Ruthu na EstaRuth and Esther — Sehemu ya 1Unit 1

Tafadhali anza kwa neno la maombi, ukimwomba Mungu ayaangazie maandiko ya leo na akufundishe.Please open with a word of prayer that God illuminate the texts for today and teach you.

Ruthu, Darasa la 1Ruth Class 1

Katika wiki 10 zijazo, tutavitazama vitabu hivi viwili vya ajabu: vinasema nini na vinatufundisha nini, vinavyohusiana, vinavyotofautiana, na kile ambacho Mungu anataka kutufundisha katika hadithi hizi mbili.Over the next 10 weeks, we will be taking a look at these two remarkable books, what they have to say and teach us, how they correlate, how they differ from one another, and what God has to teach us in these two stories.

Mbali na kuvichunguza vitabu hivi viwili kwa kina, tutajifunza pia jinsi ya kujisomea Biblia sisi wenyewe kwa uongozi wa Roho Mtakatifu.In addition to an in-depth look at these two books, we will also learn how to study the Bible for ourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Muhtasari wa Kitabu cha RuthuOverview of the Book of Ruth

Hebu tuanze na muhtasari wa kitabu cha Ruthu.Let’s get started with an overview of the book of Ruth.

Mwandishi: Mapokeo ya kale ya Kiyahudi pamoja na Talmudi ya Babeli yanashikilia kwamba mwandishi ni Samweli. Samweli alikuwa wa mwisho kati ya waamuzi, katika kipindi kile kile ambacho kitabu chetu kinatokea. Pia alikuwa nabii mkuu aliyeiongoza Israeli katika kipindi cha mpito kuelekea ufalme. Alizaliwa na Hana, aliyekuwa tasa, kama jibu la maombi yake. Hana aliahidi kumtoa kwa Mungu kwa utumishi wa wakati wote, na alipoachishwa kunyonya alimkabidhi kwa Eli, Kuhani Mkuu. Naye alimtumikia Bwana vizuri. Aliwatoa Wayahudi katika mafarakano ya kikabila ya kipindi cha Waamuzi na kuwaingiza katika ufalme mpya. Alimkemea Sauli, mfalme wa kwanza wa Israeli, na ilipodhihirika kwamba Daudi ndiye mfalme aliyechaguliwa na Mungu, Samweli alimlinda kutoka kwa Sauli. Kwa hiyo inawezekana kwamba Samweli ndiye mwandishi, ingawa hilo lingemaanisha kwamba nasaba ya Daudi iliyo mwishoni mwa Ruthu iliongezwa baadaye. La sivyo, ni wazi kwamba kiliandikwa baadaye sana, wakati wa utawala wa Daudi au wa Sulemani, lakini hatuwezi kuwa na uhakika.Authorship: Ancient Jewish tradition as well as the Babylonian Talmud hold to the author being Samuel. Samuel was the last of the judges in the same time frame as our book occurs. He also became a leading prophet who guided Israel through its transition to monarchy. He was born to Hannah, who had been barren, in answer to her prayers. She promised him to God for full time service and when he was weaned she turned him over to Eli the High Priest. And he served the Lord well. He brought the Jews out of the tribal disunity of the Judges period and into a new monarchy. He reproved Saul, Israel’s first king and when it became clear that David was God’s chosen king, Samuel protected him from Saul. So it is possible that Samuel is the author, though that would mean that the genealogy of David at the end of Ruth was added at a later date. Otherwise it was obviously written much later during the David’s or Solomon’s reign, but we cannot be certain.

Kanuni za Kitheolojia. Kanuni za kitheolojia ni imani za msingi zinazoongoza mawazo yetu na matendo yetu tunapoiishi imani yetu kwa Mungu katika maisha ya kila siku. Kanuni hizi huathiri maamuzi yetu na huamua mwelekeo wa safari yetu. Fikiria kweli zinazotuongoza au dira ya kiroho. Kuhusu kanuni hizi zinazoonekana katika kitabu cha Ruthu, watu hawa wanatofautiana waziwazi na Israeli wengine wote katika wakati huu wa uozo. Ruthu, Boazi na Naomi ni mabaki, kwa kusema hivyo, ya wale wanaobaki waaminifu kwa Mungu. Ni kundi la watu wanaotaka kuishi kwa haki chini ya utawala wa Mungu, wanaotegemea maongozi yake, wanaoelewa toba na msamaha wa Mungu, pamoja na mkono wake wa baraka juu ya Waisraeli. Wanatambua ukuu wake na riziki yake. Zaidi ya hayo, Ruthu anajitokeza kama mfano mzuri kwa kanuni zake za kitheolojia. Yeye ni mtu tofauti sana na Wamoabu wa asili yake mwenyewe. Na kwa kweli anaipa kisogo kabisa familia yake, utamaduni wake, na miungu ya Moabu ili amfuate Mungu mmoja wa kweli.Theological Principles. Theological principles are fundamental beliefs that guide our thoughts and practice as we mete out our faith in God in daily living. These principles influence our decisions and determine the direction our journey takes. Think guiding truths or spiritual compass. As to these principles exhibited in the book of Ruth, the people stand in stark contrast to the rest of Israel in this decadent time. Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi are a remnant, if you will, of those who remain faithful to God. A group of people, who want to live rightly under God’s rule, who trust in His providence, who understand repentance and God’s forgiveness as well as His hand of blessing on the Israelites. They recognize His sovereignty and His provision. Even more so, Ruth stands out as a fine example for her theological principles. She’s a very different person than the Moabites of her own heritage. And in fact she turns her back completely on her family, her culture, and the Moabite gods to follow the one true God.

