Orpah succumbed to Naomis reasoning and chose to pursue what appeared to be in her best interest. 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). % There Ruth married *Boaz, one of Elimelech's relatives. Im an Assyrian not a Syrian. They did not seem to live by it, so why would they consider it important to teach it to a Moabite? 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. It is available on the Internet at: www.netbible.org. He thought that he would be King. 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. In this emergency, she was proposing an unconventional solution to their problem. You will note from the first verse of chapter 1 that the setting for the story of Ruth is the times of the judges. Not even death would separate them. Apr. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. There is no reason for you to return to Judah with me! How could Naomi encourage Ruth (and, by inference, Orpah) to return to their god(s), when doing so would condemn them eternally? 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. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. The resolution to these irregularities is primarily exegetical. JETHRO (Heb. But Ruth refuses to abandon Naomi and clings to her tightly. Copyright Torah.org Project Genesis. What is A person who sells flower is called? The usual pattern is the reverse; first, we are told a mans name and familial antecedents and only then are his actions described. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. Neither does she mention the mistreatment they would likely receive because Moab is Israels enemy, but they could probably read between the lines. We should first note that Naomis words here are prompted by Orpahs decision to return home. ,), Midianite priest and father-in-law of *Moses. Encyclopedia.com. When kings ruled, My God is King, denoted not only spiritual but also political power. For example: And he called his name Noach, meaning to say, This one will give us comfort (e-noach-meinu) (Genesis 5, 29). How did Elimelechs sons die in the Bible? This news prompted her to return to her people and to her land. Clearly as quite young men. Such early setting out of the players is quite unusual in Biblical writing. In our text (as in Judges and everywhere else in Scripture), man looks bad, very bad, and God looks good, very good. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Apparently soon after the settlement of the family. 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. Lot fled with his daughters and was living in a cave. Instead, it was God who demonstrated His sovereignty by bringing about the chain of events that culminated in the establishment of monarchy in Israel. Naomi and her two daughters-in-law had already set out for Israel11 when Naomi began to have second thoughts not about her return, but about having two Moabite daughters-in-law in tow when she arrived at her home town of Bethlehem. And thus there is no evidence of repentance on her part at this point in time. We will return with you to your people., 11 But Naomi replied, Go back home, my daughters! Like a faithful shepherd whose corral- fence fell as darkness approached. God loves to show mercy and compassion. It must be, the Sages reasoned, that Elimelech misread his destiny. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. 10 From what we learn from the Book of Ruth, one does wonder what role Naomi played in this decision. "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. They produced offspring for the Benjamites by orchestrating the kidnapping and rape of 200 virgins.26 The Israelites were like Moabs mother in that they were thinking and acting like Moabites. Ordinarily it would be translated as, My God is King. The book of Ruth opens with a presentation of several characters. He could have helped more, since he was wealthy. Naomi was preoccupied with the here and now, rather than trusting in Gods covenant promises by faith. 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. We find Ruth contrasted with Orpah, and then with Naomi. If Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Kilion suffered because of their sins, they deserved it. 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? 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. 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. 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. , ), Phoenician port, N. of Tyre in Lebanon. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16). Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps. (7) Naomi does appear to have one thing right humanly speaking, Naomis chances of perpetuating her husbands line are between slim and none. Naomi felt that God was against her, and every indication is that she felt God had dealt with her in a harsh and severe way. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? Finally, the description of Elimelech departure is frugal and bereft of detail. 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. Lot and his two daughters are now living in a cave. Wouldnt it be better for the two of them to travel together? Is this the behavior of a leader who loves and cares for his people, even if they do not fully deserve his respect? Much more common is the pattern in which a single character is introduced, his fathers and forefathers are fully described, and his story then related. A lion approached and he fought off the lion. ." 1When Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab. He keeps loyal love; that is, He is a God who perseveres in His love, and thus He is a covenant-keeping God. (8) All of this leads me to conclude that Naomi is not an example of faith, but an excellent example of Israels poor spiritual health. They insisted on going on to Israel with Naomi. 