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Naomi wanted to return to her relatives in her original homeland of Judah. As far as the land of Moab is concerned, two factors add to speculation that Elimelech was out of the will of the Lord. Verse 22. What did Naomi say that she would seek for Ruth. Thus, weary and travel-stained, they reach Bethlehem, and neighbours, doubtless never looking to see Naomi again, are all astir with excitement. (Ruth 1:16-17) In the introduction to the Book of Ruth, we learn of the man Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and two sons, forced to leave their home in Bethlehem because of famine there, their travel to Moab where his two sons take wives from Moab, and the unfortunate death of all three men. Pretty Creative WordPress Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design, Wait for It—Expect a Surprise from Jesus (+ a Christmas Recipe), Shortbread, Family, and Identity in Christ. I wanted to articulate what I thought was a close and “simple” reading of how the Book of Ruth presents the character of Boaz.I then went on to critique a few key modern interpreters, but that will have to wait for another post or even a published article. ... What did Naomi say about Ruth staying close by Boaz's young women. With whom did Ruth dwell during the harvest. Why should they leave the familiar to enter a new land with a different culture and a different God? What is known is that Naomi went to Moab where her husband and two sons died, and returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth. In today’s terms, that was not a long journey, only about 60 miles—something that we would travel today in just an hour or two. Ruth is not only a model of faith for us to follow, but her commitment is a picture of the faith of the Church. As the story progresses, Naomi comes to believe that Ruth has a chance of finding "security" with Boaz, a kinsman. Ruth and Naomi: Whithersoever Thou Goest is the inspiring tale of two womens matchless devotion, envisioned as never before. 4, 5. A night-time rendezvous is planned, and the encounter is favourable (see Ruth 3 for the story). Your email address will not be published. The region consisted mostly of high, sparsely wooded tablelands cut through by deep ravines. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me. The Book of Ruth also functions liturgically, as it is read during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot "Weeks". We know from the Book of Ruth that they took this trip 2 times. While they were there, Naomi’s husband died, and her two sons married women from Moab, one of whom was named Ruth. File Name: how far did naomi and ruth travel.zip. Ruth chanced upon Boaz’s fields and he encouraged her to spend the harvest season in his fields. On Ruth's return the next morning, Naomi -- Ruth's mother-in-law -- greets her in 3:16 this way: What did Boaz ask his servant who was in charge of the reapers. At this juncture in the story, Naomi believes that both Orpah and Ruth would have a far better future and potential for success if they returned to their homeland. Ruth 1:1-5 Towards the end of the period of the ‘Judges’, during seventy years of Philistine rule in c.1060BC, there is a severe famine in Canaan.Two Israelites, Elimelech and his wife Naomi, travel east from Bethlehem in Judah, cross the River Jordan and settle in the land of Moab (see 1 on Map 52).Some time later, Elimelech dies, and their two sons marry Moabite women. Shortly after Ruth converts to Judaism, she and Naomi arrive in Israel while the barley harvest is underway. This would have been during the time of the judges in Israel. Although it is a short trip today, it would have taken Ruth and Naomi days on foot. She would live in a tent, a cave, a cabin, a dirt house, or a mansion.- Thy people shall be my people. In fact, you could see Moab from Bethlehem. Frequently the content and tone of Naomi’s words in Ruth 1:20, 21 are used to argue that Elimelech’s move was wrong, as well. He will tell you what you are to do." Ruth was born in Moab about B.C. To get to Moab from Bethlehem, one had to travel … In fact, you could see Moab from Bethlehem. Given Ruth was young, likely 15-25. b. Ruth is described as a young woman twice by Boaz when he asks "whose young woman is this?" Travel the distance from Bethlehem to Moab in the Footsteps of Ruth and Naomi and experience the Biblical narrative come alive as you take the same journey! One was named Orpah and the other Ruth. . ... My knuckles were white clinching the steering wheel as my husband sat in the passenger seat reading the Fodor’s travel book. + The type of lodging did not matter to Ruth. Moab was across the Jordan and the Dead Sea from Bethlehem. Ruth stayed, and therefore Naomi was able to state that Ruth was ready to convert formally when The driving time would be approximately 11 hours 30 minutes if you were to travel non-stop in good driving conditions. It would seem that though the news of the end of the famine had reached Naomi in Moab, news of her had not reached Bethlehem. “The fields of Moab” often proved to be fertile farmland, even when famine stalked Israel. Ruth persisted. Ruth worked hard in the fields to support Naomi. your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. 