Kusudi: Ukombozi ni kununua tena au kukomboa kile kilichopotezwa au kupotea hapo awali. Unaweza pia kueleweka kwa maana rahisi zaidi ya kuokolewa kwa nguvu au kwa fidia kutoka katika uonevu. Tutaona maana zote mbili zikidhihirika katika kitabu hiki, watu hawa walipoutumainia na kuudhihirisha katika maisha yao wenyewe. Komboa, mkombozi, ukombozi, mkombozi wa jamaa: aina hizi za neno hili zinatumika mara 20 katika kitabu hiki, kwa hiyo tunajua kwamba itakuwa mada kuu ya hadithi.Purpose: Redemption is the buying back or repurchasing that which was previously forfeited or lost. It can also have the simpler understanding of deliverance by power or ransom from oppression. We will see both definitions exhibited in this book as these individuals trusted in it and exhibited it in their own lives. Redeem, redeemer, redemption, kinsman redeemer: these variations on the term are used 20 times in the book so we know it will be a key theme of the story.

Maongozi ya Mungu: Mara kwa mara tutaona Mungu akitenda kazi nyuma ya pazia ili kutimiza mapenzi yake, tangu Ruthu kufika kwa bahati katika shamba la Boazi ili aokote masazo, hadi Mungu kuwabariki Ruthu na Boazi kwa mtoto wa kiume.God’s Providence: Time and again we will see God working behind the scenes to bring His will to pass from Ruth happening upon Boaz’s field to glean, to God blessing Ruth and Boaz with a son.

Mungu kuwajumuisha wote: Kitabu hiki kinawaleta Mataifa katika neema ya Mungu na katika ukoo wa Kristo kupitia nafsi njema ya Ruthu. Ningesema pia kwamba historia hii inaonyesha waziwazi kwamba Mungu anawathamini na kuwatumia wanawake katika makusudi ya ufalme wake. Na tukitazama ukoo wa Kristo unaotajwa katika kitabu cha Mathayo, tutaona wanawake kadhaa wakitajwa humo, Tamari, Rahabu, Ruthu na Bathsheba — wanawake, kadhaa wao wakiwa Mataifa au wenye uhusiano na asili ya Mataifa. Mungu atawajumuisha na kuwatumia wale anaowataka ili kutimiza mipango yake: wanawake, wanaume, Mataifa, Wayahudi. Hilo linatuingiza katika sehemu inayofuata ya historia ya nyuma ya kitabu hiki:God’s inclusiveness: This book brings Gentiles into the grace of God and into Christ’s lineage through the wonderful soul of Ruth. I would also say that this history makes it very clear that God values and uses women in His kingdom purposes. And if we look at Christ’s lineage mentioned in the book of Matthew we will see several mentioned there, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba — women, several of them Gentiles or associated with Gentile backgrounds. God will include and use whom He wants to bring about His plans, Women, Men, Gentiles, Jews. That leads us into the next section of the background of this book:

Kanuni za Kikristolojia: "Kikristolojia" ni neno la kitaalamu linalomaanisha tu kumwelewa Kristo. Ni kujifunza nafsi na kazi ya Kristo. Hilo linajumuisha kufanyika kwake mwili na ufufuo wake, yaani asili yake ya uungu na kufanyika kwake mwanadamu. Hadithi hii itaeleza ukoo wa Daudi, na kwa hiyo ukoo wa Kristo.Christological principles: Christological is simply a fancy word that means understanding Christ. It is studying the person and work of Christ. That includes his incarnation, resurrection, so his divine nature and becoming man. This story is going to tell the lineage of David and, therefore, Christ.

Pia itatuletea dhana ya Mkombozi wa Jamaa, ambaye ndiye Kristo alivyo kwetu. Mkombozi wa jamaa ni ndugu wa karibu ambaye, kwa gharama yake mwenyewe, analipa madeni ya mwingine au anamsaidia anapokuwa hatarini au anapohitaji kutetewa haki yake. Ili mtu awe mkombozi kulikuwa na masharti manne: mtu huyo alipaswa kuwa ndugu wa jamaa. Alipaswa kuwa tayari kukomboa. Alipaswa kuweza kukomboa, na alipaswa kulipa gharama yote kikamilifu.It will also introduce the concept of Kinsmen Redeemer, what Christ is for us. A kinsman Redeemer is a close relative who at his own expense pays off the debts of another or helps them when they are in danger or in need of vindication. To be a redeemer there were four requirements: the person had to be kin. The person had to be willing to redeem. He had to be able to redeem, and the person had to be pay the price in full.

