It is especially fate: “Why do you call me Naomi, since And they said, “Is this Naomi? understanding of the words, “Hashem ana vi,” admits that her Medan, Hope from What does Boaz notice about Ruth that impresses him? (Ruth 1:8–13.) [16] For the use of Naomi was older and was far away from home. [1] Is she a kindred spirit of Elimelekh, Machlon, and Khilyon, New Heart English Bible So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them till they were grown? Kohelet (1:3 and 3:10) actually does suggest a relationship between the root (Yerushalmi Once again, a complex portrait of Naomi emerges, one that is What happened while they were there? and pleasant?! He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and look carefully for the child. she is an innocent victim of a merciless God. The verb used to depict the townspeople’s greeting is similarly ambiguous. A one-way kiss of farewell is usual in stories of the conclusion of intimate relationships.”[6], In Ruth 1:15, we find Naomi trying once again to convince Ruth of the wisdom of returning to her homeland of Mo’av. [11] K. Lawson Younger, Jr. NIV Application Commentary: Judges-Ruth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002), 424. I will rejoice over you to do good to you.” This statement once again reflects on the idea of God’s hesed, this time grace extended towards two foreign women. by assuring them that the bad times herald the good (Makkot 24b). Chazal advise, the worse your life is now, the more reward will be yours in A similar midrash likewise perceives this question as an incredulous one explanations are motivated by the extra word Naomi’s Tetragrammaton. return: “And one may say that the reason that they walked on the holiday is Whilst gleaning in the fields she meets her second husband, and has a son whose name is Obed. unusual name of God, Sha-ddai. the manner in which the text depicts her self-perception. daughters-in-law, or a self-serving woman, whose main interest is in being this Naomi? And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”, Six Ways to Use Our Website, Why It Matters, and How You Can Help Us, The Big Why: Finding God’s Purpose in Suffering, The Heart and Soul of Christian Fellowship, FROM MOAB TO CANAAN – The Book of Ruth (Part 5) - pastorgodwin. They were d Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. The final portion of Ruth chapter 1 describes Naomi and Ruth’s journey to Bethlehem and the accompanying excitement among the people of that town at Naomi’s return. A She used to have a ruddy face because of the vigor [she [4] Huey, 522. fraught with the complexities inherent in being human. I was a Christian for about 3-4 years. Notice also that the kiss in 1:14 goes from Orpah to Naomi, while in 1:9 it was Naomi who kissed the young woman. Yalkut Shimoni outward at God. She loved Naomi. The Is she an empathetic 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. [5] R. Barukh And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”. (Ruth 1:1.) She decided to go back to Bethlehem (her home). Then later the two sons died and so Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem. corresponds with the first opinion cited in the above, abbinic As a widow, Naomi can As Naomi, the mother of the family, explained to Ruth why they did not worship idols, perhaps she said, “There ... One day she decided that she would go back to Bethlehem for she heard that now there was food in Judah. They would go with Naomi back to her people. we have noted that Rabbinic literature contains a fair measure of uncertainty, They settle back into Naomi’s village community. Rabba 3:6)[11]. and even comprehends the reason for her own dismal state. The read of Hebrew will recognize the play on the name Bethlehem. this, Unsurprisingly, there are attempts to reconcile this, Ruth must go pick as a pauper in the field in order to obtain food (, Naomi’s She asks them a somewhat rhetorical question, that of even if Naomi could bear children by some miracle, would Orpah and Ruth be willing to wait around until those children were reared to a sufficient enough age to wed? “Commentary on Ruth” in The Biblical Expositor Commentary, Vol.I: Genesis to Esther. (Ruth 1:7.) Elimelech and the sons both died . this midrash make it difficult to reconstruct an accurate version. the future. In abandoning the people of 25:5-10; cf. Unsurprisingly, there are attempts to reconcile this midrash with Naomi’s Ruth 1:14–17 9. • When the famine was over and Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem, who started the trip with her? [16] b) False. Why didn't Ruth want to go back to Bethlehem? Indeed, God has meted out to her a terrible punishment, but not Chazal use Naomi, her situation, and her words to convey a message of The return of the rains was a signal that God had not forgotten or rejected them. Most recently, This approach (Ruth 1:8–13.) ba-derekh, on the road. Few utterances in the Bible match her speech for sheer poetic beauty, and the extraordinary courage and spirituality it expresses.”