Naomi is an important figure in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Though the book is named after Ruth, Naomi plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Here is an overview of Naomi’s story and significance:
Naomi’s Background
Naomi was an Israelite woman originally from Bethlehem in Judah (Ruth 1:1-2). She was married to a man named Elimelech and had two sons named Mahlon and Chilion (Ruth 1:2). Due to a famine in the land of Judah, Elimelech moved his family to the country of Moab, which was east of the Dead Sea (Ruth 1:1).
While living in Moab, Naomi’s husband Elimelech died (Ruth 1:3). Her two sons eventually married Moabite women – Mahlon married Ruth and Chilion married Orpah (Ruth 1:4). However, about ten years later, Mahlon and Chilion also died, leaving Naomi without a husband or children (Ruth 1:5).
Naomi’s Return to Bethlehem
After losing her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Judah since the famine had passed. She encouraged her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and remarry. At first, both Ruth and Orpah insisted on going with Naomi, but Naomi urged them to stay, kissing them goodbye as she left (Ruth 1:6-14). Orpah ended up staying behind, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi.
So Ruth accompanied Naomi on the road back to Bethlehem. When the people of Bethlehem saw Naomi return, they were shocked at her pitiful condition. Naomi told them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20). The name “Mara” means “bitterness” in Hebrew.
Naomi’s Plan for Ruth
In ancient Israelite society, widows like Naomi and Ruth were in very vulnerable positions. So Naomi hatched a plan to provide security for Ruth. She knew of a kinsman redeemer named Boaz who could potentially marry Ruth. Naomi instructed Ruth to go work in Boaz’s barley field, knowing he would take notice of her (Ruth 2:1-3).
Naomi’s plan worked. Boaz was impressed by Ruth’s character and promised to redeem her as a kinsman redeemer. He ended up marrying Ruth, providing a stable future for both her and Naomi (Ruth 4:9-10). Naomi’s guidance and wisdom led Ruth into this blessed union.
Naomi’s Significance
Though Naomi faced terrible adversity, she remained faithful to God. Her wisdom and perseverance resulted in blessing for both herself and Ruth. Here are some key ways Naomi is significant:
- She exemplified resilient faith during suffering. Despite her tragic losses, she trusted in God’s sovereignty.
- She mentored Ruth in the ways of Israel’s God. This led to Ruth’s conversion to Judaism.
- Her cunning plan secured Ruth’s future. Ruth became part of the messianic line leading to Jesus.
- She was an ancestor of King David. As Ruth’s mother-in-law, she entered Christ’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5-6).
- She gives insight into ancient Israelite culture. Details about levirate marriage, kinsman redemption, and gleaning laws.
In many ways, Naomi was instrumental in bringing about God’s redemptive plan. Though often overlooked, she was a remarkable woman of faith used by God to bless the future messianic line.
Key Lessons from Naomi’s Life
Naomi’s life teaches us many valuable lessons that are still applicable today. Here are some key lessons believers can learn from studying her story:
- Trust God even in the midst of suffering. Naomi lost everything yet still trusted in God’s providence.
- Remain faithful no matter where life takes you. Naomi stayed true to God even while living in Moab.
- Mentor those younger in the faith. Naomi lovingly guided Ruth in the ways of Israel’s God.
- Use wisdom yet trust God’s timing. Naomi cleverly secured Ruth’s future yet left it in God’s hands.
- Never underestimate what God can do through you. God worked through Naomi to bless the world.
- Perseverance leads to blessings. Naomi endured and was blessed with Ruth’s loyalty and restoration.
- God cares for the vulnerable like widows. God saw Naomi’s plight and redeemed her.
Naomi faced heartache and hardship, yet she tenaciously trusted God through it all. As a result, not only was her life blessed, but she became an ancestor in the line of Christ. Her story reminds us that God works in unexpected ways to fulfill His grand plan of redemption.
Naomi in the Book of Ruth
To gain a full understanding of Naomi’s story, it is helpful to survey her role throughout the book of Ruth:
1. Ruth 1: Bereavement in Moab
- Vs 1-5 – Naomi moves to Moab with her family due to famine. Her husband and sons die there, leaving her widowed.
- Vs 6-15 – Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges Ruth and Orpah to remain in Moab. Ruth refuses to leave her.
- Vs 16-22 – Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem. The people are shocked at Naomi’s misfortune.
2. Ruth 2: Ruth Meets Boaz
- Vs 1-3 – Naomi guides Ruth to glean in the field of their kinsman Boaz.
- Vs 14-16 – Boaz shows favor to Ruth due to Naomi’s return.
- Vs 18-23 – Naomi is happy that Ruth gleaned with Boaz.
3. Ruth 3: Ruth at the Threshing Floor
- Vs 1-5 – Naomi instructs Ruth on how to appeal to Boaz as kinsman redeemer.
- Vs 6-15 – Ruth follows Naomi’s advice. Boaz promises to redeem her.
- Vs 16-18 – Naomi is told of Boaz’s kindness. She advises Ruth to wait patiently.