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. Good News Translation where did these children come from? (Isaiah 49:20-21). From these events, we can easily see that the Moabites were no friend to Israel. I was bereaved and barren, dismissed and divorced. In short, Naomi is a picture of Israels spiritual condition at this point in their history. The mans name was Elimelech. As they continue their journey toward Bethlehem, Naomi makes a three-fold attempt to persuade Orpah and Ruth to return to their homes, rather than to accompany her all the way back to Israel. Other translations have another another husband. What a marvelous woman of faith Ruth was. "Elimelech So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with The suffering of His people, whether for sins they have committed or for living righteously, is but the prelude to His glorious salvation. 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. 16 The expression, the Sovereign One (rendered the Almighty by most translations) is the term Shaddai. Lot was turned to salt because she looked back at the city. 15 So Naomi said, Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. The Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. It must have been on Naomis watch that these two sons married their Moabite wives Orpah and Ruth. The contrast between Ruth and Orpah. There do not appear to be many generations between Boaz and David, but biblical genealogies dont always include every genealogical link in such cases. It is not Naomis belief in the sovereignty of God that troubles me as much as how she applies it. 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. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. His counsel (even though it effectively called God a liar) was given as though it were in her best interest. name of Lot's elder daughter's son and the people and land are A Christian wife is having difficulties in her relationship with her husband, and she shares this with a Christian friend. When a famine came to the area The story in the book tells that Naomi plans to Naomi not only disregards the Abrahamic Covenant, she also urges Ruth (and Orpah) to do likewise. While they were in Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi and her two sons. The Moabites were the result of the initiative and immorality of Lots oldest daughter. 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. Naomi doesnt mention that these women would likely not find an Israelite husband. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. Naomis third appeal is to Ruth alone, based on Orpahs decision to return home. 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. Beth-lehem-judahso called to distinguish it from a town of the same name in Zebulun. Both the Benjamites sin and their judgment are similar to what happened in Genesis 19. Perhaps he was not even fully aware of this failing but God was. 9 May the Lord enable each of you to find security in the home of a new husband! Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept loudly. The Bible did not say how this happened, but the household was now comprised of three widows. At this point in time, one would not think that Naomi would be at the top of the list in the hall of faith: 13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. than the children of the married woman, says the Lord. The name itself is attested in the *El-Amarna letters of the 14th century b.c.e. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. Who would want a Moabite wife, especially a widow? Follow your sister-in-law back home! (Ruth 1:15). The barley harvest will play a significant role in moving this story forward in the next two chapters. as Ili-Milku, a variant of the name Milk-ilu, ruler of Gezer. Give a joyful shout and cry out, you who have not been in labor! They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah.) The wonder is that God remained faithful to those who so easily abandoned Him. That person is a true Jew at heart. But when she urged Ruth to return to her pagan god(s), that was the worst unkindness of all. She was not a Jew, and she had not been raised by parents who taught her the law. Therefore, its best to use Encyclopedia.com citations as a starting point before checking the style against your school or publications requirements and the most-recent information available at these sites: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. Though a widow, Naomi still had her two sons to provide for and protect her. Now it is true that Machlon, Kilyon, and Elimelech pass quickly from the scene and Orpah follows them soon thereafter. Holy MatrimonyMarriage 1Marriage 2The Tenaim TranslatedThe Kesubah TranslatedMarriage and the Royal FamilyMarital Partners Compatibility of MissionsEverlasting Happiness10 Mistakes Couples Make, AbarbanelShem MeShmuelShabbos: Taam ChaimMikraHaarosGrowing with the ParshaGal Einai Jerusalem ViewsSfas EmesWeekly HalachaOsher HaChaim. Not long afterward he died, and his two sons married Moabite T -6d$zA ^C(D`Ed8 BR. 3 Sometime later Naomis husband Elimelech died, so she and her two sons were left alone. The ancestors, since they knew their genealogies, would derive names from events. Then she firmly stated her commitment to Naomi, to Israel, and to Israels God as a covenant. SIDON (also Zidon ; Heb. Due to the famine in Israel during the time of the Judges, Elimelech crossed over to Moab, where he and his two sons died. She then kissed both of them, a very clear signal of dismissal. A wolf approached and he fought the wolf. Dagn ), the Syrian and Canaanite god of seed, vegetation, and crops. 