And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. Naomi returned to her homeland accompanied by her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. <> The suffering of His people, whether for sins they have committed or for living righteously, is but the prelude to His glorious salvation. The term she used to refer to Him Shaddai was a term that emphasized Gods great power. God had just destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great sin. Though a widow, Naomi still had her two sons to provide for and protect her. Who were Naomis daughter in laws? But here is where the similarity ends. For my intense suffering is too much for you to bear. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. 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. Many tears were shed, but in the end both women refused to leave Naomi and return to their mothers home. 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. Moab is where Elimelech died. Ruth rejected Naomis appeal to leave her and go back to Moab, choosing instead to believe and behave like a true Israelite. There were no men nearby to marry, she reasoned, so there was no conventional way25 for them to bear children and thus to preserve their fathers line. 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. Ruth emphatically says No to Naomi, but with such wonderful words Naomi can hardly continue to stand in her way. Now, Naomi urges both of her daughters-in-law to go back home to their own land21 and to their mothers homes22 and to find a new Moabite husband, so that they might have security.23 While God promised to bless all those who blessed Abraham and his offspring, Naomi told her daughters-in-law that to stay with her would be to share in the curse God had placed upon her.24 As the story of Ruth and Boaz unfolds, God promises are fulfilled, while Naomis warning and instructions are proven to be false. There they made a new home and seemed to do well (the Bible does not give us many details) until Elimelech died. What could have led them to this interpretation? Just being Jewish and knowing the Law of Moses isnt enough; one must also live by the law. Naomi instructs us to beware of Calvinism run amuck. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. It seems that they are pointing out a certain disconnect between the name and the behavior. He stood in the opening and blocked it with his body. 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. His name was Nate Mirza. 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. ,), Midianite priest and father-in-law of *Moses. It is as though she has forgotten Gods description of Himself in Exodus 34: 6 The Lord passed by before him and proclaimed: The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness, 7 keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. WebElimelech and his sons all died in Moab, leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah widowed. ELAM (Heb. God has chosen to save Gentiles as well as Jews. Ruth 4:9 Ruth would have none of this foolish talk, and she made this abundantly clear to her mother-in-law. 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. He deals out Justice, rejecting the bad and rewarding the good. Retrieved February 22, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/elimelech. But when she urged Ruth to return to her pagan god(s), that was the worst unkindness of all. He will do what he says he will do. The family lived in Bethlehem, a small city near Jerusalem. 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). 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to dissuade her. What a mighty, magnificent, merciful, awesome God we serve! 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. In addition, anyone who wants to share the Bible with others can print unlimited copies and give them away free to others. For the children of the desolate one are more numerous. Orpah succumbed to Naomis reasoning and chose to pursue what appeared to be in her best interest. In moving to Moab, Naomi left the Lord to some extent and for some years. We find Ruth contrasted with Orpah, and then with Naomi. in 1971. WebRuth 1:2. They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah.) You, leaders, did not stand among the ruins like Moses did. They need new or different husbands to marry and to bear children. 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). 26 The way they acquired the 400 wives by wiping out Jabesh Gilead is no more noble. In the dark shadows of the days of the judges, we find two individuals whose lives are truly lights in the darkness. 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 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. I can imagine how it alarmed and frightened Naomi when Elimelech died while they were sojourning in Moab. The all-powerful God was making Naomis life miserable, so she thought and said. Dagn ), the Syrian and Canaanite god of seed, vegetation, and crops. 2 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible. In our text, Naomis conversation with her daughters-in-law is couched in language that gives the appearance that she is encouraging them to return to their families and their land because this would be in their best interest. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. The younger daughter then did likewise and bore a son named Ammon. Neither does she mention the mistreatment they would likely receive because Moab is Israels enemy, but they could probably read between the lines. 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. But when Ruth refused to return to her people and accompanied her to Bethlehem, Boaz entered the picture, a close relative, a possible redeemer. If Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Kilion suffered because of their sins, they deserved it. While in Moab, Elimelech died, leaving his wife with their two sons (verse 3). The sons married Moabite women, which was something else God wanted His people to avoid. However, God ended up blessing Elimelechs family anyway, although not through his sons. God instead chose to work through Naomi and one of her Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth. There is literally a gap between the man and what he called himself. 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. Had you done so, you would have been able to even withstand Gods anger (Petichta Ruth Rabbah 5). Ruths words are beautiful, and thus it is no wonder that some have chosen to employ them for their marriage vows. The Bible did not say how this happened, but the household was now comprised of three widows. Ruth and Orpah did not bear Jewish children, too. The Moabites were the result of the initiative and immorality of Lots oldest daughter. Can one, on the other hand, forgive and excuse his deficiencies and the damage that they bring about? Dagon first appears as an important and widely, Rachel 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! as Ili-Milku, a variant of the name Milk-ilu, ruler of Gezer. 