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Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.' If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you[a] will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth[b] the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
The first portion commences"In the days when the judges ruled". The book sets the times, as paralleling the time of the second appendix to Judges 19-21, and is as vital in preparing us for David's kingship as the end of the last book was in establishing Saul's origins. Even the locality is the same in Bethlehem/Judah(' the house of bread and praise'). We are told that there was literally a famine in the land at that time, undoubtedly spiritual as well as literal; a scarcity of the word of God. Ironically the man Elimelech('my God is king'), representing what the nation should have known; yet living as though there was no king and doing what was right in their own eyes; believing sustenance could be found apart from the people of God, left for Moab. The two sons marry non-covenanted wives and die (their names also emblematic of their unfaithfulness - sickly and pining). Death overtakes them leaving faithful Naomi heirless. On hearing that "God had visited His people with bread" the three women commence the homeward journey. Orpah stays in Moab, but Ruth passionately and imploringly pleads her loyalty to Israel's God (1 verses 16-17). They arrive home at Passover- the time of the barley harvest.Chapter 2, introduces us to faithful Boaz whose description matches that of Gideon in Judges 6. Providentially he extends to Ruth the care and compassion of the Creator to strangers and widows. She is blessed bountifully and we await developments in the unfolding story. We are impressed by the Godly environment that Boaz has created for his workers despite the deplorable spiritual conditions which prevailed throughout the nation.Isaiah 44 announces the superabundance of blessings that God will bestow upon children responding to His gracious pleas. Verses 1-5 speak of the blessings Yahweh will give to Israel, His chosen people. Verse 5 tells of the time when their Sovereign's children identify with Him by surnaming themselves as the people of the God of Jacob. This theme is picked up in the Servant prophecies in chapter 65:15-19. In Isaiah 44:6-8 Yahweh declares that He alone is God and Israel's Saviour. That understanding is the reason that His people in verse 5 now choose to be known as the people of the God of Israel. Verses 9-20 contrast the Omnipotent Creator to dumb, useless, impotent idols. There is wonderful irony in the way that the prophet ridicules the idols and their makers. The fashioner of the graven image wearies himself in the task of making his image and uses a part of the same tree to warm himself and bake his bread. What complete folly there is in the idolater's failure to see the stupidity of idols and those that form them. Verses 21-25 tell us what the LORD was about to do in saving His people. Verses 26-28 reveal the work of Cyrus the Persian as the man chosen by Yahweh to overthrow Babylon. He would also decree liberty for the captives and send exiled Israel home to rebuild Jerusalem. This prophecy was made about one and a half centuries before Cyrus accomplished this great work of the LORD.. Cyrus' name is symbolic of his typical role, as the Lord Jesus Christ, meaning "one like the heir".
INTRODUCTION . 1 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names…
In this thought-provoking and impassioned talk, Rabbi Gartner shares a bold and deeply spiritual perspective on exile, redemption, and the Jewish mission in the world. Drawing on the timeless stories of Ruth, Elimelech, Naomi, Boaz, and King David, Rabbi Gartner unpacks what he calls "the plan"—a path from exile to redemption rooted in Torah, self-sacrifice, and spiritual courage. Referencing modern commentary and timeless Torah truths, Rabbi Gartner explores:
In this episode, we explore the story of Elimelech from Ruth Chapter 1—a man whose decision to flee famine in Bethlehem for Moab seemed logical, even necessary. But what started as a temporary fix quickly spiraled into long-term tragedy, leaving behind brokenness, loss, and bitterness. Christian leaders today face similar moments of pressure—times when expediency seems like the only option. But Elimelech's story serves as a timeless warning: choosing the convenient path over the faithful one can have devastating consequences. We'll unpack the historical and spiritual context of Elimelech's choice, explore what Scripture does—and doesn't—say about his decision, and draw out powerful leadership lessons for today. You'll learn how to avoid the trap of making fear-based decisions, how to seek God's direction in hard times, and why obedience often requires staying put when the world says to run. Whether you're leading a business, a ministry, or your family, this episode will challenge you to consider whether you're leading by faith or reacting out of expediency.
In this episode of the TOBU Fitness Podcast, Justin Shelby and Manny Eckert (captain of Seattle Sockeye) sit down with Dena Elimelech, one of the most exciting and dominant players in ultimate frisbee today. From discovering the sport at a college booth to starring on San Francisco Fury, Team USA, and Super Bloom (WUL) — Dena shares her journey, training insights, and the mindset that helped her rise from beginner to international elite.We cover everything from how she balances training and recovery, to what makes a great ultimate team culture, to her thoughts on defensive strategy, lifting for injury prevention, and the growth of women's ultimate frisbee.
Series: Ruth: A Redemption StoryIn Ruth 1, we see how one decision can radically alter the course of life. Elimelech's choice to leave Bethlehem, Naomi's urging her daughters-in-law to return to Moab, and Ruth's determination to follow Naomi all highlight the powerful ripple effect of our choices. This chapter reminds us that the safest decisions are those made in submission to God's will and ways. Even in moments of desperation, God is at work orchestrating redemption.
There is a blog post that accompanies this episode at PrMarlon.comConnect with me.Check out our church at Cloverdale.orgThe intro music Fleet of Happy Fingers by Ryan BellKey PointsIntroduction to Ruth: The Book of Ruth is a beautifully crafted story set during the time of the Judges, a period marked by violence and moral chaos in Israel. Unlike the turbulent Book of Judges, Ruth offers a narrative of hope, centered on a non-Israelite woman, making it unique in the Old Testament.Setting the Scene: The story begins in Bethlehem ("House of Bread") during a famine, prompting Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons, Mahlon and Kilion, to relocate to Moab, a land with a fraught history with Israel. This move sets the stage for tragedy and divine providence.Theological Context: Marlon references Romans 8:28 ("All things work together for good to those who love God") as a lens for interpreting the story, questioning whether this principle applies to the hardships faced by Naomi and Ruth.Key Themes:Chesed (Loving Devotion): Introduced as a central theme, chesed represents God's covenantal love, encompassing mercy, grace, and kindness. Naomi's prayer for her daughters-in-law exemplifies this selfless love.God's Presence in Hardship: The episode explores whether God is active or absent in the tragedies of Ruth Chapter 1, drawing parallels to modern life where divine purpose is often unclear.Faith and Commitment: Ruth's iconic declaration (Ruth 1:16-17) underscores her unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her adoption of Naomi's God, highlighting a profound spiritual transformation.Cultural Insights: The episode addresses the challenges of widowhood in ancient Israel, where economic and social survival often depended on remarriage, providing context for Naomi's urging her daughters-in-law to return to Moab.Naomi's Bitterness: Naomi's renaming herself "Mara" (bitter) reflects her perception of divine judgment, yet her return to Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest signals hope.Discussion HighlightsHistorical Context: The Book of Ruth occurs concurrently with the events of Judges, though its exact timeline is unclear. The famine in Bethlehem and the family's migration to Moab reflect desperate circumstances, possibly interpreted as divine judgment (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28).Moab's Significance: Moab's negative history with Israel (Genesis 19, Numbers 25, Judges) underscores the cultural and religious barriers Ruth overcomes by choosing to follow Naomi and her God.Ruth's Decision: Ruth's choice to stay with Naomi, despite the risks of being an outsider in Israel, is portrayed as an act of chesed and a testament to her faith in the God of Israel.Life Application: Marlon challenges listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys, asking whether they can trust God through bitterness and hardship, and encourages consistent engagement with prayer, worship, and community.Notable QuotesMarlon: "The presence of hardships should not be taken as evidence for the absence of God."Ruth 1:16-17: "Wherever you go, I will go... Your people shall be my people, and your God my God... The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me."On Chesed: "It refers to acts of devotion and loving kindness that go beyond the requirements of duty."Action ItemsRead Ahead: Dive into the Book of Ruth (4 chapters) to prepare for the next episodes.Study Resources: Visit prmarlon.com for additional notes and insights, including Marlon's analysis of the Hebrew term for marriage in Ruth 1.Reflect: Consider how chesed applies to your relationships. Are you loving others selflessly, without expecting reciprocation?Engage: Join the next two episodes to see how God works through Naomi and Ruth's story, and share your thoughts on social media using the podcast's hashtag (check prmarlon.com for details).Closing ThoughtsMarlon wraps up by urging listeners to "keep showing up" in faith, even when life feels bitter. He emphasizes that walking away from God won't resolve hardships, but staying committed might reveal divine blessings. The episode ends with a call to trust in God's ability to bring good out of difficult circumstances, setting the stage for the next installment.Next Episode: Continue exploring the Book of Ruth, delving deeper into the themes of chesed, redemption, and God's providence.Connect:Website: prmarlon.comSocial Media: Follow Marlon for updates on the sermon series and share your reflections.May God bless you as you journey through the Book of Ruth!
