Naomi
“My delight or pleasantness”
Summary
Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth, a woman of Bethlehem whose experience of loss and restoration provides the framework for the book of Ruth.
☩Loss and Return
Naomi was the wife of Elimelech of Bethlehem and mother of two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. During a famine, the family migrated to Moab, where both sons married Moabite women—Orpah and Ruth. After living there about ten years, Elimelech and both sons died, leaving Naomi bereft of husband and children. When she heard that the Lord had visited His people in Bethlehem with food, she determined to return. Upon her arrival, she asked to be called not Naomi ('pleasant') but Mara ('bitter'), 'for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.'
☩Ruth's Devotion
When Naomi set out to return to Judah, she urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab with their own people and gods. Orpah reluctantly departed, but Ruth clung to Naomi with words that have become a classic expression of loyalty: 'Intreat me not to leave thee... thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.' Ruth's devotion to Naomi led her to embrace the God of Israel and ultimately brought her into the messianic lineage.
☩Naomi's Strategy
Back in Bethlehem, Naomi guided Ruth's actions to secure their future. When Ruth gleaned in the field of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman, Naomi recognized an opportunity. She instructed Ruth in the customs regarding the kinsman-redeemer and advised her to approach Boaz at the threshing floor to claim his protection as a near relative. Through this strategy, Boaz and Ruth were married, and their son Obed became the grandfather of King David.
☩Restoration
The book ends with Naomi's restoration. The women of Bethlehem blessed the Lord for giving her a kinsman-redeemer and declared that Ruth, who loved her, was better to her than seven sons. Naomi became nurse to Ruth's son Obed, and the women said, 'There is a son born to Naomi.' Her story moved from bitterness to blessing, from emptiness to fullness, illustrating God's providential care for the faithful.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Naomi," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Naomi," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).