He was undoubtedly the father-in-law of Ruth (Ruth 1:1-3)). But beyond this first impression, there is still much to learn from this certain man of Bethlehem when you study the first three verses of the book of Ruth. It is this brief narrative that describes the last phase of Elimelech's lifetime and specifically, famine was mentioned during this period of history.
Famine is a catastrophe nobody will ever want to witness. Various reports on this type of disaster often describe it as a period of widespread scarcity of food leading to massive emigration of people. This short description of famine could serve as the rationale on which Elimelech's decision to move his family to the land of Moab was based upon. Unfortunately for Elimelech and his family, the consequence was regretful and none of them lived to narrate the whole story except for the spared Naomi (the wife of Elimelech).
But why will this happen to a family which went to a strange land to seek a better living? I rhetorically asked myself as my eyeballs curiously move from one line of this passage to the other. It was indeed interesting to find a clue to this answer in the last chapter of the book that immediately precedes that of Ruth. I guess you know it!
The last verse in the book of Judges (Judges 21:25) tells us of the period during which the account of Elimelech was recorded. At that time of history, it was made known that there was no king in Israel and as a result everybody was doing whatever he/she thought was right in his own eyes. Elimelech's decision to sojourn in the country of Moab must have been a deliberate action judged reasonable to himself. He must have said to himself and perhaps his family members that, "How will I continue to suffer at Bethlehem when there is abundance in Moab? Will it not be better to sojourn in Moab than for me and my family to perish in this place where the chance of eventual survival is difficult to predict?"
Don't you think this man was smart? I personally thought so! After all, who will see a better condition and will not embrace it! In addition, let us not forget that every citizen at that period of history was doing what was right in their own eyes (Ruth 1:1). However, the phrase 'in their own eyes' speaks volume than the rhythm it tends to produce. It is clearly a demarcation line between the mind of a man and that of God. It is what makes a person prone to error and on the other hand for God to be that infallible creator. It is what distinguishes between the smartness of a person and the supremacy of God.
I am simply talking about that intricate part of everyday living - decision. For instance, you are reading this article just because you have decided to do so. Is that not so? We sleep and wake up with piles of options waiting for us to make choices from. We are conscious of some while others may be evasive. The difference between decisions rooted in God's guidance and those preemptively based on human mind or experience is however always remarkable. Therefore, we are admonished to rely on God for every single step we take. He will always be there to guide and direct us.
The brief account of Elimelech as recorded in the book of Ruth Chapter 1 is a corollary to the cliché: not everything that glitters is gold. Given that your decision is wisely taken and even justifiable does not necessarily connote the plan of God for that moment. Many times we base our line of actions on what is readily visible but forget that we need to see through the eyes of God. A rash decision devoid of consultation with God (the master planner) will eventually lead to regret.
In any case, the believers are much encouraged not to base decisions on rationale or what seems to be tentatively right. Let us not forget that our thoughts are not God's thoughts and our ways are not His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). The apparent distance is unfathomable you will agree with me. Unnn! Have you experienced that before? Kindly be reminded that we are to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:17).
May the Lord grant us the grace to always take from him and not from the situations that surround us.
