Who was Naomi in the Bible?

Quick answer

Naomi was a widow who returned to Bethlehem and whose sorrow turned to joy by God’s provision. Naomi’s relationship with her daughter-in-law motivates us to invest in our familial relationships.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Naomi, an Israelite woman, faced hardship as her family moved to Moab during a famine, where her husband and sons died, leaving her widowed with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Urged by Naomi, Orpah returned to her family, but Ruth remained steadfast, declaring her loyalty and love to Naomi. Together, they returned to Bethlehem, where Naomi's sorrow led her to rename herself "Mara," meaning "bitter." Despite her grief, Naomi guided Ruth in providing for them, leading Ruth to catch the attention of Boaz, a wealthy relative. Naomi recognized Boaz as a potential kinsman redeemer for Ruth and advised her in pursuing marriage with him. Through Naomi's guidance, Ruth and Boaz married, and their son, Obed, became Naomi's joy, restoring her hope and faith in God's provision. Obed's lineage is traced to Jesus in the New Testament, highlighting Naomi and Ruth's pivotal roles in biblical history. Their relationship exemplifies selfless love and foreshadows the redemptive love embodied by Jesus.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Naomi fully experienced the pain of loss and yet she continued in her faith, seemingly acknowledging God's sovereignty and willingly submitting to His will. Her trust in His provision bore fruit, and both Naomi and Ruth were well provided for. Naomi and Ruth are a wonderful testament to the beauty of a healthy mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship. Both women acted out of love, not in jealousy or fear. They demonstrate that love goes deeper than blood or nationality. Love unifies across generations and cultures. Love brings healing where there is brokenness. Naomi and Ruth's love for one another was inspiring and yet only a shadow of the love that was to come from Jesus.

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REFLECT

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