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. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. Moab is where Elimelech died. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16). There is no doubt that this is a great honor and privilege for a woman. 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. The ancestors, since they knew their genealogies, would derive names from events. There they made a new home and seemed to do well (the Bible does not give us many details) until Elimelech died. Ruths spiritual journey is similar to that of Abraham. Naomis third appeal is to Ruth alone, based on Orpahs decision to return home. 14 Again they wept loudly. The Bible did not say how this happened, but the household was now comprised of three widows. - As part of a small team, I organized a five-day congress (90 participants, budget 17,000), the largest yearly event of the association. To him be glory forever! 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. In short, Naomi is a picture of Israels spiritual condition at this point in their history. One manifestation of Gods mercy, expressed through His sovereignty, is His providential working at times when there appears to be no hope. Dagon Other translations have another another husband. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. The 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. Machlon and Chillon died also both of them. There is something particularly encouraging about our text. Humans cannot see beyond these two alternatives but God has another choice. For the children of the desolate one are more numerous. As the story of Esther unfolds, it looks as though every Jew is doomed to annihilation, but for the providence of God, whereby Gods enemies are destroyed and His people are spared. We should note several things about Naomis third attempt to persuade Ruth to join Orpah as she returned to Moab in verse 15. They no longer have their old or former husbands because they have died. Died. WebElimelech died, leaving Naomi with only her two sons. (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. I remember responding to Nate, Neither do the rest of us. Well, if this is true of us, it is certainly true of the Moabites. Naomi should teach us to be careful about accepting the counsel of those who seem to be well meaning. 38 The younger daughter also gave birth to a son and named him Ben-Ammi. Finally, the description of Elimelech departure is frugal and bereft of detail. If our text tells us anything about God, it is that His ways are not our ways. 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. as Ili-Milku, a variant of the name Milk-ilu, ruler of Gezer. No wonder Naomi finally ceased trying to convince her to turn back (verse 18). 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. Naomi and her sons lived in Moab for ten years and then both Mahlon and Kilion died as well, childless. 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). Both were related to Naomi in the same way. In fact, my study for this sermon has caused me to think of Naomi in even less flattering terms. ." And his little boys died too. 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. Had you done so, you would have been able to even withstand Gods anger (Petichta Ruth Rabbah 5). In the dark shadows of the days of the judges, we find two individuals whose lives are truly lights in the darkness. They were both Moabite women, close to the same age. See also: More about the Book of Ruth. Give a joyful shout and cry out, you who have not been in labor! These are the times of darkness when godliness should shine forth as a brilliant light. Naomi thought of Gods blessings in terms of having food and a family. Lot fled with his daughters and was living in a cave. 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). 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). When kings ruled, My God is King, denoted not only spiritual but also political power. He arose and fled from them (Ruth Rabbah 1, 4). Apparently he was willing to help only if he wears the mantly of authority. than the children of the married woman, says the Lord. A Christian wife is having difficulties in her relationship with her husband, and she shares this with a Christian friend. Not only is Naomi unable to provide these women with husbands (and thus with children), God is also dealing harshly with her. ELAM (Heb. 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. Other than weeping, Orpah remains silent;20 Ruths words and actions are what the author has chosen to report. The family, compelled to emigrate to Moab through pressure of a famine, settled for several years in that country. And both (at least initially) were committed to staying with Naomi, even if that meant immigrating to Israel. 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. She has no husband to father sons, and she is too old to bear children anyway. Apparently soon after the settlement of the family. Webwas Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and ChilionEphrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. There her husband died, and her sons married Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah. 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. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole village was excited about their arrival. Ruth, out of love and loyalty to her mother-in-law, accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem, while Orpah stayed in Moab. The danger of practicing pragmatism above principle. What a mighty, magnificent, merciful, awesome God we serve! Both the Benjamites sin and their judgment are similar to what happened in Genesis 19. We, too, live in very pragmatic times, and those who live by principle especially the principles of Gods Word are few and far between. 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. The Midrash explains: What does a fox watch out for in the ruins? 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. They rejected him as they rejected others. JETHRO (Heb. God sees things not as we see them. Her boys ended up choosing Moabite women to marry and these women became part of Naomis family. This is completely secular thinking. She believes in a God who is all powerful, but who is not merciful and compassionate. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. He went first from Israel, the land of the living, and led them thence, and so he now goeth out of Clearly as quite young men. How did Elimelechs sons die in the Bible? When a famine came to the area Their ultimate blessing would have been to leave their land, their people, their false religion, and to identify with the Israelites and with their God. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. The two women, now forever bound together by Ruths covenant, continued on their way until they reached Bethlehem. (One was named Orpah and the other Ruth.) (6) Most (if not all) of Naomis actions, attitudes, and advice were misguided and downright wrong. How wrong she was! 12 Go back home, my daughters! And when both her sons died without bearing children, her situation seemed impossible. The chapter ends with the authors assessment of where things stand, with a hint of what lies ahead. It provides us with a look at the life of the common person in Israel and lifts up the needy from the garbage pile, 9 He makes the barren woman of the family. I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. Can one, on the other hand, forgive and excuse his deficiencies and the damage that they bring about? 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. Orpah succumbed to Naomis reasoning and chose to pursue what appeared to be in her best interest. ELIMELECH (Heb. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous before God, but those who do the law will be declared righteous. The story of Ruth and Boaz (yes, and even Naomi) should encourage us to live godly lives in dark days, days of unbelief, disobedience, and disregard for the Word of God. The ultimate test is the Word of God and Naomis counsel, while it sometimes used Gods name, did not conform to Gods Word. (Ruth 1:1-22)2. 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). Elimelech died in Moab. They need new or different husbands to marry and to bear children. Ruths words are beautiful, and thus it is no wonder that some have chosen to employ them for their marriage vows. "Elimelech 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. 37 The older daughter gave birth to a son and named him Moab. Lot and his two daughters are now living in a cave. The story in the book tells that Naomi plans to That is why some men and women will choose never to marry or to bear children. The family lived in Bethlehem, a small city near Jerusalem. Call me Mara because the Sovereign One has treated me very harshly. 26 The way they acquired the 400 wives by wiping out Jabesh Gilead is no more noble. 16 The expression, the Sovereign One (rendered the Almighty by most translations) is the term Shaddai. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). 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. 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). Ruth 4:9 Like Moabs mother, the Israelites reasoned that due to their circumstances, an Israelite line might become extinct. Lots older daughter neatly avoided the moral implications of what she proposed. What was Moses like? Who would want a Moabite wife, especially a widow? I was bereaved and barren, dismissed and divorced. Elamtu), region on the edge of the southwestern part of the Iranian plateau, modern Khuzistan, Sidon Dedicate an Article He was right in that Kingship was destined to come from his progeny; yet he was also grievously wrong for he himself was not fitting to become king of Israel. Ruth and Naomi are very different people. 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). Naomi"fair or pleasant"; and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, are supposed to be the same as Joash and Saraph (1Ch 4:22). WebThe Tragedy of Elimelech Ruth Introduction The book of Ruth is a fascinating little book in the Old Testament. Copyright Torah.org Project Genesis. March 11, 1787 Leajsk, Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. 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). WebDeutsches Jungforschernetzwerk - juFORUM e.V. And so they did. Yet, they throw a shadow over the entire story. 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. (Now they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.) But The mans name was Elimelech. Orpah seems to have no great spiritual interest in Israel or in the God of Israel. The resolution to these irregularities is primarily exegetical. Elimelech Weisblum of Lizhensk (1717March 11, 1787) was a rabbi and one of the great founding Rebbes of the Hasidic movement. 12 May the LORD reward your efforts! 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! Is this the behavior of a leader who loves and cares for his people, even if they do not fully deserve his respect? - In 2012, I became a member of juFORUM, a Germany-wide network of young scientists. You will note from the first verse of chapter 1 that the setting for the story of Ruth is the times of the judges. Many years later, the Israelites were camped on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho, poised to enter the Promised Land. But what she fails to see is that God is only increasing her problems to the level of human impossibility, so that He can demonstrate His power and grace through her weakness. And she was honored to be a part of the messianic line.34. 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. Due to the famine in Israel during the time of the Judges, Elimelech crossed over to Moab, where he and his two sons died. 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. 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. ), matriarch of Israel, wife of *Jacob and the mother of *Joseph and Benjamin. No, my daughters, you must not return with me. Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. ), Handbook of Ugaritic Studies (1999), index, 841. <> <> 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. 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? Obviously, Naomi had changed. 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. Shouldnt Ruth follow her lead? 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. 3 Then Elimelech, Naomis husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. In addition, anyone who wants to share the Bible with others can print unlimited copies and give them away free to others. But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. 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. 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. His name was Nate Mirza. To her, Gods blessings should appear now, in the form of bread, an eligible bachelor (marriage), and babies. 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