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Chapter One of The Book of Ruth is a lesson in Hashem's precision Divine Direction of the world, all its creations and each of us in particular. Elimelech, the richest man in ancient Isreal, thought that he could outsmart the Almighty. He learned the hard way that his efforts were in vain. Yet, Hashem uses his free will to bring Moshiach…
Ruth 1:1-5 portrays a family's journey through profound loss and hardship. Fleeing famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons settle in Moab. However, tragedy strikes as Naomi loses her husband and both sons, leaving her in a foreign land with her daughters-in-law. This passage sets the stage for a story of resilience, loyalty, and God's redemptive plan amidst suffering.
Ruth 1:1-5 portrays a family's journey through profound loss and hardship. Fleeing famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons settle in Moab. However, tragedy strikes as Naomi loses her husband and both sons, leaving her in a foreign land with her daughters-in-law. This passage sets the stage for a story of resilience, loyalty, and God's redemptive plan amidst suffering.
Ruth 1:1-5 portrays a family's journey through profound loss and hardship. Fleeing famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons settle in Moab. However, tragedy strikes as Naomi loses her husband and both sons, leaving her in a foreign land with her daughters-in-law. This passage sets the stage for a story of resilience, loyalty, and God's redemptive plan amidst suffering.
THE BOOK OF RUTH| GOD'S RESTORATION PLAN| The True Essence of Home| Returning Home|Session-11 2025| CHIMDI OHAHUNA Welcome back to another illuminating session of our Book of Ruth series! In this episode, we study further into Ruth 1:6-7, exploring a nuanced perspective on Naomi's journey from Bethlehem to Moab. This teaching reveals the profound implications of Naomi's departure, which was catalyzed not by the allure of abundant provision, but through her submission to her husband, Elimelech. Despite finding herself in the land of plenty, Naomi's heart longed for the true home she left behind - Bethlehem, the place representing the center of God's will. Discover the essence of what it means to ‘return home' spiritually and emotionally. As we explore the concept that, true home is not merely a physical location, but a state of being in alignment with God's will, echoing the truths found in Romans 12:1-2. For those of us living and moving in Christ, our ‘home' is defined by our relationship with Him rather than our geographical circumstances. In this episode, we will also reflect on the transformative power of God's will, recognizing that it can turn even the most barren land fruitful, while leading away from His purpose can make the most abundant land desolate. This teaching encourages us to pursue the will of God fervently, rather than merely seeking survival or personal desires. Discover also the depth of God's mercy, as highlighted in Isaiah 57:15-16, and how His mercy manifests in our lives through the gift of Jesus Christ. By acknowledging the foundation of mercy that has always existed in Christ, we will encourage our audience to actively seek a deeper relationship with Him daily. Whether you find yourself in a place of plenty or facing life's challenges, this episode aims to guide you back to the heart of God's will - your true home. So, tune in as we embark on this spiritual journey, discovering the blessings and mercy that await us in Christ Jesus. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Join us in this eleventh episode of the Book of Ruth series and uncover the timeless lessons it holds for our lives today. Grace to You! Jesus is Lord.
Verse 1 to 15 of Ruth chapter 1. In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man's name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there.Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah.But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers' homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept.“No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.”But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents' homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”
Verse 22 of Ruth chapter 1 to verse 12 of chapter 2. So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech.One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said.“The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied.Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes' rest in the shelter.”Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don't go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
Chapter 4 of Ruth.Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there. Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don't want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”The man replied, “All right, I'll redeem it.”Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband's name and keep the land in the family.”“Then I can't redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction. So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, “You buy the land.”Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. This way she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today.”Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.”So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez:Perez was the father of Hezron.Hezron was the father of Ram.Ram was the father of Amminadab.Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.Nahshon was the father of Salmon.Salmon was the father of Boaz.Boaz was the father of Obed.Obed was the father of Jesse.Jesse was the father of David.
This month's learning is sponsored by Fally Klein "in honor of "Klein birthday month" where each of our children have celebrated a milestone coming of age: Shimi, an adult at eighteen, Dassa, a mature and beautiful sixteen, Yedidya, at three with his upsherin, And, of course, Elimelech whose bar mitzvah is today. May we have the merit to see them all grow in their Torah, avodat Hashem, and ahavat Yisrael." This week's learning is sponsored by Sarah Zahavi in loving memory of her great-grandmother, Sarah bat Shlomo v'Chana. Today's daf is sponsored by Adam Plunka in loving memory of Moshe ben David, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt"l. Is one allowed to perform a medical procedure on a parent? Is one allowed to administer lashes in the court or cursing (during the process of excommunication) to a parent as a messenger of the court? Does the commandment not to curse or hit a parent apply to those who are no longer "part of the nation" as they have sinned? Do they apply after death? Is there a distinction between hitting and cursing regarding these two issues? To be liable the death penalty for kidnapping, one must kidnap, exploit, and selling the person into slavery.