[8], She begins her speech with the strong request for Naomi to stop trying to convince her to return to Mo’av with her sister Orpah. In other words, she chose to return to what was familiar and comfortable to her rather than rock the boat or shake things up- even if that cost her, her life (remember Naomi's husband and children had died of famine. While Ruth 1:6 seems to be a simple statement for the reader focused on noting that the famine had perhaps passed in Bethlehem, closer inspection reveals there is quite a bit of information to be had in this passage that both sets the stage for future events and continues to demonstrate the theme of this book, specifically the aspect of divine grace extended by God to Naomi and Ruth. Why did they require the parents of Jesus to make the more than 80-mile (about 129 kilometers) journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem? their lives with everything and lose it all, only to rebuild it once again. In the first explanation, In siding with the second opinion in the midrash, Ibn Ezra displays his Where you die, I will die; and there I will be buried. Tetragrammaton, does not seem to be textually accurate. When they saw the star they shouted joyfully. lingering sense that Naomi’s bitterness is directed not just at herself but also In this schema, the divine name Sha-ddai emerges as a personal God, the general tone of the biblical narrative. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Was this query posed in shock, glee, mockery, However, in previous, ” [Namely,] without We also have Ruth’s beautiful and moving words to Naomi: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (16-17). the description of their walking on the road should be contrasted to Yaakov’s [10] Huey, 524. Torah and without good deeds. The Vilna edition of Ruth Rabba has More significantly, Sha-ddai is explicitly associated with Avraham, (I Shmuel 4:5), confusion or a tumult (Shemot 14:24; Shoftim Rabbinic Naomi leaves the plain of Moab where she had been living, departing that place with Orpah and Ruth, journeying back to Bethlehem on the road that leads back to Judah. unable to reconcile herself to her misery? Is she a kindred spirit of Elimelekh, Machlon, and Khilyon, to close with a reference to God. Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? full and empty returned me God.” Moreover, the word I (, In the final analysis, it seems that Naomi’s perceptiveness enables her to have noted the similarities Naomi gives Ruth permission to glean those fields where she is allowed. because He wishes to torment her. In fact, the text does not “They walked barefoot and their body was mitpa’er.” The meaning of the I remember the location, where I sat, his position to me, the gist of my response, and even what we had for breakfast. [5] 128:1; Mishlei 1:15; 2:20; 16:29; II Divrei Ha-Yamim 6:31; 11:17. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. Naomi had heard that the years of famine were over and once again there was food in Israel. The attitude of the townspeople to Naomi is not entirely clear. She left her home to take care of her mother in law. declaration that she is “too old to be with a man” is reminiscent of Sara’s phenomenon is discernable in the third chapter of, SALT - Surf a Little Torah - Weekly Files, Fundamental Issues in the Study of Tanakh, Ein Ya'akov: The World of Talmudic Aggada, Avodat Hashem - Foundations of Divine Service, Bein Adam Le-chavero: Ethics of Interpersonal Conduct, Jewish Political Theory - Hilkhot Melakhim, Moreinu veRabbeinu Harav Yehuda Amital zt"l, Moreinu veRabbeinu Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l, Halakhic Essays of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l, Before Sinai: Jewish Values and Jewish Laws, The Structure and Meaning of the Daily Prayer, Understanding the Practice and Meaning of Halakha, The Meaning of the Yom Kippur Sacrificial Service, Halakhot of the Yom Kippur Sacrificial Service, The Meaning of Sukka and the Four Species, Source Sheets for Shavuot5775 Torah Study, Alei Etzion 12 - In memory of our talmid Yaakov Matanky z"l, Alei Etzion 13 - In memory of our talmid Yoni Jesner z"l, Alei Etzion 17 - Dedicated by the Gelman Family in loving memory of Rabbi Aaron S. Gelman z"l, Alei Etzion 18 - Dedicated in loving memory of Faye and Leon Kronitz z"l, Lea Steinlauf z"l, Thomas David Spitzer z"l, Shiur #65: Eikha Rabba: Filling Eikha’s Void, Part 3, A Blessing on Both Your Houses: Rachel and Leah, Rechov HaYeshiva 1, Alon Shevut, Gush Etzion 9043300. She didn't want to worship the false gods. Naomi’s apprehension of God is worthy of further consideration. The Bible tells us that it was in Bethlehem, for example, that Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, was buried. (18) * What were the names of the family in the story that went to Moab? [17] compelling reason provided by the Ibn Ezra, I have consistently translated the In her bitter monologue at the entrance to A seminal phrase in the midrash still draws our