Paul was saying. She has no husband to father sons, and she is too old to bear children anyway. Elimelech had a wife named Naomi and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Ruth and Naomi are very different people. 22 Feb. 2023
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