Pia kina mada hizi muhimu sana tunazoziona zikijitokeza katika nafsi na injili ya Kristo: yaani toba, ukombozi kwa wote hata wale walio nje ya taifa lake teule, urejesho, wokovu, maisha ya haki, upendo wa uaminifu, uaminifu wa Mungu kwa ahadi zake, neema yake, na rehema yake kwa wote.It also has these very important themes that we see come up in the person and gospel of Christ: Namely, repentance, redemption for all even those outside His chosen nation, restoration, salvation, righteous living, loyal love, God’s faithfulness to His promises, His grace, and His mercy to all.

Muhtasari wa Njia ya Uchunguzi katika Kujifunza BibliaOverview of Inductive Bible Study Method

Warren Wiersbe alisema vizuri sana, “Hakuna mwalimu wa kibinadamu anayeweza kuchukua nafasi ya Kristo, hakuna kitabu kinachoweza kuchukua nafasi ya Biblia. Wanadamu wanaweza kutupa habari, lakini ni Roho peke yake anayeweza kutupa nuru na kutusaidia kuelewa kweli za kiroho. Roho hutuangazia na kutuwezesha; hakuna kiongozi wa kibinadamu anayeweza kufanya hivyo.” Kwa hiyo mimi nitakuwa tu kiongozi wenu tunapozama ndani ya vitabu hivi viwili vya ajabu vya Agano la Kale. Nitategemea mafunzo yenu ya neno la Mungu na Roho Mtakatifu, ili Yeye awafundishe kile anachotaka mjue.Warren Wiersbe said so well, “No human teacher can take the place of Christ, no book can take the place of the Bible. Men can give us information, but only the Spirit can give us illumination and help us understand spiritual truths. The Spirit enlightens us and enables us, no human leader can do that.” So, I will merely be your guide as we delve into these two amazing books of the Old Testament. I will be leaning on your study of God’s word and the Holy Spirit to allow Him to instruct you in what he wants you to know.

Basi sasa: Kuna mtu yeyote aliyewahi kusikia kuhusu Njia ya Uchunguzi katika Kujifunza Biblia? Kuna mtu anayetaka kunieleza hatua 3 za aina hii ya mafunzo ya Biblia?Now then: Has anyone heard of the Inductive Bible Study Method? Does anyone want to tell me the 3-step process of this type of Bible Study?

Kuchunguza (Uchunguzi)Observation

Kufasiri (Tafsiri)Interpretation

Kutendea kazi (Matumizi).Application.

Ikiwa hujawahi kujaribu njia hii ya kujifunza, utafurahia sana. Nilisoma somo la Njia za Kujifunza Biblia katika Seminari ya Kitheolojia ya Dallas. Lilikuwa sharti la lazima kabla ya masomo mengine yote ya seminari. Kwa nini? Kwa sababu chuo kilielewa jambo moja muhimu. Kuweza kujifunza Neno la Mungu kwa uangalifu, kwa usahihi na kwa kina ndiyo njia yetu muhimu zaidi ya kuwasiliana na Mungu. Hebu tuitazame kila moja ya hatua hizi kwa karibu zaidi.If you haven’t tried this method of study, you are in for a real treat. I took a Bible Study Methods class at Dallas Theological Seminary. It was a prerequisite to all other seminary classes. Why? Because the school understood one important thing. Being able to thoughtfully, accurately, and deeply study God’s Word is our most important form of communication with God. Let’s look at each one of these steps more closely.

Kuchunguza: Kuna zana kadhaa tulizo nazo za kuchunguza sehemu ya Maandiko.Observation: There are several tools we have at our disposal for Observing a piece of Scripture.

MaombiPrayer

Nani, Nini, Wapi, Lini, Kwa nini, na Jinsi ganiWho, What, Where, When, Why, and How

Weka alama kwenye maneno/vifungu muhimu vya maandikoMark key words/phrases essential to text

Andika orodhaMake a list

Angalia ulinganisho/tofautiWatch for comparisons/contrasts

Zingatia nyakati na jiografiaNote Times, Geography

Weka alama kwenye maneno ya mpito au ya kuhitimishaMark terms that are transitional, or concluding

