why did elimelech and his family go to moab

16But Ruth replied, Dont ask me to leave you and turn back. Famine in the Old Testament is a call to repentance and to covenant renewal. Not only is Naomi unable to provide these women with husbands (and thus with children), God is also dealing harshly with her. Some years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely Christian in a hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. document.getElementById('cloak6abc068fa8d6d6e3ed55f5c6ed881e19').innerHTML = ''; It is available on the Internet at: www.netbible.org. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. 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. What a difference it makes to believe in a God who is in absolute control and who is also merciful and gracious, causing all things to work together for our good and for His glory, if we believe in Him. No, of course not, my daughters! Is God judging here? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. moved to Bethlehem with her mother in law, Naomi, she met and This was a grievous sin, departing from the church of God and the communion of saints (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. Once again I would suggest that Naomis strong urging for Ruth and Orpah to return was as much for her interests as for her daughters-in-law. Sin has a way of making progress in our lives even if we start in rather small ways. var addy4e942a4423f495800f38cd74f5bbd140 = 'laning' + '@'; 25 Translations differ here, but I think that this daughters choice of words is very important to consider. She went on to become so righteous that God made her the ancestress of King David. He lived in Bethlehem during the time of the judges. It is four short chapters and will only take you a few minutes. Start for FREE. More tears are shed. 5 Then Naomis two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, also died. What is wrong with reporter Susan Raff's arm on WFSB news? 19 and Micah 5:2. For instance, Samuel opens the story without naming Elimelech. This would have been Ruth's story springs up beautifully in the context of this agonizing cycle of failure, except with Ruth we are pointed to the need for more than a judge; there is a need for a faithful husband. There do not appear to be many generations between Boaz and David, but biblical genealogies dont always include every genealogical link in such cases. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend (Isaiah 55:8-11). She then kissed both of them, a very clear signal of dismissal. Ruths spiritual journey is similar to that of Abraham. WebBible: Ruth Flashcards | Quizlet. WebSee Page 1. The term she used to refer to Him Shaddai was a term that emphasized Gods great power. Though a widow, Naomistill had her two sons to provide for and protect her. 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. We dont have a very good reputation in the Bible.. 1:2 (Now the mans name was Elimelech, his wife was Naomi, and his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. 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. 10 From what we learn from the Book of Ruth, one does wonder what role Naomi played in this decision. He keeps loyal love; that is, He is a God who perseveres in His love, and thus He is a covenant-keeping God. He came alongside Eve as her friend, as someone who was doing her a favor. 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. All rights reserved. during the time of the judges in Israel. document.getElementById('cloaka1ecccfd0b401858a2877dcb45f7be68').innerHTML = ''; So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the 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. Naomi doesnt mention that these women would likely not find an Israelite husband. Not only were they renowned for their immorality in general, but they had an infamous place in redemptive history. Naomis second effort13 will be less subtle and more pointed and forceful. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Why did Elimelech take his family to Moab?, Why was it wrong for Elimelech to take What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? There is something particularly encouraging about our text. Rather, he searched for other places of blessing; he left the land of promise. All three women had to make a choice. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16). We need to let that sink in just a bit. 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to dissuade her. In moving to Moab, Naomi left the Lord to some extent and for some years. Naomi was preoccupied with the here and now, rather than trusting in Gods covenant promises by faith. Later, things seemed to look up for the bereaved family. 4The two sons married Moabite women. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. var addy_texta1ecccfd0b401858a2877dcb45f7be68 = 'Classical Committee';document.getElementById('cloaka1ecccfd0b401858a2877dcb45f7be68').innerHTML += ''+addy_texta1ecccfd0b401858a2877dcb45f7be68+'<\/a>'; 11 The thought occurred to me that Naomis journey back to her homeland traced the steps of the Israelites when they first entered the Promised Land. lived and so they went to Moab where conditions were better and get Others fail to see this teaching on church membership in Ruth because they have not fully grasped the robust biblical and Reformed doctrine of the church, as summarized, for example, inBelgic Confession28: We believe, since this holy congregation is an assembly of those who are saved, and out of it there is no salvation, that no person, of whatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw himself to live in a separate state from it; but that all men are in duty bound to join and unite themselves with it, maintaining the unity of the church; submitting themselves to the doctrine and discipline thereof; bowing their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ; and as mutual members of the same body, serving to the edification of the brethren, according to the talents God has given them. The wonder is that God remained faithful to those who so easily abandoned Him. 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. Chilion, the only remaining son, also expired (5).Of the four who had left Bethlehem, only Naomi remained. When they turned away from God, He turned away from them. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung tightly to her. When they return, Ruth meets Boaz, and he fulfills the role of kinsman redeemer. The place known for refusing Israel bread is the very place Elimelech chooses to move his 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. Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me., 14And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. (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. 16 But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. A very happy ending!Considering the book theologically, Ruth is significant for four main reasons that have been widely recognized by Gods people. Yet we are about to learn that the man who acts contrary to faithful service actually has a name that means God is King; he acts in complete opposition to his name. 