This month's learning is sponsored by Fally Klein "in honor of "Klein birthday month" where each of our children have celebrated a milestone coming of age: Shimi, an adult at eighteen, Dassa, a mature and beautiful sixteen, Yedidya, at three with his upsherin, And, of course, Elimelech whose bar mitzvah is today. May we have the merit to see them all grow in their Torah, avodat Hashem, and ahavat Yisrael." This week's learning is sponsored by Sarah Zahavi in loving memory of her great-grandmother, Sarah bat Shlomo v'Chana. Today's daf is sponsored by Adam Plunka in loving memory of Moshe ben David, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt"l. Is one allowed to perform a medical procedure on a parent? Is one allowed to administer lashes in the court or cursing (during the process of excommunication) to a parent as a messenger of the court? Does the commandment not to curse or hit a parent apply to those who are no longer "part of the nation" as they have sinned? Do they apply after death? Is there a distinction between hitting and cursing regarding these two issues? To be liable the death penalty for kidnapping, one must kidnap, exploit, and selling the person into slavery.
1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. 4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.”5 Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”[a]
1) Can one fulfil the Mitzva of Megila when hearing the reading via a hearing-aid?[1]2) May we purchase a lease of the grounds of a church to use for our teen-camp?[2]3) At Maariv, the 10th man left during the Amida. Doesthe Chazan say Kaddish Tiskabel?[3]4) Due to my chronic thirst, I often wake up in middle of my sleep to sip some water. Do I have to wash Negel Vasser before drinking? Say the brocho על נטילת ידים? Even if not: what about saying the brocho שהכל in the presence of used Negel Vasser?[4]5) I have an electrical pump to draw water from large water-bottles. Do I need to toivel it before use?[5]6) One occasional Shul-goer thought his name was Michoel, similar to his civil name Michael. He now sees in his Bris-certificate that he was named Elimelech. How should he now be called to the Torah? Does his wife's kesuba need to be redone?[6]7) Sefer dedicated for Pesukim for names:[7]8) Feedback on pesukim for the name Dovber:[8]9) Feedback on when the 10th of Shevat was on a Friday, that the Rebbe זי"ע delivered a Maamor between Kabolas Shabbos and keGavno:[9]10) Feedback on discussion of Negel Vasser: Why don't we alternate hands when washing Netilas Yodayim for bread?[1] בס' שלחן מנחם(ח"ג ע' שיט) דן אודות מיקרופון וטלפון. אך הוא הדין למכשיר-שמיעה, ראה פסקיתשובות סי' תרפט ס"ג.[2] ראה ש"ךיו"ד סי' קנא סקי"ז בשם הרא"ש – לגבי השכרת בית לגוי והגוי יביאלתוכו האליל שלו, דמותר – כי בדיניהם שכירות ליומא הוי כמכר, ונכרי לדידי' קמעייל.וא"כ ה"ה לנדו"ד, שע"י שכירות השטח מהם, פקע ממנו דין חצר שלעבודה זרה. לכן לא שייך בנידון דידן הא דאסור ליכנס לחצר של ע"ז (יו"דסי' קמט ס"ב). [3] ראה שוע"רסי' נה ס"ד. [4] ראה בסדור החדש [ע' יח הע' 70] שיש צדדים להקל, ומ"מ אםאפשר - יטול ידיו ג"פ, בלא ברכת ענט"י. [ויראה שלפני השינה יכין מספיקמים לנטילה זו וגם לנטילה בעת הקימה בבוקר]. ולענין ברכת 'שהכל' בנוכחות מי נטילהזו, יש להקל, כי י"א שא"צ לנטילה זו, וי"א שאין צריך ליזהר מלברךבנוכחות נעגל וואסער - ראה פסקי תשובות סי' ד אות יג.[5] מבוארברמ"א יו"ד סי' קכ ס"ז שהמשפך צריך טבילה. וא"כ ה"ה בברזזה. וראה ס' טבילת כלים פי"א ס"כ וקמ* ובהע' קיב שם. בנדו"ד יתקלקלע"י השקעת הכלי מים, אז יש לתתו לנכרי ולשאלו ממנו בחזרה. וראה בזה הערתהר"ג ליברמן נ"י – בס' נתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ג ע' 48. [6] דן בזה ו). [7] פסוק ליפסוקיך, נצרת-עילית תשנ"ב, מאת הרה"ת חיים צבי קניג ע"ה.[8] אגרות קודש כ"ק אדמו"ר הריי"צ נ"עח"א ע' שצ. תודה להר' לוי יצחק ברא"ל שי' ברש"ב ע"ה ראסקין.[9] יומן ר' הירשל שיפרין נ"י ושל ריל"ג ע"ה(תודה להר' ש"י גרינבוים נ"י).
Daily Office - Wednesday in the Seventh Week After EpiphanyOpening Words:I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6bConfession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.Psalm 95:1–7The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 119:145-176 QophIcall with my whole heart; *answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.I call to you;oh, that you would save me! *I will keep your decrees.Early in the morning I cry out to you, *for in your word is my trust.My eyes are open in the night watches, *that I may meditate upon your promise.Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your loving-kindness; *according to your judgments, give me life.They draw near who in malice persecute me; *they are very far from your law.You, O Lord, are near at hand, *and all your commandments are true.Long have I known from your decrees *that you have established them for ever. Psalm 119: ReshBehold my affliction and deliver me, *for I do not forget your law.Plead my cause and redeem me; *according to your promise, give me life.Deliverance is far from the wicked, *for they do not study your statutes.Great is your compassion, O Lord; *preserve my life, according to your judgments.There are many who persecute and oppress me, *yet I have not swerved from your decrees.I look with loathing at the faithless, *for they have not kept your word.See how I love your commandments! *O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me.The heart of your word is truth; *all your righteous judgments endure for evermore. Psalm 119: ShinRulers have persecuted me without a cause, *but my heart stands in awe of your word.I am as glad because of your promise *as one who finds great spoils.As for lies, I hate and abhor them, *but your law is my love.Seven times a day do I praise you, *because of your righteous judgments.Great peace have they who love your law; *for them there is no stumbling block.I have hoped for your salvation, O Lord, *and have fulfilled your commandments.I have kept your decrees *and I have loved them deeply.I have kept your commandments and decrees, *for all my ways are before you. Psalm 119: TawLet my cry come before you, O Lord; *give me understanding, according to your word.Let my supplication come before you; *deliver me, according to your promise.My lips shall pour forth your praise, *when you teach me your statutes.My tongue shall sing of your promise, *for all your commandments are righteous.Let your hand be ready to help me, *for I have chosen your commandments.I long for your salvation, O Lord, *and your law is my delight.Let me live, and I will praise you, *and let your judgments help me.I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; *search for your servant,for I do not forget your commandments. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.LessonsRuth 2:1-13Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband's side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain, behind someone in whose sight I may find favor." She said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she went. She came and gleaned in the field behind the reapers. As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. Just then Boaz came from Bethlehem. He said to the reapers, "The Lord be with you." They answered, "The Lord bless you." Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "To whom does this young woman belong?" The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment." Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn." Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?" But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!" Then she said, "May I continue to find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants."The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you;You are the Lord; we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb.You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.2 Cor. 1:23-2:17But I call on God as witness against me: it was to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith. So I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came, I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice; for I am confident about all of you, that my joy would be the joy of all of you. For I wrote you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but to some extent-- not to exaggerate it-- to all of you. This punishment by the majority is enough for such a person; so now instead you should forgive and console him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote for this reason: to test you and to know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ. And we do this so that we may not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. When I came to Troas to proclaim the good news of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord; but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said farewell to them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Matt. 5:21-26“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder' and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus Deus Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old,that he would save us from our enemies, *from the hands of all who hate us.He promised to show mercy to our fathers *and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *to set us free from the hands of our enemies,Free to worship him without fear, *holy and righteous in his sightall the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,To give his people knowledge of salvation *by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God *the dawn from on high shall break upon us,To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you. Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Suffrages BV. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.V. Day by day we bless you; R. We praise your name for ever.V. Lord, keep us from all sin today; R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.V. Lord, show us your love and mercy; R. For we put our trust in you.V. In you, Lord, is our hope; R. And we shall never hope in vain.The CollectsCollect of the DayO Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Daily Collects: A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.Collect of Saint Basil O Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen
This week, Pastor Curtis continues in the series Lonely, but Not Alone with a message on The Importance of Staying Attached. Looking at the story of Elimelech and Naomi in Ruth 1, he explores the dangers of disconnecting from God and those who love us, the impact of our choices on our families, and how the enemy seeks to lead us into spiritual deserts. Through real-life examples and biblical truth, this message challenges us to stay rooted in faith, connected to the right things, and willing to follow God's calling.