3 Sometime later Naomi's husband Elimelech died, so she and her two Marriage to a Moabite was not something one did to gain status in Israel. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. 4 Ruth grew up in Moab, a small country that lay to the east of the Dead Sea. 2 (Now the man’s name was Elimelech, his wife was Naomi, and his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. Ruth tells Naomi about her conversation with Boaz. Ruth persisted. + This was a play upon Naomi’s words in Ruth 1:15 + Ruth was willing to take upon her the culture of the Israel-ite nation. Boaz asked her who she was, and she replied: "I am your handmaid Ruth. Ruth did so. (Ruth 4:13-15) a. Naomi stated she was too old to have a husband at the time she left Moab for Bethlehem. Ruth goes on to tell Naomi about what other things Boaz will do to keep her safe if she remains obedient. May the Lord show you the same kind of devotion that you have shown to your deceased husbands and to me! In doing so, Ruth is taking advantage of a Jewish law derived from Leviticus 19:9-10. In what time period is to kill a mockingbird set. chrissullivanministries.com © 2019. .--The Bethlehemite women, that is, for the verb is feminine. But in verse 6 Ruth said to Naomi, “Your people shall be … . The selection below was written “on background” one might say. 28:23-24). Moab was not very far away from Bethlehem. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah . Published in: The Bible Today, 32 [March 1994], 68-73. The Bible Journey | Ruth's journey to Bethlehem, Your email address will not be published. 1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. Naomi sought to send away her daughters-in-law while traveling–Orpah acquiesces to Naomi’s exhortation that she return to Moab (Ruth 1:14). Go back with her” (Ruth 1:15). She told her two daughter-in-laws to go back to their own parents. Boaz is fast asleep after winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 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. 1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. "A certain man of Bethlehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab". She stated clearly that she was done with all idol worship, and the society associated with it. And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’” Ruth 2:21 ESV Moab was across the Jordan and the Dead Sea from Bethlehem. The book is structured in four chapters: [5]. As far as the land of Moab is concerned, two factors add to speculation that Elimelech was out of the will of the Lord. Together these first three factors are, to say the least, suggestive (three deaths, no reference to God in this scene alone in Ruth, and the dark days of the judges); the next two arguments are more explicit and are based on the words of Naomi and Ruth. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. Ruth was a Gentile – she was outside the covenants and promises that God made to Israel. Ruth became "better to you than seven sons" (verse 15). She stated clearly that she was done with all idol worship, and the society associated with it. But Ruth answered her, … Let us know. As you travel on an Israel tour from Bethlehem to Moab, a mountainous strip of land in Jordan, you can imagine Ruth and Naomi traveling the same 50 miles of rugged and steep terrain. (Ruth 4:13-15) a. Naomi stated she was too old to have a husband at the time she left Moab for Bethlehem. If we are in situations in which repentance is called for, look at what we are saying about God and note whether or not we are focusing on only part of his actions. One daughter-in-law did what Naomi said but the other (Ruth) travelled with Naomi to take care of her. 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. Your people will be my people and your God my God. It is the same with Jesus. Interestingly, the concluding scenes are of Naomi. Ruth and Naomi had already developed a strong relationship prior to this decision by Ruth to go to Israel with her mother-in-law. Some time later, Elimelech dies, and their two sons marry Moabite women. And they continued to live there about ten years. Ruth stayed, and therefore Naomi was able to state that Ruth was ready to convert formally when Therefore, Naomi was likely 45-60 years old at this time. Boaz guarantees to Ruth that he will resolve this situation. mi is even happier when Ruth and Boʹaz have their first son, named Oʹbed. At the end of the harvest season, Naomi sends a message with Ruth to Boaz: I want to sell my lands, to a member of the family, and whoever buys the lands must marry Ruth. Ruth & Naomi* The Book of Ruth is filled with examples that are applicable for our lives today. Eph 1:16-18; They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah. Want advertising space on our blog? Naomi asked Ruth and Orpha (her other daughter in law) to go back to their parent’s house. They said . Ruth 1:9 has some very interesting elements to it once the ANE elements of what being married meant for a … . Naomi sent Ruth to the threshing floor at night and told her to go where he slept, and "uncover his feet and lie down. Verse 19 begins with Naomi and Ruth traveling from Moab to Bethlehem. First, Moabites descended from Lot through his incest with a daughter (Genesis 19:36, 37). . They began their travels on the Yom Tov of Pesach. During that trip Naomi taught Ruth how to be a Jew, all the details, and then again offered that Ruth could depart, no harm done. Naomi sought to send away her daughters-in-law while traveling–Orpah acquiesces to Naomi’s exhortation that she return to Moab (Ruth 1:14). Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. So the woman was left all alone � bereaved of her two children as well as her husband! 1 During the time of the judges there was a famine in the land of Judah. They said . From where had Naomi and Ruth come. Naomi, Ruth and Orpah began the 30 or so mile journey from Moab to No matter how far we stray, coming home is easier when we walk. Our Sages teach us that Ruth and Naomi left Moab on Pesach.The trip from Moab took two days, and they arrived on Nisan 16. Orpha returned but Ruth refused. Barley was used to make bread. First, Moabites descended from Lot through his incest with a daughter (Genesis 19:36, 37). Ruth was not a Jew. The women. Glenna S. Jackson . . Required fields are marked *. Frequently the content and tone of Naomi’s words in Ruth 1:20, 21 are used to argue that Elimelech’s move was wrong, as well. At the end of the harvest season, Naomi sends a message with Ruth to Boaz: I want to sell my lands, to a member of the family, and whoever buys the lands must marry Ruth. Ruth chanced upon Boaz’s fields and he encouraged her to spend the harvest season in his fields. It includes verses that are often used in weddings---“your people shall be my people”---and tells the story of a relationship between Naomi and Ruth, a widow and her daughter-in-law, that many see as a … (a) Why did Naomi’s family move to Moab? Thus, weary and travel-stained, they reach Bethlehem, and neighbours, doubtless never looking to see Naomi again, are all astir with excitement. The book tells of Ruth accepting the God of the Israelites as her God and the Israelite people as her own. The famine in Ruth 1:1 was itself a judgment of God upon Israel for its sins (Deut. All Rights Reserved. It is a time of famine and despair in the land: crops are failing, idol-worship is widely practiced, and those who follow the God An authentic Bible tour is exemplified by putting yourself in the shoes of Biblical people who once walked on the very same ground. "A certain man of Bethlehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab". Although it is a short trip today, it would have taken Ruth and Naomi 7-10 days on foot. She was married first to Mahlon, son of Naomi and Elimelech. They are so poor that Ruth must gather food that has fallen on the ground while harvesters are gathering the crops. 1100. (b) What challenges did Naomi face in Moab? Naomi, Ruth and Orpah began the 30 or so mile journey from Moab to Bethlehem, but somewhere along the way (the Bible doesn’t say), Naomi thought about those two young women. About ten years later, both the sons also die. Moab was not very far away from Bethlehem. They entered the region of Moab and settled there. Whose young woman is this. Therefore, Naomi was likely 45-60 years old at this time. The narrator pauses to recapitulate his narrative of the return, and hence the recapitulatory so is, in English, very much to be preferred to the merely additive and of the original. .--The Bethlehemite women, that is, for the verb is feminine. From what city did Boaz travel. It has been estimated this would have been 1090 - 1100 BC. To get to Moab from Bethlehem, one had to travel … - So Naomi returned. And Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the land of Moab. She gains the favour of Boaz, the landowner, who has heard about her kindness to Naomi. When one looks to the Bible for ideal relationships between friends, one often thinks of the story of Ruth and Naomi. They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah.) The Old Testament book of Ruth is a favorite of many. We know from the Book of Ruth that they took this trip 2 times. It would seem that though the news of the end of the famine had reached Naomi in Moab, news of her had not reached Bethlehem. Moab. And then, within 10 years, both Naomi’s sons died. When they think in such a way, they make little progress and also hinder others on the same path, as Naomi did here with Ruth. Boaz guarantees to Ruth that he will resolve this situation. The women of the community recognize that in the face of all of the difficulty Naomi had experienced, the conclusion of the matter was far better than anything that could have been anticipated. ... God’s purpose is for His people to connect with something far greater than ourselves. During that trip Naomi taught Ruth how to be a Jew, all the details, and then again offered that Ruth could depart, no harm done. Security. Spread your robe over your handmaid, for you are a redeeming kinsman" (3:9 NJPS). So, Naomi said, to Ruth, “Look . Given Ruth was young, likely 15-25. b. Ruth is described as a young woman twice by Boaz when he asks "whose young woman is this?" Walked on the threshing floor of lodging did not matter to Ruth a! Sister-In-Law is going back to their parent ’ s family move to Moab ( Ruth 1:14 ) move Moab... People to connect with something far greater than ourselves strong relationship prior to this decision by Ruth go., be it ever so severely how far did ruth and naomi travel if even death separates you and me what did! 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