6.3.3 Explain the significance of Abraham, Moses, Naomi, Ruth, David, Yohanan Ben Zaccai in the development of Jewish religion.
RUTH
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Ruth was a shining example of Jewish womanhood because she was a self-sacrificing devotion to the higher things in life and she had excellent character. The weird thing about Ruth is she was not really a Jew by birth, but a Moabite princess. By her own strength of character and genuine love for the Jewish people and the holy Torah, she became one of the greatest Jewish women, the ancestor of King David. She is also the ancestor of Joseph (husband of Mary and would-be father of Jesus.) married into the Hebrew family of Elimelech and Naomi, whom she met when they left Bethlehem and relocated to Moab due to a famine. Far before Ruth had ever met any Jews, she had become disgusted with the idol worship of her own people, which was one of the lowest and most cruel. Among the gods whom the Moabites worshipped was Moloch, in whose honor young children were thrown into the fire. Ruth realized soon that no mercy, kindness, or justice could be expected from such idol worship, and she searched for a new religion. Ruth then married into the Hebrew family of Elimelech and Naomi, whom she met when they left Bethlehem and relocated to Moab due to a famine. Elimelech and his two sons died leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law as widows. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, Ruth decided to go with her despite the fact that Orpah, Naomi's other daughter-in-law went back home. Ruth famously vowed to follow Naomi. Ruth become very convinced of the truth and beauty of the Jewish religion and custom. Ruth got married to a man named Boaz because Boaz liked the fact that Ruth gave up her royal place to becvome a Jewess.
Naomi
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Ruth also has something to do with Naomi, because Naomi is Ruth's mother-in-law in the Old Testament Book of Ruth. Orpah, Naomi's other daughter in law, went back to Moab leaving Naomi behind. Then, A Jewish man, from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. Naomi's husband's name was Elimelech, her two son's name were Mahlon and Kilion. Naomi's husband died and then her two sons died too. Since she only had her daughter-in-law, she said to leave her to Orpah and Ruth. Orpah returned to her family but Ruth didn't leave Naomi.
DAVID
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King David was a warrior, shepherd, and most importantly, king of Israel. King David experienced lots of ups & downs in life. For example Saul's crazed pursuit of him and being in the shadows of his brothers. King David always was singlemindedly commited to God. David had a deep love in God and he always trusted God for protection during battles. This is why God called David a man after his own heart. After he became king of Israel, David was engaged in almost constant warfare to defend the kingdom. King David was a great military conqueror and he always was victorious because he trusted in God for the victory, not himself. David was also the son of Solomon and was thought to be an ancestor of Jesus.
Abraham
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Abraham, originally Abram, was called by God to leave his father's house in Ur and native land of Mesopotamia in return for a new land, family, and inheritance in Canaan, the promised land. Abraham's people thought of Abraham as the father of the Hebrews. During the move to Canaan, threats to the covenant arose – difficulties in producing an heir, the threat of bondage in Egypt, of lack of fear of God – but all were overcome and the covenant was established. After the death of Abraham's wife, Abraham arranged for the marriage of Isaac to a woman from his own people. Abraham later married a woman called Keturah and had six more sons, before he died at the recorded age of 175, and was buried by his sons Isaac and Ishmael.
YOHANAN BEN ZACCAI
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Yohanan Ben Zaccai was rabbi, which meant teacher of the Torah. When the Romans came to conquer, the leader told them to break down every Jewish zealots. However, Yohanan didn't want the cultures to fade. This is why Yohanan made a relationship with the General Vespasian. Then, Yohanan was allowed to have a study hall, and helped to sustain Jewish cultures.
MOSES
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Moses was the prophet who led the Israelites from Egypt. God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God gave the ten commandments to Moses to show everybody to obey. The rules were the foundation for Israelite's laws. God gave Moses the ten commandments on a two stone tablet.