Part 3: Today, we finish up Lesson 1 of Jennifer's Bible study on the book of Ruth—a six-part journey through faith, love, and redemption. Then, we finish up our conversation with guests Soni Conett and Karen Brown to discuss Ruth 1. We explore Naomi and Elimelech’s decision to leave Bethlehem, the challenge of stepping ahead of God, and the lessons their journey holds for us today. How do we trust God in uncertain times? How do we stay faithful in a world that follows its own way? Join us for a powerful conversation on faith, redemption, and standing firm.
Part 2: Today, we continue with Lesson 1 of Jennifer's Bible study on the book of Ruth—a six-part journey through faith, love, and redemption. Then, we get back into our conversation with guests Soni Conett and Karen Brown to discuss Ruth 1. We explore Naomi and Elimelech’s decision to leave Bethlehem, the challenge of stepping ahead of God, and the lessons their journey holds for us today. How do we trust God in uncertain times? How do we stay faithful in a world that follows its own way? Join us for a powerful conversation on faith, redemption, and standing firm.
Part 1: Today, we are so excited to kick off our new Bible study on the book of Ruth—a six-part journey through faith, love, and redemption. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind the study, personal reflections on Ruth and Naomi, and the special meaning behind the book’s cover art. She then dives into Ruth 1:1-5. Then, with special guests Soni Conett and Karen Brown, we continue discussing Ruth 1 to explore Naomi and Elimelech’s decision to leave Bethlehem, the challenge of stepping ahead of God, and the lessons their journey holds for us today. How do we trust God in uncertain times? How do we stay faithful in a world that follows its own way? Join us for a powerful conversation on faith, redemption, and standing firm.
Ruth 1:1-5 English Standard Version Naomi Widowed 1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
Ramsey Creek Baptist Church
Ramsey Creek Baptist Church
Numbers 36:10-13,“The daughters of Zelophehad did as the Lord commanded Moses, 11 for Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to sons of their father's brothers. 12 They were married into the clans of the people of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of their father's clan.13 These are the commandments and the rules that the Lord commanded through Moses to the people of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.” On this Christmas Sunday, by God's grace, we come to the end of our series though the Book of Numbers. We're gonna be looking at Chapters 33–36, but we're going to focus especially on Chapter 36 and the daughters of Zelophehad. As we just heard, the story of these five daughters concludes the Book of Numbers and for good reason. There are at least three lessons that we should learn from them and that's what I want to show you this morning. The first lesson is …1. There is a lesson to be learned.So let's zoom out for a minute and remember what the Book of Numbers is all about. It's the story of two generations of Israelites. There is the first generation that God rescued from Egypt but they failed to enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief. (They all died in the wilderness.) Then there is the second generation that emerges in Chapter 26 and they do inherit the Promised Land because they believe. The first generation was faithless — they did not trust God, so they did not do what God said. The second generation was faithful — they did trust God, so they did what God said.And as Christians, when we read the Book of Numbers, our headline takeaway is: “Don't be like the first generation; be like the second generation.” The apostle Paul confirms this takeaway for us in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians, chapter 10. He says that the Book of Numbers is meant to be an example for us. There are lessons to be learned here. This book is designed for our Christian moral development, and a lot of it is cautionary: Don't worship idols. Don't set your heart on evil things. Don't commit sexual immortality. Don't grumble. Don't be a sucker in the moments of temptation. Don't put Christ to the test.These are all warnings we find in Numbers that Paul highlights in 1 Corinthians 10. They're all things that the first generation did to their own demise. So learn from that. Don't do that. Which is really helpful, by the way. We need instruction like this. We need good examples. To simply say “Have faith!” or “Trust God!” is true and it's always relevant, but oftentimes things can be a little more complicated. We need some more help! We need to know what it looks like to have faith! What do we do if we're trusting God? (Or, what do we do if we're not trusting God?) Numbers has shown us this. There are lessons here.And therefore, one of the first things we should think when we read about the daughters of Zelophehad is, “What can we learn from them?” There's most likely a lesson here for us. They are in this story for a reason, so what is it?There is a lesson to be learned — that's the first thing to learn. 2. God wants your faith.Now again, this is simple and straightforward and it's something we've already talked about in this series: What does God want from you? Wherever you are, whatever you've got going on, what does God want from you?God wants your faith.This is a lesson we see again at the end of Numbers, but it's a lesson made in a profound way, and I want you to see this …First, for the context, the last four chapters, 33–36, are a true recap of the book: Chapter 33 recounts the journey of the people of Israel over the last 40 years, from Egypt to here in the plains of Moab, on the brink of entering the Promised Land. Chapter 34 lays out how the land will be divided and who the heads of each tribe are. Chapter 35, still on the topic of land, explains the inheritance of the Levites and the cities of refuge. And then in Chapter 36, which could seem a little random, there's this story of the five daughters of Zelophehad. It's still connected to an issue with the land, but it's more than that because this is not the first time we've read about the “daughters of Zelophehad.”Bookended by Exemplary FaithThe first time they show up is in Chapter 27. We read about them in Chapter 27 and in Chapter 36, and that's really significant. Here's why…Remember Chapter 26 is the second census. It's what introduces the second generation of Israelites who are supposed to be different from the first generation. The second generation is the faithful generation, and we read about them from Chapter 27 through 36. Which means, if the daughters of Zelophehad show up in Chapter 27 and Chapter 36, they're the literary bookends of this faithful generation.We read about them in Chapter 27 as the intro to this generation, and then we read about them again in Chapter 36 as the summary of this generation. So these daughters form a kind of package that must tell us something about this second generation, and by that fact alone, I'm looking for a positive example here! I'm clued in that there's something important about these daughters that we're supposed to take away, and it's probably got something to do with having faith. So see, just the placement of these daughters in this story is pointing in that direction. Their example should be what's ringing in our ears when we leave this book!So, in that light, let's go back to chapter 27 and see what they did.God Calls Them RightLook back at Chapter 27, verse 1 …This is right after the census has been reported. Everyone from the first generation has died, and the inheritance has been passed to the second generation. And, as was the custom in the ancient world, the inheritance went to the sons. But there's a problem, Zelophehad had five daughters and no sons, and these daughters had a legit question: Unless their father's inheritance was given to them, it would disappear. It'd be lost. So these daughters, who names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah — all solid Hebrew names — they came to Moses and Eleazar, explained the situation, and asked that their father's inheritance be given to them. Well Moses wasn't exactly sure what to do in this situation, so he brought this case to the Lord.Which is all going according to plan. Back in Exodus 18, do