Topical Bible: the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elimelech

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Judah holds a significant place in biblical history, being one of the twelve tribes of Israel and the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. Within this tribe, the family of Elimelech emerges as a notable lineage, particularly through the narrative found in the Book of Ruth.

Elimelech

Elimelech, whose name means "My God is King," was a man from Bethlehem in Judah. He is introduced in the Book of Ruth as the husband of Naomi. During a time of famine in the land of Judah, Elimelech made the consequential decision to relocate his family to the country of Moab. This move set the stage for the events that would unfold in the account of Ruth. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab" (Ruth 1:1).

Naomi

Naomi, Elimelech's wife, is a central figure in the narrative. Her name means "pleasant," but her life experiences led her to describe herself as "Mara," meaning "bitter," due to the hardships she faced. After the death of Elimelech and her two sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Her steadfast faith and resilience are evident as she navigates the challenges of widowhood and loss. Naomi's return to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Mahlon and Chilion

Mahlon and Chilion were the sons of Elimelech and Naomi. Their names are often interpreted as "sickly" and "pining," respectively, which may reflect their fates. Both sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, but died without leaving any children. Their untimely deaths left Naomi bereft of her immediate family, setting the stage for Ruth's loyalty and the subsequent redemption narrative.

Ruth

Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, is one of the most remarkable figures associated with Elimelech's family. Her devotion to Naomi and her famous declaration of loyalty, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16), exemplify her faith and commitment. Ruth's decision to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem and her subsequent marriage to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, are pivotal events that lead to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David.

Boaz

Boaz, a wealthy and influential man from Bethlehem, is a relative of Elimelech. His role as the kinsman-redeemer is crucial in the narrative of Ruth. Boaz's kindness, integrity, and adherence to the laws of levirate marriage demonstrate his righteousness. By marrying Ruth, Boaz not only redeems Elimelech's family line but also becomes an ancestor of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. The BSB records Boaz's words to Ruth: "May the LORD reward your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge" (Ruth 2:12).

The family of Elimelech, though marked by tragedy, plays a vital role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Through their account, themes of loyalty, faith, and divine providence are powerfully illustrated, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Tribe of Judah's history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 1:1,2
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook