Although chaotic evil reigned in Israel during the time of the Judges, Elimelech, Naomi and their 2 sickly sons did not give up their inheritance in the Promised Land because they were troubled by the immorality around them. They left the land where the Lord had placed them to seek a better, more comfortable and prosperous life in Moab. They did what was right in their own eyes. They did not trust that the Lord would take care of them in the midst of a famine.
The Moabites, though kin of Abraham, were sworn enemies of Israel and extremely immoral and perverse. They worshipped idols and performed child sacrifice. Elimelech and Naomi abandoned their faith and immersed themselves deeply into this culture to the point where they allowed their boys to marry pagan women. Then everything fell apart. First Elimelech died. Then Mahlon and Chilion, “weak” and “pining” died. Naomi whose name means “pleasant” was no longer pleasant or happy for she was now left as a widow without support, without property, without hope in a land of strangers.
This family serves as examples of those who turn from the Lord to trust the world. When the crises and troubles arise, they have no one to look to for help and sink into hopelessness and despair. Many commit suicide or turn to drugs and alcohol. Their gods failed them because they were either non-existent or demonic. Only those who trust in Jesus will find hope in the middle of chaos. It is our ministry to speak to them of His love and mercy.
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