The more Naomi moans on about how bad things are for her, and how hopeless it would be for Orpah or Ruth to stay with her, the more we see the mighty hand of God working all things for the good of His people, as well as for His glory. Both were traveling with Naomi as she made her way toward Israel. Perhaps one reason why the author does not make a major point out of the theme of divine judgment is because his purpose is to emphasize divine mercy, not only as God provided food for His people, but also in His providential provision of a family and a posterity for Naomi and Elimelech. Web(5) And they died. , ), Phoenician port, N. of Tyre in Lebanon. 26 The way they acquired the 400 wives by wiping out Jabesh Gilead is no more noble. Ruths words are beautiful, and thus it is no wonder that some have chosen to employ them for their marriage vows. Put another way, the title of this book is Ruth, not Orpah. The final chapters of the Book of Judges are certainly the worst of times, and yet the Book of Ruth describes the best of times. This suggests to me that godly character is not only evident in the good times, but even more dramatically in the bad times. Apparently Elimelech abandoned his people because they scorned their leaders. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung tightly to her. Elimelech died, and the sons married two Moabite women: Mahlon married Ruth and Chilion married Orpah. When it sees people coming, it immediately runs away. 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. 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. 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. Web1 During the time of the judges there was a famine in the land of Judah. Why do you call me Naomi, seeing that the Lord has opposed me, and the Sovereign One has caused me to suffer? 22 So Naomi returned, accompanied by her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who came back with her from the region of Moab. Each of you should return to your mothers home! , Akk. 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. (One was named Orpah and the other Ruth.) He was right, but, was there, perhaps, a personal element in his reaction? She would have been very much at home in our Postmodern world. And in good covenant form, she pronounced a curse upon herself if she did otherwise. A Christian wife is having difficulties in her relationship with her husband, and she shares this with a Christian friend. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Fearing they would be overrun by the Israelites, Balak (king of Moab)4 hired Balaam to curse Israel. "Elimelech 7 Now as she and her two daughters-in-law began to leave the place where she had been living to return to the land of Judah, 8 Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Listen to me! 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). There is no reason for you to return to Judah with me! ." In Ugaritic documents of the 13th century the name is written Imlk and pronounced either Ili-Milku or Ili-Malku. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole village was excited about their arrival. name of Lot's elder daughter's son and the people and land are Both had married Israelite husbands, had borne no children, and were now widows. Ill attempt to support my conclusions as we proceed in our study of this book. Eventually, Naomi steered Ruth into a relationship with a distant relative named Boaz. But here is where the similarity ends. As you will recall, Mrs. And yet as the story of Ruth unfolded this time, it suddenly became obvious to me that Naomi was no role model. She had given up all hope. You need to get right with God. It led to a hopeless fatalism: It doesnt really matter what I say or do; God is against me, and there is nothing I can do about it.. I would be very reluctant to conclude that Ruths husband or his parents taught her the law. His counsel (even though it effectively called God a liar) was given as though it were in her best interest. The more Naomi protests her miserable state, the more we are being prepared for a great work of God. They no longer have their old or former husbands because they have died. 3 0 obj And so they did. When he saw that his generation scorned great men, he said, Surely I shall go from here so that I will not be caught among them (Zohar Chodosh 77a). Someone reminded me that the Book of Ruth is a lot like the Book of Esther. She views God as harsh and uncaring, doling out affliction and trouble in a way that is completely unrelated to her attitudes and actions. Retrieved February 22, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/elimelech. Was it at Naomis initiative that her sons took Moabite women for wives? 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. When we met, I had no idea who he was, but he introduced himself something like this, Hi, Bob, Im Nate Mirza. EphrathitesThe ancient name of Beth-lehem was Ephrath (Ge 35:19; 48:7), which was continued after the occupation of the land by the Hebrews, even down to the time of the prophet Micah (Mic 5:2). Born. And both (at least initially) were committed to staying with Naomi, even if that meant immigrating to Israel. She would be buried where Naomi was buried. 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. The text does not really tell us but the Sages do, and so, we will engage in reverse engineering, trying to grasp their view of this complex personality and then to appreciate the antecedents of their interpretation. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). Died. JETHRO (Heb. May the Lord punish me severely if I do not keep my promise! 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. <> Naomi instructs us to beware of Calvinism run amuck. Encyclopaedia Judaica. Machlon and Chillon died also both of them. We know of Abimelech, son of the leader Gideon and Abimelech, the King of Gerar. When a famine came to the area He was one of the c, JETHRO 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. Web- And Elimelech Naomi's husband died. In the past, Naomi was always portrayed in a somewhat flattering way. She was full when she had a husband and two sons; now she was empty, for all she had was Ruth. HADAD , an early Semitic god, first appears in texts written in the Old Akkadian dialect and in Eblaite (third millennium). 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. It must have been on Naomis watch that these two sons married their Moabite wives Orpah and Ruth. Douay-Rheims Bible And Elimelech the husband of Noemi died: and she remained with her sons. Major Gift. Humanly speaking, staying with Naomi does not offer much promise of a good life for these Moabite widows. 