Ruth The Gleaner |
The scene is laid in Bethlehem of Judea, which is situated some six miles
south of Jerusalem, and also in Moab beyond the Jordan, bordering on and east of
the Dead Sea. During the reign of the Judges a grievous famine spread throughout
the land of Judah. Elimelich, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Maholon and
Chilton, determined to immigrate into the country of Moab beyond the Jordan
Rover. There seems to have been no absolute necessity for this sojourn. Others
continued to remain in Judea and tided over the period of distress.
While it would seem that upon their arrival in Moab they were well received by Eglon, the King of Moab, yet they did not prosper. The two sons married daughters of Moab. Mahlon, the eldest son, married Ruth (some writers say that Ruth was the young daughter of King Eglon), and Chilton married Orphah. Both women appear to have been model wives. Within ten years, however, Elimelech and his two sons died childless, and were buried in the land of Moab. Noami was left in destitute circumstances. Her heart and her spirit were broken. She felt that God had deserted her -- the last link which bound her to earth was torn away. "The heart knows it sown bitterness." Thus, apparently, she is alone. What does the human heart dread more that to be utterly alone! Loneliness, how can we define it? One must experience it to know its real depth. "Kings and priest, warrior and maiden, philosopher and child -- all must walk those might galleries alone." Naomi yearned for her old home and the home friends and resolved to return to Bethlehem again. This story is the classic example of true and tried friendship between two women. It is often compared with David and Jonathan, and Damon and Pythias. It is the passionate love of a girl for her mother-in-law. |
RUTH From Moab's hills the stranger comes, |
TO RUTH When we learn to give up idols, |
(Unless stated, written by Mark Keller/Dianna Gillard (Mass. Grand Chapter). Printed by permission).
The picture of Ruth and Boaz is one of the beautiful paintings of our Star Points painted on the ceiling of the State Dining Room at the International Temple in Washington D.C. by local artist Eric Adkins (1966). Each Star Point is painted on one of the major panels in the ceiling. The several emblems and flowers represented by our heroines are painted on smaller panels. Members are invited to visit the Temple at 1618 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, D.C. |