you remember Jethro's advice? The disputes among the people were too many for Moses to handle himself, so he appointed judges to help him carry the burden. But if there was an especially tough case, that came straight to Moses, and then Moses went to God. This is one of those. These daughters did right to bring this to Moses, and Moses did right to bring this to God. We're on the right track here.And we know this for sure because God says so. I want everyone to see this. Look at Chapter 27, verse 6,“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘The daughters of Zelophehad are right. …”Then God says to give them their father's inheritance, and there's more details here we'll get to, but the thing I want to focus on for now is that God says these five daughters are right. There are not too many instances in the Bible where God says so clearly about humans, “They're right.” They've spoken right.Wouldn't you love to hear God say that about you? First off, everybody loves to be right … And we really love to be told we're right … So what about when God tells you you're right? God says, Correct. Well done. Nailed it! … what if God says that about you?Whether you realize it or not, that is actually what you want more than anything in the world. This is not just affirmation, this is divine affirmation. That's really what you want behind your spouse's affirmation. That's deeper than your parent's affirmation, or your friends', your colleagues' — you want divine affirmation, which is more than you being right, but it means God is pleased with you. God is happy with you. He says to you, Right! You're right!And we know from Scripture, that's only possible when there's faith. The Judge of All the EarthThe daughters of Zelophehad are motivated by faith — They had faith to “draw near” to Moses and Eleazar (that's a special phrase, to draw near). They had faith to submit their hard case for Mosaic review. And they had faith to do this because they knew, ultimately, the God who judges is just.They were thinking what Abraham thought in Genesis 18:25, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” These daughters trust that God, who is sovereign over all things, will do what is right. Which means their confidence is not in their case per se, but it's in God. They are entrusting their future to him. The real message then of these women is not their rightness, though they are right, but the real message is the righteousness of God who always does right — and who is therefore worthy of our trust. Do you know this about God? This doesn't mean that he gives us everything we want immediately, but it means that everything he does is right, and we are right to trust him.The daughters of Zelophehad model that kind of faith for us, and we should be like them. God wants your faith.Third lesson:3. Our Redeemer has come!Let's go back to the details of God's ruling in Chapter 27. Heads up: this can get a little complicated, but try to stay with me. I'll keep it as basic as I can. God said, Yes, the daughters of Zelophehad are right, give them their father's inheritance. And then he makes this a general statue for all of Israel when they have similar cases …When it comes to a father's inheritance: If there's no son, it goes to daughters; if there's no daughters, it goes to his brothers; If he has no brothers, it goes to his uncles; And if he has no uncles it just goes to whoever is the closest relative.The whole point is how to keep your father's inheritance. The solution is that a kinsman preserves it.But then in Chapter 36, a new possible dilemma is brought up. The daughters of Zelophehad were from the tribe of Joseph, and some of the heads of that tribe started thinking: Wait a minute, if these daughters inherit Zelophehad's land, but then they go and marry a man from another tribe, then that man will end up getting the land. It could end up that all of Zelophehad's inheritance is taken over by another tribe. So what do we do about that?See, they found a potential hole in this case law — there was still a possible scenario that would defeat the intent of the ruling to preserve the father's inheritance. And God says, again, they're right. Like the daughters of Zelophehad, the tribe of Jospeh is right. And what we see here is that the heads of the tribe are actually following the example of these daughters in chapter 27. They're thinking about the future, about the land — they're motivated by faith. This is very different from the first generation, remember?!That generation was so faithless that they were too afraid to enter the land. This second generation believes God so much they wanna get down to the details about how the land inheritance will work, not just for that moment, but long into the future. There's an amazing contrast here between the second and first generations. The second generation believes God's promise. Faith is at the root. And so here's the solution: the way to ensure that the father's inheritance stays within his tribe is for the daughters of Zelophehad to marry within their tribe. Now they can marry whoever they want, but he's just gotta be within their tribe.A husband within their tribe is the only way to ensure that their father's inheritance isn't lost. So chapter 36, verse 10: “And the daughters of Zelophehad did as the Lord commanded Moses …” — that's basically how the book ends.The example of faith is central, we've talked about that. But there is another underlying logic here. This is something that shows up first in Leviticus, and then is explained more in Deuteronomy 25 — it's the role of the kinsman redeemer. The logic is: if an inheritance was on the verge of being lost, like in this case, a brother or relative of the man who died, a man within his own tribe, would redeem the potential loss through marrying the woman. That principle is emerging here, with the daughters of Zelophehad, but it comes up later in the Bible's storyline, in a real-life example.Taking Us to JesusThere was a man named Elimelech, a man of Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah. He was married to a woman named Naomi. They had two sons, one married to Orpah, one married to Ruth. Well, Elimelech dies; and his two sons die; Orpah goes back to her family. So it's just Naomi and Ruth, and of course they're not going to be able to preserve Elimelech's inheritance … until they meet one of Elimelech's relatives, Boaz. Boaz becomes the kinsman redeemer — he marries Ruth and they have Obed; Obed has Jesse; Jesse has David, the King. These names all show up in Matthew Chapter 1, in the genealogy of Jesus, of the tribe of Judah, born in the little town of Bethlehem.See, the daughters of Zelophehad's faith, their concern for their father's inheritance, their concern for the future, paid into the future of Israel's Messiah. The logic of their case law became part of the story of the genealogy of Jesus.And so when we read about these daughters at the end of Numbers, we see the example of their faith, but even more than that, we see a thread here that takes us to Jesus … To Jesus who became our kinsman redeemer. That's what we celebrate at Christmas. Except we were in much worse shape than these five daughters were, much worse than Ruth. We had no inheritance at all in the Promised Land. We were destined for wrath. We were without hope in the world. But then came one who became our kinsman. One who took on our flesh, became like us in our humanity, and he paid the price to redeem us. Church, our Redeemer has come! Jesus took all of our debt and he gave us his inheritance — he has given us the right to be called the children of God!Right with God, by GodIn Christ, you call yourself a child of God, and you are right. God says you're right. And it's by faith alone. So let that be the last thing on our minds as we close the Book of Numbers.To borrow from the Heidelberg Catechism, answer 61: It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God.And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.And that's what brings us to this Table.The TableThis table is an invitation to Jesus Christ. We come to him with our hands open — help me, Jesus! You're my hope! We come to him in faith, and we come to adore him.And so if that's you — if you trust in Jesus Christ, if by faith in Jesus you are a child of God, let us eat and drink together and give him thanks!
