14 In her first attempt, Naomi issues a parting blessing, punctuated by a farewell kiss (verse 9). The wonder is that God remained faithful to those who so easily abandoned Him. It would do us well to review where the Moabites came from and how they related to Israel in the past. And she was honored to be a part of the messianic line.34. Thankfully, she later confessed and returned to Israel. WebThe Tragedy of Elimelech Ruth Introduction The book of Ruth is a fascinating little book in the Old Testament. Naomi seems to be encouraging Ruth to accompany Orpah as she returns home. He arose and fled from them (Ruth Rabbah 1, 4). Apparently he was willing to help only if he wears the mantly of authority. Elimelech had a wife named Naomi and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. The men in the family die, leaving Naomi alone with her two daughters-in- law, Ruth and Orpah. 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. Bearing children was to be done Gods way. Elimelech was one of the great men and authorities in Israel. , Akk. The crises of life are Gods pop quizzes, times when He puts our faith to the test, times when He gives us an opportunity to put our faith on display. It must be, the Sages reasoned, that Elimelech misread his destiny. In the past, Naomi was always portrayed in a somewhat flattering way. Who would carry on his line? 16 But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Ruth has an uncanny grasp of Israels religion and has chosen to embrace it as her own. From these events, we can easily see that the Moabites were no friend to Israel. Was it at Naomis initiative that her sons took Moabite women for wives? A space remained that he did not manage to rebuild. 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. iddunnu) comes from the root , Hadad Orpah seems to have no great spiritual interest in Israel or in the God of Israel. But the most dramatic new development in Naomis argument is her reference to Orpahs god: 15 So Naomi said, Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. 2 0 obj 4 0 obj Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. Dedicate an Article and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband; deprived both of her husband and her sons, which was a great affliction, aggravated by her being in a strange country; many are the afflictions of the righteous. The danger of practicing pragmatism above principle. 2 These women invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods; then the people ate and bowed down to their gods. Having started off on a rather negative note, let me hasten to say that the Book of Ruth is a breath of fresh air for those of us who have just come from the Book of Judges. No details, however, are given, as, on the one hand, no blame is attached to the conduct 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. Not only is Naomi unable to provide these women with husbands (and thus with children), God is also dealing harshly with her. as Ili-Milku, a variant of the name Milk-ilu, ruler of Gezer. We should learn from Naomi that if barrenness is ones earthly fate, our heavenly fate is vastly different. She would be buried where Naomi was buried. They would be a reminder that Naomis sons their husbands had not married Israelite wives. That is precisely what Naomi did with Orpah and Ruth. This should not come as news to us, but it is a truth that has not come easily to Jews, even some Jewish Christians.33 It is Naomi who fails to live up to the faith of her fathers, while Ruth is an example for all to follow, Jew or Gentile. Though a widow, Naomi still had her two sons to provide for and protect her. 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. HADAD , an early Semitic god, first appears in texts written in the Old Akkadian dialect and in Eblaite (third millennium). T -6d$zA ^C(D`Ed8 BR. The translation project originally started as an attempt to provide an electronic version of a modern translation for electronic distribution over the Internet and on CD (compact disk). What a marvelous woman of faith Ruth was. Naomi, so to speak, put all of her eggs into one basket marriage and bearing children. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! 14 For whenever the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things required by the law, these who do not have the law are a law to themselves. Religion. Word had reached Naomi in Moab that God had visited His people by ending the famine and providing abundant crops back in Israel. 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. 2 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible. . Lot and his family were spared, but his wife died (turned to salt) because she looked back. He is the ancestor of the Moabites of today. 15 So Naomi said, Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. 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. The book of Ruth opens with a presentation of several characters. 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). 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. 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. I am no longer capable of giving birth to sons who might become your husbands! Elimelech died and left Naomi in the care of their two sons, who eventually married Moabitish women. WebRuth 1:2. When we met, I had no idea who he was, but he introduced himself something like this, Hi, Bob, Im Nate Mirza. And his little boys died too. 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. Elimelech Weisblum 1717 Tykocin, Kingdom of Poland. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. Such are the products of our pleasant things, weak and infirm, fading and dying. So the woman was left all alone bereaved of her two children as well as her husband! She views God as harsh and uncaring, doling out affliction and trouble in a way that is completely unrelated to her attitudes and actions. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. , ' eylam; Elamite halhatamti; Akk. Lot and his two daughters are now living in a cave. Both were traveling with Naomi as she made her way toward Israel. In moving to Moab, Naomi left the Lord to some extent and for some years. (One was named Orpah and the other Ruth.) A godly Israelite would not only trust in the one true God, Yahweh, they would also know that there are no other gods. Ruths spiritual journey is similar to that of Abraham. This suggests that the Narrator was not happy with him, for when God approves of a journey, it, the participants, their families, and even their livestock are described in loving detail (See Ezra 2, 66-67, after commentary Nachalat Yosef). 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. Submit your piece for review, and if approved we will publish it on our site as Community Contributions., Change Your Subscription All rights reserved. I am now inclined to believe that Ruth is an example of Romans 2:12-16. Perhaps he was not even fully aware of this failing but God was. 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. Other translations have another another husband. 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. 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? 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). WebThen Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, Ruth 1:5 both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? 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. The more Naomi protests her miserable state, the more we are being prepared for a great work of God. 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. Naomi adds one final argument in favor of Orpah and Ruth returning home to Moab. (February 22, 2023). WebRuth 1:3. Such early setting out of the players is quite unusual in Biblical writing. 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. Even professing Christians can fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent. After only ten years in Moab, Elimelechs sons also died. And yet as the story of Ruth unfolded this time, it suddenly became obvious to me that Naomi was no role model. 19 So the two of them journeyed together until they arrived in Bethlehem. The chapter ends with the authors assessment of where things stand, with a hint of what lies ahead. Sixth, Elimelechs family left God. The women of the village said, Can this be Naomi? 20 But she replied to them, Dont call me Naomi! She then kissed both of them, a very clear signal of dismissal. Encyclopaedia Judaica. Second, Naomis words are even more forceful here,14 issuing Ruth a command to leave her. 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices for each item listed. The second clue that this name is meant to be interpreted is how the verse presents it. He will do what he says he will do. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. Both women initially refused to heed Naomis exhortation to leave her and return to Moab. 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. 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). The security in the home of a new husband referred to earlier is now spelled out in plainer terms. For my intense suffering is too much for you to bear. Id like to deal with our text by calling your attention to the contrasts the author has highlighted in the first chapter of Ruth. Let us reflect on these contrasts for a moment. You will note from the first verse of chapter 1 that the setting for the story of Ruth is the times of the judges. No wonder Naomi finally ceased trying to convince her to turn back (verse 18). Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. But when Ruth refused to return to her people and accompanied her to Bethlehem, Boaz entered the picture, a close relative, a possible redeemer. Machlon and Chillon died also both of them. Elimelech was Naomi's husband. One manifestation of Gods mercy, expressed through His sovereignty, is His providential working at times when there appears to be no hope. There is something particularly encouraging about our text. 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. Ruth focused on Naomi and her need and on Naomis people and their God. (6) Most (if not all) of Naomis actions, attitudes, and advice were misguided and downright wrong. It has been supplied by the translators. Who were Naomis daughter in laws? Orpah succumbed to Naomis reasoning and chose to pursue what appeared to be in her best interest. Both the Benjamites sin and their judgment are similar to what happened in Genesis 19. WebThe Bible Exposition Commentary: The meaning of redemption. Copyright Torah.org Project Genesis. There is a paucity of clues but the first one is the Elimelechs name itself. 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. We will return with you to your people., 11 But Naomi replied, Go back home, my daughters! WebElimelech died, leaving Naomi with only her two sons. 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. We dont have a very good reputation in the Bible.. 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. They need new or different husbands to marry and to bear children. Ezekiel (10, 3) castigates the leaders of Israel as being foxes in the ruins. Ruth would not only do this until death separated them, she would do so in death. Lot fled with his daughters and was living in a cave. Call me Mara because the Sovereign One has treated me very harshly. - As part of a small team, I organized a five-day congress (90 participants, budget 17,000), the largest yearly event of the association. Another label for pragmatism is doing what seems right in our own eyes. That was the spirit of the age during the days of the judges. A Jew who knows the law and doesnt live by it is not really a true Jew. This is completely secular thinking. The Path of Despair and the Path of Return. . 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. The tale begins not in Israel or Judah but in Moab, where the Israelite Naomi and her husband, Elimelech, and her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, went during a famine in Judah. ELIMELECH (Heb. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? 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. 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. 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