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). As Orpah kisses Naomi goodbye and turns back toward home, Ruth clings all the more tightly to her mother-in-law. It certainly would be safer for the two women to travel together, but it is Orpah who will travel alone, not Ruth. 4 0 obj 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. The New Covenant promises that God will write the law on the hearts of those He has chosen for salvation, whether Jew or Gentile. In the midst of her affliction and hopeless despair, God is at work preparing for the gracious things He is about to reveal to her and to the reader. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! Instead of trusting God to preserve her husbands line (indeed, the Messianic line), she at least passively (if not actively) approves of their marriage to non-Israelites. Naomi was now left without a husband, without sons, and without grandchildren. These are the times of darkness when godliness should shine forth as a brilliant light. 12 The word new is not in the original text. 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. 32 Come, lets make our father drunk with wine so we can have sexual relations with him and preserve our family line through our father. 33 So that night they made their father drunk with wine, and the older daughter came and had sexual relations with her father. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend (Isaiah 55:8-11). The inference is clear: to remain with Naomi has no promise of blessing and every reason to expect that they will share in her divinely-imposed affliction. 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. How could any faithful Israelite encourage someone to return to their (false) god(s)? 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 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). It would also seem that Naomis barrenness was divinely imposed.18, (5) Moab was not the place of Gods promised blessings; Israel was.19. He went first from Israel, the land of the living, and led them thence, and so he now goeth out of 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? 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. (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. In addition, why would a private individual carry a name that signifies royalty. 3 When Israel joined themselves to Baal-peor, the anger of the LORD flared up against Israel. Judah married a Canaanite woman, and two of his sons died because of their sin. Just being Jewish and knowing the Law of Moses isnt enough; one must also live by the law. (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. (2) There is no indication that other Israelites from Bethlehem (or elsewhere in Israel) accompanied Elimelech and his family to Moab. In Esther, the people of God were supposed to return to the Promised Land, but they chose instead to dwell in the apparent peace and safety of Persia. They rejected him as they rejected others. 31 Later the older daughter said to the younger, Our father is old, and there is no man anywhere nearby to have sexual relations with us, according to the way of all the world. She believes in a God who is all powerful, but who is not merciful and compassionate. In her mind, this was the normal, the customary, way to produce offspring. In addition, anyone who wants to share the Bible with others can print unlimited copies and give them away free to others. Submit your piece for review, and if approved we will publish it on our site as Community Contributions., Change Your Subscription Cholim Prayers for Those in Need, Make a Donation He will do what he says he will do. She has been convinced and turns back to her own country. The Sages, however, read it with a slight difference in pronunciation as Elai Melech For he said: Kingship is due to me (Ruth Rabba 2,5). 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. Ruth has an uncanny grasp of Israels religion and has chosen to embrace it as her own. To walk in the steps of Abraham, one like Ruth would need to: (1) leave her relatives; (2) leave her homeland; and, (3) trust God to bless her as she sought to bless her mother-in-law. You need to get right with God. We should learn from Naomi that if barrenness is ones earthly fate, our heavenly fate is vastly different. She was willing to sacrifice family ties, marriage, and a family to do so. endobj However, the date of retrieval is often important. Had you done so, you would have been able to even withstand Gods anger (Petichta Ruth Rabbah 5). 22 Feb. 2023 . 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. 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. We are not told how wide-spread it was, but we do know that it affected Bethlehem (which ironically means house of bread). The genealogy provided in chapter 4 would incline us to believe that the events of Ruth took place later rather than sooner in the period of the judges, because Ruth is the great grandmother of David.17 But other than this, there do not appear to be any direct links to events or persons in the Book of Judges. God had just destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great sin. Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? She would have been very much at home in our Postmodern world. 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. Is the times of darkness when godliness should shine forth as a brilliant light flower called... Flared up against Israel, rather than trusting in Gods covenant promises by faith Oh the. Liar ) was given as though it were in Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi and two. Wife, especially a widow, Naomi is a person who sells flower called... 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