Tafuta mada kuuLook for themes

Zingatia nyakati za vitenziNote verb tenses

Maneno yanayorudiwaRepeated words

Chanzo/matokeoCause/effect

Aina ya fasihiGenre

Niliposoma Njia za Kujifunza Biblia katika seminari, tulijifunza mtindo huu wa kujifunza. Wanafunzi wenzangu walinionya kwamba ingawa ningejaribiwa kufanya zaidi ya kinachotakiwa katika zoezi la kwanza, nijizuie. Zoezi la kwanza lilikuwa mstari wenye maneno 15. Tulitakiwa kutoa angalau mambo 5 tuliyoyachunguza katika mstari huo. Kwa sababu siwezi kukana kwamba mimi hupenda kufanya zaidi ya kinachotakiwa, nilitoa 6. Nilidhani moja zaidi lingekuwa salama. Zoezi la pili likaja: Mstari ule ule, mara mbili ya idadi ya mambo uliyoyachunguza katika zoezi lako la kwanza. Hili liliendelea kwa jumla ya mazoezi 3. Sasa mambo 18 hayasikiki kuwa tofauti kubwa sana na 15, lakini unaposhughulika na mstari wenye maneno 15, niamini, nilikuwa nakwangua chini ya pipa ili kupata ya kutosha kufikia darasa la tatu. Sasa sitawafanyia hivyo, lakini ninapendekeza sana zoezi hilo. Litawanyoosha na Mungu atawafundisha, kwa sababu Maandiko ni Neno Hai la Mungu. Kila mara unapoukaribia hata mstari ule ule tena na tena, Mungu atakufundisha jambo jipya. Kuna maswali au mawazo yoyote hadi sasa?When I took Bible Study Methods in seminary, we learned this style of study. Fellow students warned me that though I would be tempted to be an over-achiever on the first assignment, I should refrain from doing so. The first assignment was a 15-word verse. We were to come up with at least 5 observations on that verse. Because I can’t deny that I am an over achiever, I came up with 6. I figured one more was safe. The second assignment came: Same verse, double the number of observations from your first assignment. This went on for a total of 3 assignments. Now 18 observations doesn’t sound like that big of a difference from 15, however, when you’re dealing with a 15 word verse, let me tell you I was scraping the barrel to come up with enough by the third class. Now I’m not going to do that to you, but I do highly recommend the assignment. It will stretch you and God will teach you, because Scripture is God’s Living Word. Every time you approach even the same verse over and again, God will teach you something new. Any questions or thoughts so far?

Kufasiri:Interpretation:

Kufasiri ni jinsi tunavyochukua mambo tuliyoyachunguza na kuona kile ambacho Mungu anasema katika maandiko. Hata hivyo, kuna miongozo kadhaa inayopaswa kutuongoza katika kufasiri kwetu.Interpretation is how we take our observations and see what God is saying in the text. However, there are some guidelines that should lead us in our interpretation.

Kumbuka kwamba muktadha ndio unaotawala. Hatuwezi kutoa mistari nje ya muktadha wake ili imaanishe kitu tunachokusudia sisi badala ya kile Mungu alichokusudia. Hiyo inamaanisha muktadha wa karibu pamoja na Maandiko yote kwa ujumla.Remember context rules. We can’t take verses out of their context to have them mean something we intend rather than God intended. That means immediate context as well as Scripture as a whole.

Tafuta shauri la Mungu; turudi tena kwenye maombi. Mbali na Maandiko, ndiyo njia yetu nyingine ya kuwasiliana na Mungu.Seek God’s counsel, back to prayer again. Other than Scripture it is our other form of communication with God.

Maandiko hayajipingi yenyewe.Scripture doesn’t contradict itself.

Usijenge misimamo yako juu ya vifungu visivyo waziDon’t base your convictions on obscure passages

Fasiri kwa maana ya kawaida (halisi)Interpret literally

Tafuta maana moja ya kifungu.Look for single meaning of passage.

Mnaonaje hadi sasa? Je, mngeongeza miongozo mingine ya kufasiri?What do you think so far? Would you add other guidelines to interpretation?

Kutendea kazi:Application:

Howard Hendricks, aliyekuwa profesa wa DTS, alisema vizuri, “Uchunguzi pamoja na tafsiri bila matumizi ni sawa na kutoa mimba. Kwa maneno mengine, kila mara unapochunguza na kufasiri lakini ukashindwa kutendea kazi, unayatolea Maandiko mimba kwa upande wa kusudi lake.” Ikiwa hatutendei kazi kile tunachojifunza kutoka katika Maandiko, basi kwa kweli tunauzima utendaji wa Roho Mtakatifu ndani yetu. Ndiyo njia kuu ya Mungu ya kutufundisha.Howard Hendricks past professor of DTS said well, “Observation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. In other words, every time you observe and interpret but fail to apply, you perform an abortion on Scripture in terms of their purpose.” If we aren’t applying what we learn from Scripture then we are in effect quenching the Holy Spirit’s work in us. It is God’s main form of instruction to us.

Kwa hiyo haya hapa ni baadhi ya maswali ya matumizi unayoweza kujiuliza baada ya kutumia muda kujifunza neno la Mungu.So here are some application questions you can ask yourself after spending time studying God’s word.

Je, nimebadilika?Am I changed?

Je, nimejitoa kwa mapenzi ya Mungu badala ya mapenzi yangu mwenyewe?Have I yielded to God’s will instead of my own?

Mungu ameniambia nini leo?What has God said to me today?

Je, ninampenda Mungu zaidi?Do I love God more?

Je, nina dhambi ya kuungama?Do I have sin to confess?

Je, kuna ahadi za kudai?Are there promises to claim?