Many of us are probably familiar to some extent with Rahab, the Jericho prostitute who turns to God and is spared along with her family when the Israelites destroy the city. But there is much more to her story that should cause us to marvel at Gods mercy and grace, and warn us against hypocrisy. Lets go look at where we encounter her. Israel had sent out two spies to check out Jericho. They go to the home of Rahab, the prostitute, where presumably it would not be unusual to find strangers. But someone alerts the authorities and Rahab is told to turn over the men. She covers for them and hides them on her roof. A search party begins looking for them near the Jordan River. Joshua 2:8-21 8Now before[a]the spies lay down, she came up to them on the roof,9and said to the men, I know that theLordhas given you the land, and that theterror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have despaired because of you.10For we have heard how theLorddried up the water of the[b]Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, andwhat you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you[c]utterly destroyed.11When we heardthese reports,our hearts melted and no[d]courage remained in anyone any longer because of you; for theLordyour God, He is God in heaven above and on earth below.12Now then, please swear to me by theLord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my fathers household, and give me apledge of[e]truth,13and[f]spare my father and my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save our[g]lives from death.14So the men said to her, Our[h]life[i]for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when theLordgives us the land that we willdeal kindly and[j]faithfully with you. 15Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall, so that she was living on the wall.16And she said to them, Go to the hill country, so that the pursuers will not encounter you, and hide yourselves there for three days until the pursuers return. Then afterward you may go on your way.17And the men said to her, Weshall beexempt from this oath[k]to you which you have made us swear,18[l]unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, andgather into your house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your fathers household.19And it shall come about that anyone who goes out of the doors of your house outsidewill have[m]his blood on his own head, and wewill beinnocent; but anyone who is with you in the house,his bloodwill beon our head if a hand islaidon him.20But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be exempt from the oath which you have made us swear.21She then said, According to your words, so be it. So she sent them away, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Lets think about a couple of things. First: How did God communicate with Rahab? By dream?By vision? How did she learn that Yahweh was the one true God? However He did it, we must be humbled by the love and concern God showed to a woman who was part of an accursed tribe and who lived an immoral lifestyle. Second: Think about the scarlet cord hanging out her window. Where else do we see in Scripture that a red mark protects everyone inside a dwelling? The night of Passover, when the blood of the lamb on the lintel and doorposts protected those who were inside. Here is another picture of Passover, but this one is not protecting Israelites, but pagan Canaanites! Were these Hebrew spies thinking about how their relatives had been spared from wrath by a similar process? Here is an example of faith resulting in right standing with God apart from the Law, just like Abraham, proving that God is no respecter of persons. Now we pick up in Joshua Chapter 6. Most of us know how Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, so we will skip to the relevant portion for our study today: Joshua 6:20-25 So the people shouted, and[g]the priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and thewall fell down[h]flat, so that the people went up into the city, everyone straight[i]ahead, and they took the city.21They[j]utterly destroyed everything in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, sheep, and donkey, with the edge of the sword. 22And Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, Go into the prostitutes house and bring the woman and all she has out of there, just as you have sworn to her.23So the young men who were spies went in andbrought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all she had; they also brought out all her relatives, and placed them outside the camp of Israel.24Thenthey burned the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the[k]house of theLord.25However,Rahab the prostitute and her fathers household and all she had, Joshua[l]spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, becauseshe hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Lets think about this first from Rahabs perspective. She and her family have been listening to utter chaos and terror outside her house. The screams of people and animals as they are brutally slaughtered. Then, there is, literally, a deathly quiet, and then there is a knock at the door. With great trepidation, they open the door and step out into a living nightmare. Everything destroyed. All people, all livestock, all structures. Everybody Rahab and her family knew was dead, their corpses lying mutilated on the ground. Spared, but unclean, she and her family are put outside the camp. So was Jesus. Hebrews 13:11-13 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. Jesus has a special affinity for those who are rejected, scorned, despised by the in crowd, just as Rahab was and many others. He personally experienced that same rejection, and invites us to journey with Him to where He resides with those whom He has rescued from rejection. Back to Jericho. Imagine the terror of what Rahabs family was feeling. You are now totally dependent on these people who just destroyed your city and killed all your friends and neighbors. You are feeling not just terror, but profound loneliness and sense of loss. Imagine if Russians invaded and killed everybody in your city except you, and now you were dependent on them. What about the other side? As Israelites, you were warned to kill all the Canaanites completely, to avoid being infected with their idols. Now, what do you do with this family? Im sure some advocated to let them starve. They only promised to spare their lives from the destruction of Jericho. There were no promises about feeding and caring for them. But Rahab knew that Yahweh was the God of heaven and earth. God had somehow revealed Himself to her, and He would not see her abandoned. But she is a profound sinner, from a foreign culture, filled with idolatrous practices, living in enforced isolation. How does she become discipled, and an important figure in Jewish history? Yes. That is exactly what happens to her, but we have to fill in the details with our imagination. As with the mystery of Melchizedek, sometimes the most profound biblical stories are about whats left out of the narrative. There had to have been interaction between Rahabs family and the Israelites. Probably, there was daily interaction as more merciful heads prevailed and food was delivered to keep them alive. But that doesnt solve the problem. Keeping her alive doesnt equate to discipleship. I can imagine a godly woman provoking her husband to think about these poor people and shouldnt someone try to teach Rahab and her family about the Lord? Im sure the idea was met with apprehension at first. What if we get infected with their idolatry? No, its too risky. Too bad they werent born Jews. Time passes, but somewhere along the line, at least Rahab is discipled, probably by one of those godly wives who kept persisting until her husband acquiesced! Rahab responds and learns well. In fact, she surpasses most of the young Israelite women in her devotion to the Lord, and becomes known for her character and the radical transformation of a changed life. How do we know that? Because of something revealed in the Book of Ruth and a one-sentence reference in Matthew Chapter 1. So, lets turn our attention first to Ruth. If you are not familiar with Ruth, it is a short book packed with depth and meaning. The story centers around a family from Bethlehem, a husband named Elimelech and his wife Naomi. They have two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. A severe drought causes them to move east across the Jordan river to the area of Moab, where Naomi stays for 10 years. While there, her husband dies. Her sons marry Moabite women. But then her sons die, and she is left in Moab with her two daughters-in-law, Orpah, and Ruth. Naomi hears that the drought is gone in Bethlehem and she decides to return, and tries to convince her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Orpah does, but Ruth insists on going to Bethlehem with Naomi and staying with her until her death, and will worship the God of Israel. So, they return. When they arrive in Bethlehem, it is the beginning of the barley harvest, probably mid-April. How to get food? Well, Ruth goes out to glean in the common area which the landowners use, and she just happens to get connected with a man named Boaz. We need to learn something about Boaz. He is described as gibbor, which is sometimes translated as mighty man. It implies he is a man of substance and character, and when we read Ruth, we are touched by his compassion and concern both for Naomi and for Ruth. He is impressed by Ruths devotion to Naomi, and her willingness to seek shelter under Yahwehs wings. Interestingly, he is also a kinsman redeemer (Leviticus 25:47-55) to Naomi, and is willing to redeem her land including the necessity of giving her offspring through Ruth, the Moabitess. He was willing to marry a foreign woman. Boaz and Ruth had a child, Obed, who was the grandfather of David. Ruth 4:21-22. So, Ruth the Moabite woman participates in establishing the earthly lineage of the Messiah. We are told in Ruth 4:21 that Salmon (or Salma) begot Boaz. We dont know from the account here who Boaz mother is, but Matthew clears that up for us. Matthew 1:5 tells us Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. Salmon was the father of Boaz, and Boaz mother is Rahab. Interestingly, she is not referred to as Rahab the Harlot, just Rahab. She is a harlot no more. Remember, Boaz is a man of influence and character in Bethlehem. There is no doubt that Boaz character was formed in large part due to his mothers influence. She would have had to be a woman of great moral character to attract the attention of Salmon. Knowing people as we do, we can be sure that Salmon was scorned and rejected by some of his peers for marrying a former pagan harlot. That took a lot of courage on his part. And think about his parents! Lets say our son came home all excited about this woman he met at a Bible study, who had been a sexual abuse victim by her stepdad, ran away from home, wound up on Colfax Avenue in Denver, was befriended by a man who turned out to be a pimp, got her strung out on fentanyl, and trafficked her as a prostitute? Sound like something that happens every day. But she had been arrested, detoxed, came to Christ while in substance abuse treatment, and was now a very godly young woman in love with Jesus. We love to hear stories like that. But what if our son decided he wanted to marry her? Would we be accepting of her as a redeemed child of God, or would we be concerned about our familys reputation, and suggest he seek out a virgin from one of the good families from his Awanas group? What if your son said, But what about that verse in Second Corinthians Five? 2 Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Is that true, or not? Do we feel the conviction of hypocrisy as we contemplate our reaction? Are we interested more in what serves Gods purposes, or being concerned about what our peer group will think? Remember, God chose Rahab and Ruth (and Tamar, for that matter) to be mothers of men in the lineage of Christ. He did that on purpose to teach us something about His mercy and grace. No doubt, Boaz own family history was a strong influence for him to so readily agree to marry Ruth the Moabitess. He knew his parents story, had heard from his mother Rahab about the pain of loneliness and rejection when they lived outside the camp, and had no hesitation to marry a foreign woman who so obviously loved God and honored Naomi. The character of Rahab may also be inferred from Hebrews. She and Sarah are the only two women named in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews Chapter 11). Rahab is also mentioned by James as an example of the works of faith. (Call up the worship team) So, who are the Rahabs in our life? The people who have a checkered past, but who are growing in the Lord? Can we see past who they were, and see what they can become as the Lord changes them? He wants us to see with His eyes, and be His hands and feet to disciple them so they can become the godly Rahabs of this generation. The main reason why I love working in the criminal justice system is that I get to participate in Gods mission of making modern-day Rahabs. To see a life in chaos become a godly man or woman is a privilege I have witnessed repeatedly over the past 35 years. Fact is, none of us come from good families. There is only one Good Family, and that consists of all of us, from whatever background, who have repented, been born again, and belong to the body of Christ. We all are new creations in Christ, and our sinsall of themare forgiven and forgotten by our Lord. May we celebrate our new beginnings every day!
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"Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. 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 I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman. So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son." Ruth 4:1-13
Presented by Lauren Stibgen Think about the last time you really wanted someone to help you or a friend to commiserate with. You just needed someone to see your need, to reach out, and to show you well, compassion. If you are anything like me, I deploy what many would call a resilience strategy for my life so these moments when I am truly low or even physically hurting and I want someone to come alongside me are few and far between. I have met so many women like this—especially in the executive ranks. Perhaps as my friend Catherine Gates would say in her book, The Confidence Cornerstone, we have bought into a belief system in our culture that causes us as women to go it alone. Afraid of seeming vulnerable, sometimes, even when we really need it, we don't seek or receive compassion from others well at all.[1] I know one woman in the Bible who didn't want compassion. In fact, in her sorrow, she wanted to go it alone. Naomi. Most of you know this story. Naomi and her husband, Elimelech flee to Moab with their two sons. The sons take foreign wives. Eventually, the husband and both sons die leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah (not Oprah) widowed and alone. Naomi decides it is time to head back to Judah. In Ruth 1:8 Naomi tells her daughters-in-law, Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. Maybe she was showing compassion and gratitude for these women. We know Orpah returns to Moab and Ruth insists on going along with the widowed Naomi. We then see Naomi is bitter; she isn't receiving the compassion Ruth is providing by staying with her and returning to a foreign land where she may not even be welcomed culturally. In Ruth 1: 20-21, we see Naomi asking to be called Mara or bitter because she went away full and returned empty. She was blind to receiving compassion from Ruth, instead focusing on her anger. Faithful, Ruth redeems Naomi's family lineage by being obedient and humble—ultimately marrying Boaz. In the end, God was compassionate on these women. We are not made to do life alone. In fact, we see this as a command over and over in Scripture. We need compassion from others in our life, but most of all we need the compassion of Jesus Christ over our lives. When we are overburdened, Jesus calls us to him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). He offers us peace. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27). He tells us to abide with him. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me (John 15:4). To me, the most compassionate part of all of this is knowing Jesus Christ died on the cross to bear my sins. This is the only way I have access to a Savior who carries my burdens, offers me peace, and helps me bear fruit if I am abiding with him. Jesus was compassionate to death. God has always wanted us to have access to his compassion. We see this repeatedly in the Old Testament. Isaiah 30:18 states: Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Again, in Isaiah 49:13: Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth, burst into song you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. God loves us as his children. Psalm 103:13 states: As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. The ultimate compassion from God IS Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
“She gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.” — Ruth 2:3 Her hap was. Yes, it seemed nothing but an accident, but how divinely was it overruled! Ruth had gone forth with her […]
"And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house."
One cannot profit from selling basic food items in Israel. If so, how did Rabbi Elazar ben Azaria profit from wine and oil in Israel? A braita ruled that one cannot profit from eggs twice. The Gemara brings two explanations for what this ruling means. Under what circumstances of financial challenges is one permitted to leave Israel? Is it forbidden to leave Israel, even if prices are expensive for basic food items if one can afford the high prices? This is proven from the book of Ruth as Elimelech and his sons were punished for this. The Gemara tangents to various drashot on verses from the beginning of the book of Ruth as well as drashot on the connection between Boaz and Ivtzan - one of the judges mentioned in the book of Shoftim/Judges. After quoting a statement of Rav Chanan son of Rava regarding Elimelech, four other statements of his are quoted. An alternative explanation of the sins of Elimelech and his family is that they should have stayed to help pray for everyone. Four statements of Rabbi Yochanan that all start with the word ‘nehirna,’ ‘I remember when’ are quoted. The sons of Elimelech, Machlon and Khilion were also mentioned in the Tanach by different names – Yoash and Saraph. Which was the real name and which was meant for extrapolation?
