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NASB | Ruth 1:1 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ruth 1:1 In the days when the judges governed [Israel], there was a famine in the land [of Canaan]. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live temporarily in the country of Moab with his wife and his two sons. |
Subject: Which "land of Moab" in Ruth? |
Bible Note: Hi Doc, My question was not in regards to the linage of Christ, but to the “land of Moab.” Run a Bible word search for the phrase “land of Moab” and you will find it is used most often to describe the area between the Arnon and the Jabbok Rivers. These descriptions were made at a time that the area was possessed and under the control of the tribes of Gad and Reuben, after Israel had defeated the Amorites, who had taken the land from the King of Moab. Are we to ignore these scriptures? I find it difficult to believe, that due to famine in the land, Elimelech, Naomi and their two sons traveled across the Jordon and through the “land of Moab,” then crossed the Arnon River and entered into the hostile territory of the Nation of Moab. They stayed there ten years without being molested and intermarried with Moab women in direct violation of God’s Law. When Naomi returned to Judah, the Moabitess Ruth was hailed and compared to Rachel and Leah. No one gave a second thought that Ruth was a Moab by birth, and intermarriage was not an issue again until Ezra 9-10! It appears, according to scripture, that Elimelech, Naomi and their two sons traveled to the “land of Moab” across the Jordon. This land was possessed by the Israelite tribes of Gad and Reuben and was very well suited for livestock. The sons intermarried with these tribes. After the men all died, Naomi returned to Judah with Ruth, called a Moabitess because she was from the “land of Moab” and not a Moabitess by birth. (Not an uncommon practice.) Ruth was welcomed by all and compared to Rachel and Leah. I believe the Bible interprets itself. It looks pretty clear to me, but I would be interested in scripture that shows otherwise. I would like to see an explanation of why the “land of Moab” mentioned is Ruth is different from the other scriptures which describe the “land of Moab” as the land between the Arnon and Jabbok Rivers. An explanation that is consistent with scripture. If you do not feel this is worthy of discussion, please do not feel an obligation to respond. Yes, our God is an amazing God! Thanks, Jim |