Ninaweza kuwa mfano wa nini?What can I model?

Ninaweza kushiriki nini na wengine?What can I share?

Je, hili lingeendana na kufanana zaidi na Kristo au kufanana zaidi na Farisayo?Would this be in keeping with becoming more like Christ or more like a Pharisee?

Kujifunza Ruthu 1:1-2 kwa Njia ya UchunguziInductive Bible Study in Ruth 1:1-2

Hebu tuanze na mistari 2 ya kwanza ya sura ya 1, ili kwanza tuone jinsi njia hii inavyofanya kazi, na pili tuanze kuelewa historia ya nyuma ya hadithi hii. Hapa tutatumia Biblia Takatifu (SUV). Ikiwa una tafsiri tofauti, ni vizuri sana. Kwa kweli, ikiwa una tafsiri tofauti na unadhani tafsiri hiyo inaweza kuongeza ufahamu katika mafunzo yetu, tafadhali sema. Mimi naona kwamba kusoma tafsiri kadhaa kunaweza kutia nuru sana. Na kusema kweli, kwa Agano la Kale ninapendelea tafsiri ya Kiingereza ya New King James Version.Let’s get started with the first 2 verses of chapter 1 so that we can first see how this method works and second begin to understand the background of this story. We will use the NIV here. If you have a different translation that’s great. In fact if you have a different translation and you think the version might lend more insight into our study, please speak up. I find reading through several translations can be quite enlightening. And truthfully for the Old Testament I prefer the New King James Version.

1 Ikawa zamani za waamuzi walipokuwa wakiamua,[a] palikuwa na njaa katika nchi. Mtu mmoja wa Bethlehemu ya Yuda akaenda kukaa ugenini katika nchi ya Moabu, yeye na mkewe, na wanawe wawili. 2 Na jina la mtu huyo ni Elimeleki, na jina la mkewe ni Naomi, na majina ya wanawe wawili ni Maloni na Kilioni; Waefrathi wa Bethlehemu ya Yuda. Wakafika katika nchi ya Moabu, wakakaa huko. (SUV)1 In the days when the judges ruled,[a] there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

Mambo Tuliyoyachunguza:Observations:

Aina ya fasihi: HistoriaGenre:History

Chanzo/matokeo: Njaa inamfanya Elimeleki ahamishe familia yake kwenda Moabu.Cause/effect: Famine causes Elimelech to move his family to Moab.

Maneno na vifungu muhimu: Zamani za waamuzi walipokuwa wakiamua,Key words and phrases: When the judges ruled,

--Majina ya watu--Names of individuals

--Waefrathi. Tutajibu umuhimu wa majina haya tutakapofika kwenye sehemu ya "nani" ya uchunguzi wetu.--Ephrathites. We will answer the importance of these names when we get to the who section of observations.

--Kwenda kukaa ugenini kwa muda dhidi ya kukaa huko.--To live for a while vs. lived there.

--Bethlehemu na Moabu, na Bethlehemu na Moabu: tutaziangalia kwa karibu zaidi tutakapofika kwenye sehemu za "wapi" na "lini" za uchunguzi wetu--Bethlehem and Moab and Bethlehem and Moab we will look at more closely when we get to the Where and When sections of our observations

Vifungu muhimu: Lakini hebu tuviangalie vifungu hivi viwili. Kuna mtu mwingine aliyegundua kwamba mara mbili katika mistari miwili inatajwa kwamba Elimeleki na familia yake walikwenda Moabu na kukaa huko? Mnadhani ni kwa nini? "Akaenda kukaa huko kwa muda" na "wakakaa": Inafaa kuangalia tafsiri mbalimbali. Nilikwenda kwenye NASB (tafsiri ya Kiingereza) kwa sababu ndiyo tafsiri ambayo nina kitabu chake cha konkodansi. Na kwa kurudi kwenye maneno ya asili ya Kiebrania, maneno/vifungu hivi viwili vinapata maana tofauti sana na kutoa mwanga zaidi juu ya jambo hili. "Akaenda kukaa huko kwa muda" — katika NASB ni "sojourn" (kukaa ugenini), na Kiebrania kinatafsiriwa kama kuishi kama wageni, au kukaa huko. Sentensi ya pili, inayosikika karibu sawa kabisa katika NIV (tafsiri ya Kiingereza), inasema walikaa huko. Katika NASB neno "walikaa" limetafsiriwa kama "walibaki huko." Lakini ukirudi kwenye neno la Kiebrania lina maana ya ndani zaidi ya kuwa sehemu ya mahali na ya kufanywa mwana wa kuasiliwa. Kwa hiyo Elimeleki na familia yake hawakungoja tu njaa ipite. Waliuingia na kuuchukua utamaduni ule. Mstari mmoja au miwili baadaye, tunajifunza kwamba waliishi huko kwa angalau miaka 10. Ni kama tofauti ya kuja Meksiko kama mkazi wa muda au wa kudumu.Key phrases: But let’s look at the these two phrases. Did anyone else pick up on the fact that twice in two verses it is mentioned that Elimelech and his family went to and lived in Moab. Why do you think that is? Went to live there and Lived: Pays to look through different translations. I went to NASB because that is the translation that I have the concordance to. And in going back to the original Hebrew translations these two words/phrases take on very different meanings and shed more light on the subject. Went to live there, NASB is sojourn, Hebrew translates as live as aliens, or abide there. The second sentence that sounds almost identical in the NIV says they lived there. In NASB the word lived is translated as remained there. But if you go back to the Hebrew word it has an even deeper meaning of belonging to and adoption. So Elimelech and his family didn’t just wait out the famine. They assimilated into the culture. In just a verse or two later, we learn they lived there for at least 10 years. It’s like the difference of coming to Mexico as a temporary resident or a permanent one.