One cannot profit from selling basic food items in Israel. If so, how did Rabbi Elazar ben Azaria profit from wine and oil in Israel? A braita ruled that one cannot profit from eggs twice. The Gemara brings two explanations for what this ruling means. Under what circumstances of financial challenges is one permitted to leave Israel? Is it forbidden to leave Israel, even if prices are expensive for basic food items if one can afford the high prices? This is proven from the book of Ruth as Elimelech and his sons were punished for this. The Gemara tangents to various drashot on verses from the beginning of the book of Ruth as well as drashot on the connection between Boaz and Ivtzan - one of the judges mentioned in the book of Shoftim/Judges. After quoting a statement of Rav Chanan son of Rava regarding Elimelech, four other statements of his are quoted. An alternative explanation of the sins of Elimelech and his family is that they should have stayed to help pray for everyone. Four statements of Rabbi Yochanan that all start with the word ‘nehirna,’ ‘I remember when’ are quoted. The sons of Elimelech, Machlon and Khilion were also mentioned in the Tanach by different names – Yoash and Saraph. Which was the real name and which was meant for extrapolation?
During the time of the Judges an Israelite family from Bethlehem went across the Jordan into Moab because of famine. Should they have gone? Who knows? Moab was not a place Israelites should be. The Moabites were a constant problem to the Israelites. I'm sure Elimelech did what he thought was best for his wife and children. His two sons were not the healthiest. They were sickly kids. As it turns out Elimelech dies in Moab. His sons take Moabitesses as wives. And then they die. Now the family consists of a widow (Naomi) and her two widowed daughters-in-law (Ruth and Orpah). Three women left to fend for themselves. This was a nightmare scenario for them. Naomi gives the opportunity to Ruth and Orpah to return to their families. She knows she has no means to support them. What would become of them? She knows the young women can remarry and secure better futures without her. They insist that they will stay with her. There is clearly such a bond there. Even in their short time together they have been through so much.Eventually, Naomi determines to go back home. She figures she must have some family that will take pity on her. Again, she insists that Ruth and Orpah return to their families. Orpah does decide to go home, but Ruth says the words that we are all familiar with, ”Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people. Your God, my God.” Continue reading the rest of this shows notes on our website Nothin' But Fine.---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!
"And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, 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" Ruth 1:1-16
"Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, 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" Ruth 1:1-16
For our next show, Poke Runyon will read the first of three installments of his historical novelette, "Prince Aqhat and the Magick Bow." This is a modern rendition of an ancient Canaanite legend that dates from the time of Melchizedek (1500 B.C.) and is based on the scribe Elimelech's version written down on clay tablets before Moses brought the Hebrews out of Egypt. The O.T.A. performs four seasonal ceremonies each year based on these ancient Canaanite pre-Biblical myths. Prince Aqhat is a great way to become familiar with Canaanite-Phoenician mythology which has so much bearing on the magick of old King Solomon, and his Phoenician ally King Hiram of Tyre. This is an exciting story, full of magick, mystery and wonder---like a tale from the Arabian Nights, and Poke will give it a dramatic reading. Tune in and get Magick!
Tap here to send us a message!The book of Ruth opens with Elimelech's choice to leave the land of God's people and journey to the pagan land of Moab due to troubling news of a famine. Following Elimelech's poor decision and his eventual passing, his family receives good news that leads them back to their homeland. The choice of which report to believe is one that every child of God will face—and we choose to believe the report of the Lord!08/15/2024 - Thursday NightScriptures Used (In Order of Occurrence):Ruth 1:1Genesis 13:12Numbers 13:32Matthew 1:3-6Psalm 122:1Isaiah 53:2-5Isaiah 53:1
In this episode we do a brief overview of Ruth and draw out three truths.Other episodes referenced in this one:Episode 21: "I never knew youEpisode 24: The GospelEpisode 31: "Until I went into the sanctuary of God"Quotes used in this episode:NET footnote from Matthew 22:24: "The brother of a man who died without a son had an obligation to marry his brother's widow. This served several purposes: It provided for the widow in a society where a widow with no children to care for her would be reduced to begging, and it preserved the name of the deceased, who would be regarded as the legal father of the first son produced from that marriage."NET footnote from Ruth 2:3: "The text is written from Ruth's limited perspective. As far as she was concerned, she randomly picked a spot in the field. But God was providentially at work and led her to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who, as a near relative of Elimelech, was a potential benefactor.""God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them" (Pastor John Piper)."This is a BIG message in a SHORT story. It shows how God is constructing his grand story out of the small, seemingly inconsequential stories of everyday people. This little story is intentionally framed at the beginning and end by the larger storyline of the Bible. Ruth shows how God is at work in the day to day activities of average people. All the characters face life's normal challenges (death, moving, lack of financial resources, familial responsibilities, etc.) and find God is weaving a story of redemption out of all the details. The Book of Ruth encourages us to view our day-to-day lives as part of God's bigger plan for our lives and world" (The Bible Project)."The characters talk about God a few times, but the narrator hardly ever mentions God explicitly doing anything in the story. This is its subtle brilliance because God's providence is at work behind every scene, weaving together the lives of the characters" (The Bible Project)."Endurance is faith expressed over time" (Pastor J. D. Greear).Scriptures referenced:Ruth 1:1-5Ruth 1:15-18Ruth 2:1-17Leviticus 19:9-10Leviticus 23:22Deuteronomy 24:19-22Ruth 2:20-23Ruth 3:1-13Deuteronomy 25:5-10Matthew 22:23-33Ruth 3:16-18I WANT TO BE DISCIPLEDI am on staff with another ministry called Mentoring Men for the Master (M3). M3 is a discipleship ministry; so, if you are interested in being discipled and having someone come alongside you to invest in you and your walk with Jesus, feel free to email us at info@mentoringmen.net. You can also check out M3's website by clicking "I want to be discipled" above. Please also note that despite the ministry's name, M3 disciples both men and women; so, the offer is open to all!I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTERIf you would like to sign up to receive newsletter updates, simply click "I want to sign up for the newsletter" above and fill out the form. Also, feel free to check out our most recent newsletter.I WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you feel so led, you can support the podcast by clicking "I want to support the podcast" above. I Just Want to Talk about the Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that any donations made are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for giving as the Lord leads!Take care!
Who we spend our time with really matters. Today, as we turn to the next installment in our study of the book of Ruth, we see how Elimelech's family changed living in the land of Moab. When they left the “House of Bread,” Bethlehem, they began to live more like the world around them. That happens to us more than we may be willing to admit. While I challenge our comfortable life choices in today's message, I also offer GREAT hope. The door is always open to us to turn from more worldly habits, relationships, and pursuits to the living God, as we see Naomi begin to do, even in her embittered state. The call is simple - return. Come home. This, and so many other rich lessons - today on Rinse and Repeat! (RAR2024EP31) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carol-eskaros/support
Pastor Lee continues our teaching series, Ruth: Ruth 2:1-4 NLT 1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech. 2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” 3 So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. 4 While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. Ruth 2:5-12 NLT 5 Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” 6 And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 7 She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes' rest in the shelter.” 8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don't go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” 10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” 13 “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.” Ruth 2:13-18 NLT 14 At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over. 15 When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. 16 And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don't give her a hard time!” 17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 18 She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal. Ruth 2:19-23 NLT 19 “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!” So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.” 20 “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.” 21 Then Ruth said, “What's more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.” 22 “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest. You might be harassed in other fields, but you'll be safe with him.” 23 So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz's fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.
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