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. 1When Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab. 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. When a famine came to the area around Bethlehem, Elimelech and Naomi moved to Moab (Moab was the name of Lot's elder daughter's son and the people and land If Ruth is right in moving to Israel from Moab, then Elimelechs family were wrong in moving from Israel to Moab. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way. If they were not faithful to this task, they would be tested even more severely and called back to faithfulness. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. Someone reminded me that the Book of Ruth is a lot like the Book of Esther. Did Billy Graham speak to Marilyn Monroe about Jesus? There is yet another irony in Elimelech's choice of Moab. Follow your sister-in-law back home! (Ruth 1:15). After Mahlon died and Ruth had They attempted to destroy Israel by getting them to marry their daughters. What is wrong with reporter Susan Raff's arm on WFSB news. daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. The chapter begins, In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a man from Bethlehem in Judah left the country because of a severe famine. To him be glory forever! Many of the commentaries on Ruth argue that the initial setting provides a mere backdrop to the story and nothing more. God loves to show mercy and compassion. (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. 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. (Ruth 1:1+2). and lifts up the needy from the garbage pile, 9 He makes the barren woman of the family. Other than weeping, Orpah remains silent;20 Ruths words and actions are what the author has chosen to report. Learn how your comment data is processed. Moab was a land of rich soil and adequate rainfall so this man traveled to a place where his crops wouldnt fail. Instead you must completely overthrow them and smash their standing stones to pieces (Exodus 23:24). May you grow in giant leaps in Jesus Name. The famine in the land informs us about more than the climate; it awakens us theologically to the unfaithfulness in the land. 3, 4). var addy_text79beab5da96ef5c7e556d8524343f19c = 'Stated Clerk';document.getElementById('cloak79beab5da96ef5c7e556d8524343f19c').innerHTML += ''+addy_text79beab5da96ef5c7e556d8524343f19c+'<\/a>'; 2014 Protestant Reformed Churches in America. And she was honored to be a part of the messianic line.34. 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. The land of Moab had been a consistent place of curse for the people of God. Why was Moab the worst place to look for bread? But wait, it gets even better! That is why some men and women will choose never to marry or to bear children. The scene requires Elimelech to make choices about his family's future. 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. The all-powerful God was making Naomis life miserable, so she thought and said. This means that we can find redemptive theology or theological concepts not only taught explicitly, but also reinforced as the theology is embedded in the very structure of the text. Ruth Chapter 1 Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. I am so grateful for your encouragement! These cookies do not store any personal information. var addy4e942a4423f495800f38cd74f5bbd140 = 'laning' + '@'; From Ruth 4:13, one might infer that God prevented both Orpah and Ruth from bearing children to their husbands. We cry out in frustration and desperation, "Who will free the people of God from this vicious cycle of failure and death? Elimelech was a faithless husband who led his family into the yawning jaws of death. And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And he said to the kinsman, Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, has resolved to sell the portion of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. All scripture [including the first five verses of Ruth] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in0 righteousness (II Tim. 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. 1, iv. The son of the oldest daughter was named Moab; the son of the younger daughter was named Ammon. 17 Wherever you die, I will die and there I will be buried. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. This email address is being protected from spambots. The context of these texts explains further the wickedness of those times. Therefore all those who separate themselves from the same, or do not join themselves to it, act contrary to the ordinance of God.Rev. 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. That person is a true Jew at heart. To use a food metaphor, the table is set for a choice that will determine the course of the story. How do you know when to leave and when to stay? But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. 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. While they were there, Naomis husband died, and her two sons married women from Moab, one of whom was named Ruth. 20Dont call me Naomi, she responded. 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! Thus, we cannot say with certainty that the story of Ruth occurs late in the period of the judges, though this seems likely. 3), he was of the family of the Hezronites. Is it really Naomi? the women asked. What route might one take from Bethlehem to Moab? so this might not seem like a big deal to us. Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the LORD forever, because they did not meet you with bread and water on the road when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you. Ruth 1:1b. The latter chapters of the book of Judges contain variations of In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). 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. Without a doubt, this is the most amazing and distressing thing Naomi has said so far. And they continued to live there about ten years. But he was not aware that she had sexual relations with him and then got up. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. A man of the tribe of Judah, living in Bethlehemjudah at the time of the Judges (Ruth i. (7) Naomi does appear to have one thing right humanly speaking, Naomis chances of perpetuating her husbands line are between slim and none. var addya1ecccfd0b401858a2877dcb45f7be68 = 'billlangerak' + '@'; Nobody would yoke a donkey with an ox because one is smaller and it wouldn't work. Naomi thought of Gods blessings in terms of having food and a family. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand the world When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. Are you in a place you dont need to be? 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.

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