Nani: Sasa hebu tuingie kwenye majina ya watu na neno Waefrathi. Kwanza: Elimeleki, Naomi, Maloni, Kilioni. Kitabu kizuri cha maelezo (fafanuzi) au kutafuta neno mtandaoni kutakupa maana za majina haya. Na maana hizo zina umuhimu.Who: Now let’s get into the names of the individuals and the word Ephrathites. First: Elimelek, Naomi, Mahlon, Kilion. A good commentary or a word search online will give you the meanings of the names. And meanings are significant.

a. Elimeleki maana yake ni Mungu Wangu ni Mfalme — si jambo la kushangaza wakati wa waamuzi? Wazazi?a. Elimelek means My God is King ironic during time of judges? Parents?

b. Naomi: tamu, mzuri wa kupendeza, kama inavyohusishwa na uzuri wa kiroho (Zab. 27:4, Zaburi 90:17)b. Naomi: sweet pleasant, as associated with spiritual beauty (Psal. 27:4, Psalm 90:17)

c. Maloni — mgonjwa-mgonjwa (dhaifu)c. Mahlon — sickly

d. Kilioni — anayedhoofikad. Kilion — failing

e. Waefrathi: wazao wa kabila la Yuda waliokaa Bethlehemu. Wasomi wengine wanasema walikuwa wazao wa Efraimu. Efraimu ni nani?: mwana wa Yusufu na Asenathi, mmoja wa makabila 12 ya Israeli.e. Ephrathites: descendant from the tribe of Judah who settled Bethlehem. Some scholars say they were descendants of Ephraim. Who is Ephraim?: Joseph and Asenath, one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Wapi: Kuuliza "wapi" na "lini" kunatupa mazingira ya hadithi yetu. Hebu tuangalie ramani inayoonyesha njia aliyopita Elimeleki kutoka Bethlehemu hadi Moabu. Ni umbali wa takriban maili 50, na mtu alipaswa kuvuka Bahari ya Chumvi au, kwa uwezekano mkubwa zaidi, kuvuka Yordani. Safari hiyo kwa miguu ingechukua siku 7-10. Hebu tuangalie mahali hapa kwa karibu zaidi.Where: Asking where and when gives us the setting for our story. Let’s take a look at a map showing the route Elimelek took from Bethlehem to Moab. It is roughly 50 miles away and one must cross the Dead Sea or more likely cross the Jordan. Sojourn would have taken on foot, 7-10 days. Let’s take a closer look at these places.

a. Bethlehemu inachukuliwa kuwa mji wa kilimo, kijiji kidogo cha mojawapo ya makabila madogo kati ya yale 12. Tafsiri yake halisi ni Nyumba ya Mkate. Bethlehemu inatajwa katika visa 3 kabla ya hiki: ni mahali ambapo Raheli alikufa akimzaa Benyamini. Ni kuhani Mlawi kutoka Bethlehemu katika kitabu cha Waamuzi anayejiuza kwa yule anayetoa bei kubwa zaidi ili awe kuhani wa mtu yule. Kabila zima linapomgundua, wanaivamia nyumba ya bwana wake na kumpa kuhani yule Mlawi kazi bora zaidi, naye anaikubali, akiunga mkono wizi wao dhidi ya bwana wake wa awali. Kisa cha tatu ni cha kutisha. Mlawi mmoja anachukua suria, msichana kutoka Bethlehemu. Yeye “anafanya ukahaba dhidi yake,” lakini Mlawi anapatana naye. Baadaye, wawili hao pamoja na mtumishi wanaposafiri, wanasimama kulala usiku. Kama ilivyotokea Sodoma, wanaume wa kijiji wanamwomba mwenye nyumba ampe yule Mlawi ili wamnajisi. Mlawi anawapa suria wake badala yake. Wanambaka na kumuua. Mlawi anaukata mwili wake vipande na kuvituma katika makabila yote 12, kimsingi tangazo la vita, na kwa kweli likawa chanzo cha Vita vya Wabenyamini. Kwa hiyo Bethlehemu, kwa uchache, haikuwa na sifa nzuri katika historia ya karibu iliyotangulia jambo hili. Hata hivyo, machoni pa Mungu na machoni pa Waisraeli, wanaishi katika Nchi ya Ahadi.a. Bethlehem is considered an agricultural town, a small village for one of the smaller of the 12 tribes. It’s literal translation is House of Bread. Bethlehem features in 3 tales prior to this: it is where Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. It is a levite priest from Bethlehem in the book of Judges who sells himself to the highest bidder to be the man’s priest. When an entire tribe discovers him, they raid the master’s house and offer the levite priest a better job and he takes it, condoning their theft from his previous master. The third tale is gruesome. A Levite takes a concubine, a girl from Bethlehem. She “plays the harlot against him, but the Levite reconciles with her. Later when the pair and a servant are traveling they stop for the night. In a repeat of Sodom, the men of the village ask the man of the house for the Levite so they can assault him. The Levite gives them his concubine instead. They rape her and kill her. The Levite cuts up her body and sends the parts throughout the 12 tribes, basically a declaration of war and indeed became the impetus for the Benjamite War. So Bethlehem to say the least has not played a favorable role in recent history leading up to this. Nevertheless, in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the Israelites, they are living in the Promised Land.

