Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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 MP, Thank you for your response. Before going into the “land of Moab” (pun intended!), I would like to address your comments as to the lineage of Ruth. You stated, “to begin with it is generally accepted that she was of Moabite descent.” No question about it! However, being generally accepted does not mean it is correct or scriptural! I would hate to be confined as to what is generally accepted! You stated, “From the text, as the ‘Moabitess’ she must be considered a descendant of Moab.” It could also mean she was from Moab, the “land of Moab” or the “plains of Moab.” Just as Naomi and her family were Ephrathites (Ruth 1:2) or Paul and Silas were Romans (Acts 16:37). You cited Ruth 1:16, “But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Your comment: “…she (Ruth) removes all doubt. For certainly no Israelite would deny that her god was the God of Israel and swear Him allegiance with the same breath.” You have made a good point. However, the word “God” is translated from the word “elohim.” “Elohim” can also be translated as “Judge” as in a human Judge. It is used that way in Exodus 22: 8,9. This all took place “In the days when the judges governed” (Ruth 1:1). More telling is verse 17, wherein Ruth uses the name LORD, translated Jehovah. Jehovah was the covenant name given to Israel in Exodus 6:3. It is doubtful that the writer of Ruth would have recorded Ruth as using the name Jehovah had she not been an Israelite and had every right to do so. Next, let me address your statement, “Indeed the references regarding the land or plains across from Jericho are not what the scripture indicates as Moab. “ You then mention a scripture that does exactly that, Deuteronomy 32:49, and indicate there are other scriptures that do the same. This seems to be a bit of flawed logic. If that were true, then you would have to say the same about the passages in Ruth. The land between the Arnon and Jabbok Rivers was not part of the land promised to Israel. After the Amorites were conquered, the tribes of Gad and Reuben asked for the land because it was a very good area for livestock. Since it was not part of the “Promised Land”, I think that may be why it retained the name of Moab, but there is not doubt it retained the name. Below are the scriptures which mention “the land of Moab” in context and if it applies to the area of Gad and Reuben or the actual nation of Moab. SCRIPTURE THAT APPLIES TO THE NATION OF MOAB: Judges 11:18 Then they went through the wilderness and around the land of Edom and the land of Moab, and came to the east side of the land of Moab, and they camped beyond the Arnon; but they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab. SCRIPTURE THAT APPLIES TO THE TERRITORIES OF GAD AND REUBEN: Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the land of Moab, at the top of Pisgah which overlooks the wasteland. Deuteronomy 1:5 Across the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to expound this law, saying, Deuteronomy 29:1 These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which He had made with them at Horeb. Deuteronomy 32:49 Go up to this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab opposite Jericho, and look at the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel for a possession. Deuteronomy 34:5-6 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day. Deuteronomy 34:6 And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day. OTHER REFERENCES TO MOAB: After Gad and Reuben were carried away into captivity, the land was retaken by Moab and was still referred to as the “land of Moab” in Chapter 48 of Jeremiah. Joshua 13:32 These are the territories which Moses apportioned for an inheritance in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho to the east. Judges 3:28 He said to them, "Pursue them, for the LORD has given your enemies the Moabites into your hands." So they went down after him and seized the fords of the Jordan opposite Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross. See also Numbers 22:1, Numbers 26:3, Numbers 26:63, Numbers 31:12, Numbers 33:48. The list goes on. Thanks again, it is fun and informative. Someday, we will know it all! Jim |