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. As the years have gone by, I may have mellowed in the terms I would use to portray Naomi, but my opinion of her has not really changed. Serving the god(s) of Moab (or any others) was an abomination to God: You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). Then you go and have sexual relations with him so we can preserve our family line through our father. 35 So they made their father drunk that night as well, and the younger one came and had sexual relations with him. For I am too old to get married again. We find Ruth contrasted with Orpah, and then with Naomi. They arrived, in fact, just in time for the barley harvest. We assume that names of Biblical characters are not accidental but reflect their essense or memorialize pivotal events of their lives. 2 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible. Ruth, out of love and loyalty to her mother-in-law, accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem, while Orpah stayed in Moab. 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). 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. Many tears were shed, but in the end both women refused to leave Naomi and return to their mothers home. However, the date of retrieval is often important. When I realized this, I blurted out, What a witch!, much to the surprise of the rest of the class. 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. He stood in the opening and blocked it with his body. In fact, my study for this sermon has caused me to think of Naomi in even less flattering terms. While they were in Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi and her two sons. Somehow God wrote His law on Ruths heart, not unlike Tamar and Rahab, her predecessors. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend (Isaiah 55:8-11). The family, compelled to emigrate to Moab through pressure of a famine, settled for several years in that country. Create a Memorial And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. Ruth rejected Naomis appeal to leave her and go back to Moab, choosing instead to believe and behave like a true Israelite. 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. She has been convinced and turns back to her own country. How did Elimelech know that strict justice was (loose) in the world? Like a faithful shepherd whose corral- fence fell as darkness approached. How wrong Naomi was. They did not seem to live by it, so why would they consider it important to teach it to a Moabite? 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). Ruth becomes a true Israelite in spite of Naomis persistent encouragement to return to her Moabite roots. This she must do by faith. His oldest daughter concluded that their father would die without an heir. The focus is usually on one person and not on the group. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with Because he abandoned his people during a famine. And Gideon said to them: I shall not rule over you and my son shall not rule over you, Hashem shall rule over you (Judges 8, 22). Naomis people (Israel) would be her people, and Naomis God would be her God. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. Elimelech Weisblum of Lizhensk (1717March 11, 1787) was a rabbi and one of the great founding Rebbes of the Hasidic movement. Naomis second effort13 will be less subtle and more pointed and forceful. This is exactly what Boaz commended Ruth for doing: 10 Ruth knelt before him with her forehead to the ground and said to him, Why are you so kind and so attentive to me, even though I am a foreigner? 11 Boaz replied to her, I have been given a full report of all that you have done for your mother-in-law following the death of your husband how you left your father and your mother, as well as your homeland, and came to live among people you did not know previously. You can't run away. Both women initially refused to heed Naomis exhortation to leave her and return to Moab. The only hope Naomi sees for Orpah and Ruth is the hope of finding a Moabite husband and bearing children. Lot and his family were spared, but his wife died (turned to salt) because she looked back. To him be glory forever! as Ili-Milku, a variant of the name Milk-ilu, ruler of Gezer. Elimelech Weisblum 1717 Tykocin, Kingdom of Poland. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. What is A person who sells flower is called? Naomi was married to Elimelech and had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. 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). Her commitment is not just to Naomi; it is a lifetime commitment to Israel and to her God. One has to ponder the outcome of her decision. Not long afterward he died, and his two sons married Moabite Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. 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). 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. Who would want Naomi for a mother-in-law? 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. 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. 12 For all who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. Without a doubt, this is the most amazing and distressing thing Naomi has said so far. Bildungswesen. The chapter ends with the authors assessment of where things stand, with a hint of what lies ahead. The ancestors, since they knew their genealogies, would derive names from events. No wonder Naomi finally ceased trying to convince her to turn back (verse 18). Jethro had seven daughters who served as his shepherdesses. The What could have led them to this interpretation? They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah.) In moving to Moab, Naomi left the Lord to some extent and for some years. Who were Naomis daughter in laws? And they continued to live there about ten years. (4) While the author does not make a point of it, it seems reasonable to assume that the famine (as well as the deaths of Elimelech and his two sons) was a manifestation of divine discipline. And thus there is no evidence of repentance on her part at this point in time. 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. He was a leader who possessed the requisite qualities, except for that of deep love and concern for his flock and of disregard of his own worthiness and rights. Follow your sister-in-law back home! (Ruth 1:15). There Ruth married *Boaz, one of Elimelech's relatives. 14 Again they wept loudly. She does not acknowledge sin on her part (and Elimelechs), and she does not seek to repent. But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. 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. WebThe Bible Exposition Commentary: The meaning of redemption. Orpah and Ruth were committed to returning to Israel with their mother-in-law. What a mighty, magnificent, merciful, awesome God we serve! Word had reached Naomi in Moab that God had visited His people by ending the famine and providing abundant crops back in Israel. Then she firmly stated her commitment to Naomi, to Israel, and to Israels God as a covenant. 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. "Elimelech He came alongside Eve as her friend, as someone who was doing her a favor. Elimelech had a wife named Naomi and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. 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. 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. ,), Midianite priest and father-in-law of *Moses. Now I should stop to say that I firmly believe in the sovereignty of God, that God is in absolute control of everything that takes place on this earth. endobj What Naomi does mention pertains to marriage and child bearing. ." ELAM (Heb. 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. 14 For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. She has no husband to father sons, and she is too old to bear children anyway. Naomis hope was in the physical rather than in the spiritual, in the present rather than in eternity. 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. How could Naomi encourage Ruth (and, by inference, Orpah) to return to their god(s), when doing so would condemn them eternally? Encyclopaedia Judaica. But she concluded that God was using His power against her, rather than for her. In short, Naomi is a picture of Israels spiritual condition at this point in their history. Her name means "ewe," while that of her siste, Elam 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. in 1971. At the very times when outward appearances look to us as though God is against us, God is at work behind the scenes for us. He will do what he says he will do. 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. We dont have a very good reputation in the Bible.. A space remained that he did not manage to rebuild. Naomi was preoccupied with the here and now, rather than trusting in Gods covenant promises by faith. All this is described in the Bible book of Ruth. He thought that he would be King. I think I understand generally what Paul is saying here, based upon the promise in Jeremiah: 33 But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land, says the Lord. Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? After only ten years in Moab, Elimelechs sons also died. 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. 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. Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. 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? 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. Beth-lehem-judahso called to distinguish it from a town of the same name in Zebulun. And the woman was left of her two children and of her husband. It is available on the Internet at: www.netbible.org. Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps. The contrast between Ruth and Orpah. If her daughters-in-law could snag a good (Moabite) husband, bear some children, and have a bountiful harvest they were indeed blessed, at least as Naomi viewed it. 19 So the two of them journeyed together until they arrived in Bethlehem. She then kissed both of them, a very clear signal of dismissal. More tears are shed. 14 In her first attempt, Naomi issues a parting blessing, punctuated by a farewell kiss (verse 9). 16 But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. She would go where Naomi went and live where she lived. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? SIDON (also Zidon ; Heb. 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). Id like to deal with our text by calling your attention to the contrasts the author has highlighted in the first chapter of Ruth. Can one, on the other hand, forgive and excuse his deficiencies and the damage that they bring about? And Naomi was now ready to arrange for a marriage and offspring in an unconventional way, just as Tamar, the mother of Moab, and the Israelites (more recently) did. No wonder they didnt have a great reputation. That person is a true Jew at heart. 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? May your acts of kindness be repaid fully by the LORD God of Israel, from whom you have sought protection! (Ruth 2:10-12, emphasis mine). 11 In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. 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. This time it is Orpah who kisses Naomi goodbye. 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. Ruth and Orpah did not bear Jewish children, too. Give a joyful shout and cry out, you who have not been in labor! Elimelech died, whereupon Mahlon and Chilion both married local women. Had you done so, you would have been able to even withstand Gods anger (Petichta Ruth Rabbah 5). God loves to show mercy and compassion. ). WebPrevious commentary: Next commentary: About this commentary: are made available by the generosity of . He keeps loyal love; that is, He is a God who perseveres in His love, and thus He is a covenant-keeping God. Moabs hostility and opposition to Israel continued on into the period of the Judges. Elimelech was Naomi's husband. Such are the products of our pleasant things, weak and infirm, fading and dying. The word redeem means to set free by paying a price. In the case of Ruth and Naomi, Elimelechs property had (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. (6) Most (if not all) of Naomis actions, attitudes, and advice were misguided and downright wrong. 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). We, too, live in very pragmatic times, and those who live by principle especially the principles of Gods Word are few and far between. In Job and in Ruth, this term seems to underscore Gods power, but in the context of suffering and adversity. Mahlon chose a young woman named Ruth, but he also died shortly thereafter. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with his wife and two sons. But it is not the essence of what our life in Christ is about. But Ruth refuses to abandon Naomi and clings to her tightly. This story can be found in the book of Ruth. 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.
Norman Manley International Airport Covid Testing Contact Number, Hairstyles To Wear With A Hat For Work, What Happened To Millie On The Rifleman, Templeton, Ca Obituaries, Articles H