The names do imply an insight to the story. Yet, we can understand the story or the lesson without knowing the meaning of the names of the people or places, although trying to dig deeper isn’t wrong.
Dealing with Elimelech; notice the account of the story started with him as the head of his family, and this is important. As the head of the family, he is responsible for their well-being while being under the guidance of God.
His name Elimelech, means “my God is King” If God is your king, then God is your legal protector and your spiritual protector. Meaning He covers you concerning all things physical and all things spiritual.
However, within Chapter one, verse one, we are told he (Elimelech) sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
The word “sojourn” used here is vital in bringing out an important lesson. Sojourn means – to turn aside from the road. As a believer, we are on a path or a road, representing our daily lives. We ought to stay on this course or road without distraction, or turning aside, despite the condition we are in.
Whenever we do that which is wrong as a human, we always have a justification for our action to appease our wrong doing, in hope to escape the guilt.
Like Elimelech, if we placed ourselves in his position, by removing his family from Bethlehem-Judah, a place God destined for him and his family; the justification for removing his family will be, well, there was a famine in the land.
Such are most Christians today, though we are blessed beyond measure, physically and spiritually, however, when there is a slight deficiency or a lack in our lives, some would depart from the road of faith, to turn aside from the road. Ignoring the fact that God is their King, they sojourn into the world, thereby, removing themselves from his protection and taking to themselves a new king, a king of destruction. Which was evidence in the life of Elimelech, when he left Bethlehem-Judah for Moab.
Bethlehem-Judah represents God’s promise of provision. Hence, the name means a city of bread. Whereas Moab represents the world and death. Though there was a famine in the city of bread, however, it is not a justifying reason to leave, if God is your king. So then as Christians today, we are blessed, but there will be times we go through a drought, spiritual drought or the physical lack of life's necessity. Nevertheless, let us stay the course. Let us not turn aside from the road and sojourn in the country of Moab, where the king is not as loving as our God.
Things to consider and study as you all read through.
Although the book was written during the age of Law, it is however, filled with an immeasurable redeeming quality of love. For Love is the grace of God and love exceeds the Law.
The book of Ruth is unique in the Scriptures. There are only two books in the canon of Scripture that are named after a woman, Ruth and Esther.
Esther, a Jew who married a Gentile.
Ruth, a Gentile who married a Jew.
Their contrasts are obvious, however, their similarity is more important, for it surpasses their differences. In their similarity, both women displayed the quality of courage, faith and devotion to the right thing.
The love displayed in this book, isn’t the love found in the world. Herein, this love, surpasses
Race,
Past-history,
Social class,
Believes and
Previous circumstances
The book was set in the dispensation of Law, by the Law, concerning the acts of Ruth’s ancestors, she was shut out from the blessing of God’s kingdom, but by grace she was brought into the kingdom of God as the recipient of His blessings.
Very insightful, we should continue this. I'm taking notes, thanks everyone.
The names do imply an insight to the story. Yet, we can understand the story or the lesson without knowing the meaning of the names of the people or places, although trying to dig deeper isn’t wrong.
Dealing with Elimelech; notice the account of the story started with him as the head of his family, and this is important. As the head of the family, he is responsible for their well-being while being under the guidance of God.
His name Elimelech, means “my God is King” If God is your king, then God is your legal protector and your spiritual protector. Meaning He covers you concerning all things physical and all things spiritual.
However, within Chapter one, verse one, we are told he (Elimelech) sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
The word “sojourn” used here is vital in bringing out an important lesson. Sojourn means – to turn aside from the road. As a believer, we are on a path or a road, representing our daily lives. We ought to stay on this course or road without distraction, or turning aside, despite the condition we are in.
Whenever we do that which is wrong as a human, we always have a justification for our action to appease our wrong doing, in hope to escape the guilt.
Like Elimelech, if we placed ourselves in his position, by removing his family from Bethlehem-Judah, a place God destined for him and his family; the justification for removing his family will be, well, there was a famine in the land.
Such are most Christians today, though we are blessed beyond measure, physically and spiritually, however, when there is a slight deficiency or a lack in our lives, some would depart from the road of faith, to turn aside from the road. Ignoring the fact that God is their King, they sojourn into the world, thereby, removing themselves from his protection and taking to themselves a new king, a king of destruction. Which was evidence in the life of Elimelech, when he left Bethlehem-Judah for Moab.
Bethlehem-Judah represents God’s promise of provision. Hence, the name means a city of bread. Whereas Moab represents the world and death. Though there was a famine in the city of bread, however, it is not a justifying reason to leave, if God is your king. So then as Christians today, we are blessed, but there will be times we go through a drought, spiritual drought or the physical lack of life's necessity. Nevertheless, let us stay the course. Let us not turn aside from the road and sojourn in the country of Moab, where the king is not as loving as our God.
Amen, let the study begin.
Things to consider and study as you all read through.
Although the book was written during the age of Law, it is however, filled with an immeasurable redeeming quality of love. For Love is the grace of God and love exceeds the Law.
The book of Ruth is unique in the Scriptures. There are only two books in the canon of Scripture that are named after a woman, Ruth and Esther.
Esther, a Jew who married a Gentile.
Ruth, a Gentile who married a Jew.
Their contrasts are obvious, however, their similarity is more important, for it surpasses their differences. In their similarity, both women displayed the quality of courage, faith and devotion to the right thing.
The love displayed in this book, isn’t the love found in the world. Herein, this love, surpasses
Race,
Past-history,
Social class,
Believes and
Previous circumstances
The book was set in the dispensation of Law, by the Law, concerning the acts of Ruth’s ancestors, she was shut out from the blessing of God’s kingdom, but by grace she was brought into the kingdom of God as the recipient of His blessings.
Thanks @PSW I will check if I can find it haha