The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-10-10
plnce

Pince.
The three widows were in the land of Moab,
east Of the Dead Sea. probably 100 miles from
Bethlehem. We may suppose they went north
to about opposite Gilgal and then crossed the
Jordan. Then they passed southwest to Beth
lehem.
Bethlehem is six miles south of Jerusalem.
1t is in the tribe of Judah. On account of its
fruitfulness it was called Ephrstah. 1t was the
birthplace OF David. Joab, Abishai and Asahel.
1t is specially notable the place in which
our Savior was born. The modern name Is
Belt Lahm. 1t was the former home of Mao
mi. There she was married to Elimelech
there were born Mahlon and Chilon. Only
for famine the family would probably never
have left the city. But in that case we would
have lost one of the most precious books In
Gods Word.
The Arriual.
At length Naomi and Ruth reached Bethle-
hem. Ten years had made great changes.
Naomi had much sorrow. She had buried
her husband in a foreign land. She had laid by
his side her two sons. She had returned
widow and childess. Doubtless she had be-
come much changed physically. So her old
neighbors ask, is this Naomif" Her very
name, which means the lovable, the full of
grace, seemed to her misplaced and grating.
She wanted to be called Mara (bitterl, as more
fitting her bereaved and desolate condition.
She could not wear such a presentable appear
ance then as when in wealth and happy with
her husband and sons She left Bethlehem full
of cheer, of domestic happiness, Of financial re-
sources. She returned empty as to ali these
blessings
Naomi.
The word Naomi means beautiful, pleasant.
She was the widow of Elimelech.
Formerly she resided at Bethlehem; was
married there; her sons born there.
Had two sons-Mahlon and Chilion. Mshlon
married Ruth, and Chiffon, Orpah. (Josephus
Ant, ). 9. L. These daughters-in-lsw of Mao
mi were Moabitesses. 1t seems the marriages
were violations of Ex. 81 1916; Deu., 7:3.
Removed with husband and sons from Beth
lehem to Moab because there was famine in
Judea.
After an absence of 10 years she proposed to
return to Bethlehem. having heard that there
was an end of the famine there.
Her two sons had meanwhile died, leaving
Ruth and Orpah widows.
The three widows. Naomi, Ruth and Orpah,
set out for Bethlehem.
On the road Naomi babe the Jaughters-in-lsw
halt, and tried to persuade them TO return to
Moab 1t is generally believed she was sincere.
She was too poor to give them position. Jos.
Ant, 3, 8, /.
Reaching Bethlehem she was greeted by her
old friends as Naomi, but she begged them to
call her Marah. which means bitter just the
opposite of Naomi which means sweet. The
sequal shows how the Marah waters became
sweetened-how disappointment led to con-
graduation.
A Moabtess
Married Mahlon.
Was left young widow.
Set out with mother-in- law to Bethlehem.
Urged to return to Moab she declined; thus
leaving
Land 2:11.
Father, 2: II,
Mother, V. 8 and 2: II,
Relatives,
Gods, I6 ID,
Sister-in-law, Is,
Prospects of Moabite husband.
Went to Bethlehem.
Because poor she went into the fields Of Boaz
to gather the gleanings of wheat
The Chaldee Targum supposes she was daugh-
ter of Eglon, King of Moab.
Ancestor of David. 4:18-22
Ancestor of Christ. st. Matt Is
Suggestions.
1. Be persistent in entreaty, prayer, etc V.
16. CT. st. Matt, 15:2I-28. Have heart,
spirit, in your address. Away with social, men
tai. and religious languidness.
2. Finally settle your case and stick to it.
Eph., 8: -. Be decisive in manner. 1t stops
all discussion. 1t heads off tenn ptatiou. Form
firm resolutions in the right and stand immov-
able.
3. If following Christ, let nothing influence
you to 90 back. st. Matt, 8: 1929; 10: 10
22; st. John, 6: &C. &c. Set your face toward
Bethlehem. Away from Moab Initiate Rath
and not Orpsh.
4. Be the Lords side. There are two
sides-Ruth's and Orpah's; one is toward the
true God. the other toward handmade gods
There is a fan in Christs hand. The chaf must
be shaken from the wheat
6. 1t is we'll on the start to state all the diff
culties. Naomi did SO in verses II and Is. But
after decision is reached, stop. Wis. Do
not poster. Do not over-persuade. You may
annoy. Naomi left speaking" when she saw
how firm Ruth was.
6. Cultivate pleasant domestic relations.
There is a Christian way of treating children
in-law and mOthers.in-law. Augustine's mother,
Monica, suffered shameful abuse from her
mother-in-law King Lilleforts wife, Mata-
bruna. very unkind to her daughter-in-
law, Beatrix. The of Naomi and her
daughters-in-law rebukes all such unseemly
conduct. Origin makes q strong ethical point
of this
7. God Furnishes wrong. 90. 81. If we re-
aize this we shall not so complain. Punish.
ment in this view is corrective, not vindctive
(V. IL; affective, not punitive.
8. Leave all and follow Christ. St. Matt,
10. ~ St In ID d