“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.” Ruth 1:1 (NASV)
The times Elimelech and Naomi lived in were troubling indeed. The famine in the land was likely the result of a judgment from the One True God as the Israelites had turned to worship other gods. Elimelech, I am sure, wanted to protect his wife and children. His sons were sickly and continually in poor health. In fact, Vernon McGee translated Mahlon’s name as “unhealthy” and Chilion’s as “puny.” Imagine Naomi's pleading as she watches the grain stores shrink and her sons grow thinner by the minute. Imagine the shrillness of her voice as she argues for Elimelech to do something-- Anything so their sons will not die!
Elimelech did act. He journeyed to Moab for his answer.
Psalm 108:9 refers to Moab as 'a washpot' or 'a washbasin.' This pot was used for washing soldiers' feet. Some commentaries compared Moab to our present day 'trash can.' How ironic that Elimelech traveled from 'the house of bread' and 'praise' (the meaning of Bethlehem and Judah) to the 'washpot' of Moab. He traded the provisions of God for the food stores of a godless land. Elimelech’s family might have had full stomachs but their spirits were empty. (McGee, Vernon, Ruth, p. 15)
What do you do in your stressful times? Do you run to your 'trash can’ gods? You know what I mean: those small tiny gods that make you feel good for a moment but then plunge you into shame and sin. What is your Moab?
I am so thankful that God forgives and cleanses us as we turn from our ‘trash can’ gods to Him. Confess any 'trash can’ gods that you run to for comfort. Talk to Him about your troubles. Let Him be your refuge and stronghold.
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
