We continue our Bible Study, Ruth:  A Story of Redemption.  Last week we looked at the context of Ruth so that we can better understand the book and character of Ruth. 

Missed out?  You can catch up on Week 1 here.

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You'll find this on pages 13-19 in your book.

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In Week 2 we look at the Elimelek and Naomi so that we can better understand the beginning of the story.  Author Cailin Leacock introduces us to Elimelek and Naomi in Video 2.

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Read Ruth 1 in your Bible before you start.

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FROM THE BOOK

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Scripture References:

Ruth 1:1-6

Genesis 49:10

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Key Points:

Who were Elimelek and Naomi?

Temporary becomes permanent quicker than you think.

In going to Moab, Naomi lost everything.

As soon as the famine was over, Naomi was quick to return to Bethlehem.

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In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion.  They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah.  And they went to Moab and lived there.

Ruth 1:1-2 NIV

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What began as a temporary move to escape the difficult conditions, quickly became a permanent move and Moab became Elimelek and Naomi's home.  It is very interesting to note that the Moabites were enemies of Israel.  They were descendants of Moab, one of Lot's sons, and had walked away from God's will, just like Lot.

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Matthew Henry's Commentary says this of Elimelek's choice:  "It is an evidence of a discontented, distrustful, unstable spirit, to be weary of the place in which God hath set us, and to be leaving it immediately whenever we meet with any uneasiness or inconvenience in it."

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Jesus didn't promised us an easy life but He did promise us He would always be with us!

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Cailin Leacock in her book ask us this question:

What is your immediate response when life gets hard? Do you find it easy to keep trusting God or do you try to take matters into your own hands?

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Naomi was quick to return to Bethlehem as soon as she heard famine was over, she didn't allow shame, condemnation and regret keep her from returning.

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Are there things that have kept you from returning to God?

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God is gracious and loving and His arms are always open wide for us.  

He loves you and will welcome you back, heal you and fill you! 

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Watch the video below, then join in the discussions on our forum below.

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