b. Historia ya Moabu ni ipi? Ili kuielewa Moabu tunapaswa kurudi kwenye habari ya Lutu na binti zake. Lutu alikuwa mpwa wa Ibrahimu. Katika habari za mwanzo, Ibrahimu alifanya kila alichoweza kumwokoa Lutu, hata akimwomba Mungu amhurumie yeye na familia yake katika maangamizi ya Sodoma. Hata baada ya juhudi zote za Ibrahimu kumwokoa Lutu, Lutu alimkosea vibaya sana. Ibrahimu alimpa Lutu nafasi ya kuchagua nchi kwanza wakati familia na mifugo yao ilipokuwa mikubwa kiasi kwamba ulifika wakati wa kutengana. Lutu alijichagulia nchi bora na yenye rutuba zaidi, akimwachia Ibrahimu iliyo mbaya zaidi. Kwa hiyo huyu ndiye aina ya mtu "bora" Lutu alivyo. Kisha kuna binti zake. Usiku mmoja walimlewesha baba yao Lutu ili walale naye. Wote wawili wakazaa watoto kutokana na jambo hilo, mmoja akawa taifa la Moabu, mwingine Ben-ami. Mataifa yote mawili yakawa adui wa Waisraeli. Pia waliungana na kuwa sehemu ya Ashuru, ambayo baadaye iliishinda Israeli ili kuitawala. Kwa hiyo Elimeleki anahama kutoka Nchi ya Ahadi kwenda katika eneo la uadui la Moabu.b. What is Moab’s history? To understand Moab we have to go back to the story of Lot and his daughters. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. In earlier stories, Abraham did what he could to save Lot even asking God to spare him and his family in the destruction of Sodom. Even after all of Abraham’s attempts to save Lot, delivered him a slap in the face. Abraham offered Lot the pick of the land when their families and herds became so large that it was time to split them up. Lot chose the best and most fertile land for himself, leaving Abraham the worst. So this is the stellar kind of person Lot is. Then there are his daughters. One night they got their father Lot drunk in order to sleep with him. They both bore children from this, one becoming the nation of Moab, the other Ben Ammi. Both nations became enemies of the Israelites. They also joined to become a part of Assyria, who then conquered Israel to rule over them. So Elimelech moves from the Promised Land into the hostile territory of Moab.

Lini:When:

a. Wakati wa kitabu cha Waamuzi. Ni lini hasa, hatujui tu. Wasomi wengine wamependekeza wakati ambapo Gideoni alikuwa akiamua, lakini ni makisio. Kwa vyovyote vile, tuna kipindi cha giza katika historia ya Waisraeli. Israeli haikuwa na mfalme — jambo la kushangaza, kwa kuwa jina Elimeleki lina maana ya Mungu Wetu ni Mfalme. Kila mtu kuamua lililo jema kwa mtazamo wake, machafuko, uozo, mauaji, ubakaji, na vita kati ya makabila vinatambulisha wakati huu kwa taifa la Israeli. Kama ilivyokuwa katika kutangatanga kwao jangwani, Wayahudi hawakuweza kudumu katika kumtii Mungu. Mambo yangewaendea vibaya, Mungu angewaokoa na kuwapa mwamuzi. Na walipofanikiwa, wangerudi tena kuasi.a. During the book of Judges. Exactly when we simply don’t know. Some scholars have suggested the time when Gideon was acting as judge but it is speculation. At any rate, we have a dark period of history for the Israelites. Israel had no king, Ironic given that Elimelek is named Our God is King. Moral relativism, anarchy, decay, murder, rape, wars between the tribes mark this time for the nation of Israel. Similar to their wandering in the wilderness, the Jews just couldn’t seem to stay obedient to God. Things would go badly for them, God would save them, give them a judge. And as they prospered they would become disobedient again.

