“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.” Ruth 1:3-5
Twenty-four years ago, my husband was in the hospital facing surgery. We had perfect confidence that he would come through it with no problems. But something went wrong, and he did not survive. I can remember how I felt as I realized that nothing would ever be the same. He was not only my husband, but my closest friend. Thankfully, I had a strong family to support me and a trust that the Lord was in control.
For Naomi, it was a different story. She was in a strange land and had no family except her two sons. No doubt her heart was filled with fear and apprehension about the future. Questions probably arose. Was Elimelech’s death a punishment from God for them coming to Moab? How would she support herself and her boys? According to the meaning of their names, they were not strong men. Mahlon meant “invalid” and Chilion meant “pining.”
After Elimelech’s death, Mahlon and Chilion married girls from Moab, since there probably were no other Jewish people living in Moab, from which the boys could find brides. The people of Moab were descendants of Lot and worshipped idols. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Lord had told them not to intermarry with the other nations.
“You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly” (Deuteronomy 7:3–4).
Naomi had no choice but to welcome these girls into her home and she gained their respect and love. But in a few short years, she faced sorrow and grief again as both her sons died. Now what was she to do? She had decisions to make. I can imagine she wished for her friends in Bethlehem. She probably cried out to the Lord for wisdom and direction.
Is there someone reading this today who is going through a time of grief, having lost a loved one? Jesus cares about you. He sees your tears and hears your cry. Take comfort in His words in Matthew 11:28.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you care for each one of us. Just as you were with Naomi in her time of sorrow and suffering, we know that you are there for each of us today. Help us to bring everything to you and trust you to give us rest.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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