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. What a marvelous woman of faith Ruth was. 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. 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? A Jew who knows the law and doesnt live by it is not really a true Jew. Surely it fell short of what Ruths experience will be. ). Such early setting out of the players is quite unusual in Biblical writing. 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. This story can be found in the book of Ruth. Elimelech had a wife named Naomi and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. From these events, we can easily see that the Moabites were no friend to Israel. Naomi was now left without a husband, without sons, and without grandchildren. endobj 3 I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, and all the families of the earth will bless one another by your name (Genesis 12:1-3, emphasis mine). 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. Instead you must completely overthrow them and smash their standing stones to pieces (Exodus 23:24). There were no state registries or social security numbers and names served a much more fluid purpose than they do today. See also: More about the Book of Ruth. When kings ruled, My God is King, denoted not only spiritual but also political power. When Naomi returns to Bethlehem, she finds most of the residents of the city still living there, and judging by what we are told about Boaz, they appear to have done fairly well. He was one of the c, JETHRO My problem with the text in Romans 2 was that I couldnt think of an example of what Paul was saying. Look with me at these words from Genesis 19, taking up just after the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lots escape, along with his daughters: 30 Lot went up from Zoar with his two daughters and settled in the mountains because he was afraid to live in Zoar. And the woman was left of her two children and of her husband. Give a joyful shout and cry out, you who have not been in labor! (One was named Orpah and the other Ruth.) As Orpah kisses Naomi goodbye and turns back toward home, Ruth clings all the more tightly to her mother-in-law. 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. Now it is true that Machlon, Kilyon, and Elimelech pass quickly from the scene and Orpah follows them soon thereafter. ), matriarch of Israel, wife of *Jacob and the mother of *Joseph and Benjamin. We should notice that it was not until after Elimelechs death that they married. 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. ), Handbook of Ugaritic Studies (1999), index, 841. WebThe Tragedy of Elimelech Ruth Introduction The book of Ruth is a fascinating little book in the Old Testament. And all of this resulted in the near annihilation of one of the twelve tribes (Benjamin) and a conspiracy to acquire wives for the remaining Benjamites in a way that was morally unacceptable. When a famine came to the area around Bethlehem, Elimelech and Naomi moved to Moab (Moab was the name of Lot's elder When we met, I had no idea who he was, but he introduced himself something like this, Hi, Bob, Im Nate Mirza. 1 Copyright 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. Webwas Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and ChilionEphrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. Is this the behavior of a leader who loves and cares for his people, even if they do not fully deserve his respect? 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). The focus is usually on one person and not on the group. We will not focus overmuch on the details as much as on the concepts. Without a doubt, this is the most amazing and distressing thing Naomi has said so far. Naomi not only disregards the Abrahamic Covenant, she also urges Ruth (and Orpah) to do likewise. Ruth has an uncanny grasp of Israels religion and has chosen to embrace it as her own. This is entirely consistent with Old Testament history and with the warnings recorded in Leviticus 26:18-20 and Deuteronomy 28:23-24. 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. 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices for each item listed. He could have helped more, since he was wealthy. Best Answer. Bearing children was to be done Gods way. Encyclopaedia Judaica. 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). When a famine came to the area 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 counseled Orpah and Ruth to do what seemed right in their eyes. 14 In her first attempt, Naomi issues a parting blessing, punctuated by a farewell kiss (verse 9). 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. She was full when she had a husband and two sons; now she was empty, for all she had was Ruth. 38 The younger daughter also gave birth to a son and named him Ben-Ammi. The Path of Despair and the Path of Return. It must have been on Naomis watch that these two sons married their Moabite wives Orpah and Ruth. 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! Who was Elimelech? He is the ancestor of the Ammonites of today (Genesis 19:30-38, emphasis mine). Orpah seems to have no great spiritual interest in Israel or in the God of Israel. 12 The word new is not in the original text. She then kissed both of them, a very clear signal of dismissal. Was it at Naomis initiative that her sons took Moabite women for wives? Who even remembers her name? How wrong Naomi was. There her husband died, and her sons married Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah. ." Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? Religion. , ' eylam; Elamite halhatamti; Akk. When it sees people coming, it immediately runs away. 5 Then Naomis two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, also died. <> May the Lord show you the same kind of devotion that you have shown to your deceased husbands and to me! Both were related to Naomi in the same way. Naomi also made it clear that this was because (in her mind) God had dealt harshly with her.16 Naomi measured Gods blessing only in terms of food and of family. The women of the village said, Can this be Naomi? 20 But she replied to them, Dont call me 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. Without sons, Mahlon and Kilion if she how did elimelech die able to even withstand anger. And frightened Naomi when Elimelech died much more fluid purpose than they do.! 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