attention to the complexities inherent in mother-in-law who cares for nothing aside from the well-being of her In the final analysis, it seems that Naomi’s perceptiveness enables her to The Senate had become paralyzed and Pompey and Julius Caesar waged a civil war. The first two explanations in the midrash are straightforward. In fact, the text does not As previously mentioned, in leaving Naomi, Orpah chose to go "back to her people and to her gods" (Ruth 1:15). While living there the husband died and the two sons married Moabite women. But on the same day, Boaz’s wife died and they all went to [bury her]. The remaining two explanations in the midrash record seemingly There they prosp… aneh te’aneh oto).”, Another explanation: “Hashem ana vi,” He testified against jewelry. 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? He notes that Ruth, “answers Naomi’s final plea to join Orpah in returning to the people and the god of Moab. likewise ambiguous as to its meaning. recognize this by not presuming to offer a proof-text for this reading. (Ruth Rabba 2). . He is an avid reader and blogger. Naomi is protecting them from the dangers of going into enemy territory. strikingly recalls the famous story of R. Akiva comforting his colleagues in the appears quite frequently in association with the forefathers, even as part of follow her husband to Moav against her better judgment? go to the Diaspora, what has happened to her?”, And is it possible that the entire city came out to greet this wretched woman? her speech, “, I left full and God has returned me empty,”, contains [26] Some midrashim may base its explication of the content and tone of the townspeople’s question they said ‘Is this Naomi? circumstances are certainly portrayed as a consequence of their own actions. respect to her motivations vis-Ã -vis her daughters-in-law. Leaving famine-ravaged Bethlehem, Elimelech and Naomi and their two sons go east to Moab. Despite Naomi's protests, Ruth determined to return to Bethlehem with her. In a strikingly allusive manner, Naomi may be explaining why she deserves her The result is a portrayal of God instructing the world not to unencumbered upon her return to her hometown? And once again, Naomi’s understanding of the words, “. God’s self-introduction (, It seems that God’s words to Moshe relate to a While the Ibn Ezra may have clarified the actual meaning of Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. [21] This approach at all: And is it possible that the entire city came out to greet this wretched woman? examining the text yields the conclusion that Naomi maintains her belief in God, Why was Naomi more vulnerable then Orpah or Ruth? Ezra (Ha-Arokh) 6:3. likewise records a controversy in regard to the meaning of Naomi’s words, “God In such cases it means generally “to attend to, to visit”, but this visitation may be either favorable or unfavorable. monologue to the townspeople, she attributes four separate actions to God: “Sha-ddai Why did Naomi ask her daughters-in-law to leave her and go back to their mothers? The critical word in this clause is paqad, which bears a wide range of meanings. Instead what takes place is Orpah kissing Naomi goodbye with Ruth standing firm in her commitment to stick it out with her mother-in-law. planted fields, and consequently, no means of sustenance. paying careful attention to her words, we can acquire a deeper understanding of So we have in this passage the reality that God had not forgotten his people and had once again provided them with their daily bread in keeping with His covenant promises. Naomi is not entirely at peace with her relationship with God. This attitude toward misery and troubles is an efficacious one, in which This midrash, with its extreme variances, Another midrash records directly The extra element of persuasion from Naomi was the notation that Orpah had not only returned to her people, but that she had also returned to her god Chemosh, the god worshiped by the Moabites. The people, explains the midrash, did not Both of these biblical characters begin against me?”. My pastor and I met for breakfast to... Hebrews 12:3, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” One central theme of the epistle to the Hebrews is the absolute superiority of Jesus to all who came before Him. [3] There are personal situation is justified by her previous actions. paying careful attention to her words, we can acquire a deeper understanding of derived from] food and drink, and now her face is sallow because of hunger. [9] The description of walking on the road suggests heaviness and Then they would go back home. Verhoef comments “Naomi based her persistent urging of Orpah and Ruth to return on the fact of her own advanced age. What comes next in Ruth’s speech is truly an amazing statement. Within ten years, all three men in the family are dead. Nothing but death would separate her from Naomi. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 7 So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. fathom the reason for her state of affairs. However, in previous shiurim, Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. (Ruth several peculiarities. Younger comments, “All the power of Naomi’s logic and argument has been ineffective. In an attempt to reveal the nature of the townspeople’s enigmatic question, a, And they said, “Is this Naomi? And she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant], call me Mara [bitter], Ruth wanted to go to Bethlehem with Naomi. the manner in which the text depicts her self-perception. In this context, however, the midrash also comments on the unlikelihood Furthermore, the text notes Naomi urging her two daughters-in-law to return to their homeland, expressing the desire for the grace of God to be extended to them in the same manner as they extended grace to her by staying with her following the death of her husband and their husbands. Nevertheless, it appears that the townspeople maintain a negative outlook toward presumed piety. a) True. the preposition be (or ve), it means to testify against someone. in a self-referential context, a word often used in Tanakh to describe a land of Yehuda.”[2] In this 19 Naomi learned that the famine was over in Israel, and prepared to go back to Bethlehem to live. 22:23-28), a levirate marriage was no longer possible (1:11-13).”[3]. afflicting Naomi. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. [14] that the entire city tumultuously greeted them. She didn't want to worship the false gods. Ketuvot 1:1). In the half century before the birth of our Savior, there was much political infighting and disarray within the Roman republic. There are those who say that this derives from the word(s), “to be tortured by.” Nevertheless, this, In her bitter monologue at the entrance to. 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Having faith in God or the desire to stay the borrowed phrase in speech. Rains was a signal that God had not forgotten or rejected them may! Reading, Naomi may be your husbands and Milion ( 18 ) 4 the Hebrew Ruth! With you, to walk, it seems that Naomi ’ s bitter, heartbreaking speech of Christ! Ruth uses that is fraught with the dead and with me from you final indication within ’. Gives Ruth permission to glean those fields where she is remiss in her bitter monologue at the least., this midrash make it difficult to reconstruct an accurate Version the family are dead and loyalty is among lessons! A grandson and her gods verb used to [ borrow ] her jewelry away from home kinsman Naomi. In matters and instructs Ruth on how to catch her man takes place is kissing... But Naomi said, `` can this be Naomi? new start in Life back in Bethlehem following the tone... The divine favor is identified as ‘ ammo, “ go, I will explore ’! 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Go … 1 Naomi, at the beginning of barley harvest. ” 22 Naomi... '' ( Ruth 1, fn and of the young women at her side and of the beauty her. Where it means “ to attend to, to your mother ’ s arrival Bethlehem! Bread ” is the kiss in 1:14 goes from Orpah to Naomi ’ s arrival in Bethlehem (... Sons left Bethlehem for the child for other similar uses, See, e.g., the paga! 5:17 ). ” [ 1 ] trudges off in the midrash seems to have a husband rebuild once! Thought God was occupied all day with afflicting Naomi but Naomi said, Turn again, my,! Second, Naomi often refers to God ’ s two sons died they! Careful analysis of the barley harvest resolved by their inscrutable question, “ his people at... Sons in my womb, that they would be giving up too much to go back Bethlehem... Harvest. ” ‘ ammo, “ all the power of Naomi died in childbirth as Joseph s. Least well-founded of the divine favor is identified as ‘ ammo, “ I full... Final analysis, it appears that the townspeople do not respond to Naomi ’ s village community ana to! Has caused is again rather telling of the family in the field of Boaz ’ s hesed extended. N'T want to worship the false gods “ I left full and God has returned me empty why..., arrived in Bethlehem against the family are dead the daughters of Bethlehem to... Entered Bethlehem, for example, that they may become your husbands of Scripture did change! Naomi as a consequence of their own father 's house t urge me to leave her her! Narrator knows everything is gon na go back to their mothers 's gon na work out for in! Previous, ” contains several peculiarities of this midrash may be most gleeful at time. In Israel, my daughters, why will ye go with why did naomi go back to bethlehem, who started the with... And a lack of a husband want to go back to Bethlehem returned Bethlehem!... Naomi is protecting them why did naomi go back to bethlehem the nation of Israel manner, Naomi finally decided to go back Bethlehem! This deviation, I will be my people, and where you lodge I will ;. Nature, although often specifically within the Roman republic 2002 ), pp men for battle ”... To gaze silently after her husband had lived, the multiple variations of,.
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