Kwa hiyo hadithi hii ya Ruthu inatofautiana waziwazi na kipindi hicho, si tu kwa sababu ya wema wa watu waliomo, bali pia kwa sababu kuanzia hapa na kuendelea Bethlehemu inakuwa kitovu cha habari njema na cha baraka ya Mungu. Watu wanaomcha Mungu walibaki, mabaki.So this story of Ruth stands in stark contrast to that period, not only for the goodness of the people in it, but also because from here on out Bethlehem becomes the center of attention for good and of God’s blessing. God fearing people remained, a remnant.

b. Njaa katika nchi: kwa sababu ya kutotii au kwa sababu nyingine, hatujui tu.b. Famine in the land: due to disobedience or something else we just don’t know.

Nini: Kuna njaa katika nchi ya Bethlehemu na mtu mmoja anang'oa kambi na kuihamisha familia yake kwenda Moabu. Vipi kuhusu maombi? Vipi kuhusu kumtumainia Mungu atoe riziki?What: There is a famine in the land of Bethlehem and a man picks up stakes and moves his family away to Moab. What about prayer, What about trusting God to provide?

Kwa nini:Why:

Kwa nini hadithi hii imewekwa hapa? Kwa sababu kadhaa. Mnaweza kutaja chache ambazo tumeshazitaja? Tofauti na Waamuzi. Inathibitisha ukoo wa kisheria wa Kristo kupitia Yusufu na Mfalme Daudi. Na Mkombozi wa Jamaa. Kama tutakavyoona pia, inaonyesha toba, ukombozi na urejesho, uaminifu, maisha ya haki, na mkombozi wa jamaa — yote yakiwa ni sura za uhusiano sahihi na Kristo, aliye Mkombozi wetu wa Jamaa.Why is the story included here? Several reasons. Can you name a few we’ve already mentioned? Contrast to Judges. It confirms the legal lineage of Christ through Joseph and King David. And Kinsman Redeemer. As we will also come to see it illustrates repentance, redemption and restoration, loyalty, righteous living, and kinsman redeemer all aspects of a right relationship with Christ who is our Kinsman Redeemer.

Kwa nini Elimeleki anakwenda Moabu: Njaa. Huenda ni ukosefu wa imani kwa Mungu. Ni mara ngapi tunatenda kwa maarifa yetu wenyewe badala ya kumtegemea Mungu kwa ufahamu?Why does Elimelek go to Moab: Famine. Possible lack of faith in God. How often do we act on our own knowledge instead of leaning on God for understanding?

Jinsi gani:How:

Safari kwa miguu.Sojourn on foot.

Kufasiri:Interpretation:

a. Kwa kuzingatia shauku ya Mungu kwamba watu wake waishi kwa kumtii Yeye na sheria yake, mnafikiri nini kuhusu Elimeleki kuhamia Moabu wakati wa waamuzi? Je, alikuwa akiishi kwa kumtii Mungu ambaye kwa jina lake ameitwa? Alihama kutoka nchi ya ahadi na kwenda katika nchi ya adui mkubwa wa Israeli.a. In light of God’s desire for his people to live in obedience to Him and His law, what do you think of Elimelek’s moving to Moab during the time of the judges? Was he living in obedience to the God for whom he is named? He moved out of the promised land and into the land of Israel’s sworn enemy.

b. Mnadhani majina haya ni ishara za mapema za mambo yatakayokuja?b. Do you think the names are foreshadowings of what is to come?

c. Basi licha ya kutotii, na kwa kuzingatia majina ya watu hawa, mnadhani Mungu bado atatenda kazi ndani na kupitia maisha ya watu hawa?c. So despite disobedience and given the names of the individuals do you think God will still work in and through these people’s lives?

Kutendea kazi:Application:

Je, ninaishi katika kutotii ninapochukua mambo mikononi mwangu mwenyewe?Do I live in disobedience when I take matters into my own hands?

Ni lini nimefanya hivi?When have I done this?

Ninawezaje kukaa vizuri zaidi nikipatana na mapenzi ya Mungu badala ya mapenzi yangu mwenyewe?How can I better stay in tune with God’s will instead of my own?

Mungu ameniambia nini kupitia kifungu hiki?What has God said to me through this passage?

Nina nini cha kuungama?What do I have to confess?

Ni mara ngapi nimeweka kando kutembea kwangu kwa kina zaidi na Mungu nilipokuwa katika nyakati za kufanikiwa, kama Waisraeli walivyofanya wakati wa kitabu cha Waamuzi?How often have I cast my deeper walk with God aside when I’ve been in times of prosperity as the Israelites did during the book of Judges?

Soma Warumi 5:3-6. Ni mara ngapi tunajaribu kukwepa mateso kwa kutekeleza mipango yetu wenyewe badala ya kumshauri Mungu, kudumu katika neno lake, kutafuta uongozi wake, na kuyavumilia mateso?Read Romans 5:3-6. How often do we try to escape sufferings by working out our own plans instead of consulting God, staying in His word, looking for His guidance, enduring the suffering?

Na je, tukilinganisha kifungu hiki na Sala ya Bwana? "Utupe leo riziki yetu"?What about comparing this passage with the Lord’s prayer? Give us this our daily bread?