4. Ruth 4: Boaz Redeems Ruth
- Vs 1-12 – Boaz meets with the other kinsman redeemer and takes on Ruth’s redemption himself.
- Vs 13-17 – Boaz takes Ruth as his wife. The people bless Naomi for Ruth’s security.
- Vs 18-22 – Naomi is happy at the birth of her grandson Obed, who will be the grandfather of King David.
This survey shows how integral Naomi was throughout the book that bears her daughter-in-law’s name. Without Naomi’s godly wisdom and guidance, the beautiful story of redemption in Ruth could not have happened.
Naomi in the New Testament
In addition to playing a major role in the Old Testament book of Ruth, Naomi is also mentioned in the New Testament. There are two main New Testament references to Naomi:
1. Matthew 1:5
Naomi appears in the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Matthew 1. Verse 5 states:
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.
(Matthew 1:5)
This verse highlights Ruth’s marriage to Boaz and the subsequent birth of their son Obed. As Ruth’s mother-in-law, this also includes Naomi in the messianic family line leading to Jesus Christ.
2. Luke 4:26
Naomi is also alluded to in Luke 4:26, which states:
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.
(Luke 4:27)
Though Naomi is not directly named here, she is linked to the widow of Zarephath who Elijah stayed with (1 Kings 17:8-24). Jesus compares His ministry to these two Old Testament accounts of prophets ministering outside Israel due to the unbelief of God’s chosen people.
So while brief, these two New Testament references connect Naomi and the book of Ruth to the coming of the Messiah. They fulfill Naomi’s role in the ongoing story of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Naomi as a Type of Israel
Examining the meaning of Naomi’s name provides further insight into her symbolic role in the book of Ruth. The name Naomi means “pleasantness” in Hebrew. After enduring bitter afflictions in Moab, Naomi declares:
“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”
(Ruth 1:20)
This verse reveals Naomi as representing the nation of Israel itself. Just as Naomi went from “pleasantness” to “bitterness”, Israel had fallen from covenant blessing to bitter judgment because of idolatry. But amazingly, through Ruth, Naomi’s “pleasantness” was restored just as Israel’s fortunes would be restored through God’s redemption.
So Naomi serves as a personification of Israel’s ups and downs. Her trials reflect Israel’s unfaithfulness under the judges. Her restoration points to Israel’s future redemption. Naomi illustrates God’s unwavering commitment to preserve His people.
Naomi’s Cultural Context
To fully appreciate Naomi’s story, it is helpful to understand the cultural background she lived in. Here are some key details about the social context surrounding Naomi’s life:
- Patriarchal society – Women were under male authority and identity stemmed from husbands/sons.
- Levirate marriage – A man could marry his brother’s widow to preserve the family line.
- Kinsman redeemer – Male relative who could rescue destitute family members.
- Gleaning – Poor people allowed to pick up leftovers from harvest fields.
- Barley harvest – Significant as the first grain harvested before wheat harvest.
- Threshing floor – Place where grain was separated from stalks and winnowed.
- Sandals – Removing sandals symbolic of legal transactions.
These cultural details shed light on Naomi’s difficult position as a childless widow. They also explain how God provided for her and Ruth’s protection through leveraging customs surrounding kinship and redemption. Naomi’s story vividly comes to life when understood in its historical Middle Eastern context.
Theological Themes in Naomi’s Narrative
Naomi’s story touches on several significant biblical-theological themes. Here are some key theological ideas to observe in the book of Ruth:
- God’s sovereignty – God orchestrates circumstances to care for Naomi & Ruth.
- Redemption – Boaz serves as redeemer and Christ symbol.
- Providence – God provides for Naomi & Ruth’s needs.
- Loyalty – Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and God.
- Inclusion of Gentiles – A Moabite woman grafted into Israel.
- Women’s dignity – Naomi and Ruth’s valorization.
A theological reading of Ruth highlights how Naomi’s story fits into the larger biblical narrative of salvation and hope. Her life helps illustrate God’s faithfulness to His people even in dark times when hope seems lost.
Naomi as a Model for Believers
For Christians today, Naomi’s exemplary life provides an inspirational model to follow. Here are some ways Naomi models what it means to be a believer:
- She remained faithful to God even when bitter trials hit.
- She provided Ruth spiritual guidance and discipleship.
- She leveraged cultural customs to care for the vulnerable.
- She trusted God to be her provider and redeemer.
- She mentored Ruth in godliness and character.
- She acted in wisdom yet rested in God’s providence.
Naomi endured terrible affliction yet her hope in God remained rock-solid. Her perseverance led to blessings as God exalted her faithfulness. Naomi lived out the reality of God’s promises centuries before Christ’s coming.
Enduring Legacy of Naomi’s Life
Though Naomi faced severe testing, her legacy endures as:
- A pillar of resilient faith.
- A spiritual mother to Ruth.
- A catalyst for Ruth’s place in Jesus’s genealogy.
- A reminder of God’s redemptive purposes.
- An example of dignity and hope amid trials.
Centuries later, Naomi’s devotion still inspires believers clinging to God’s promises in adversity. She trusted in God’s good plan despite her weeping.
In the end, Naomi’s life reminds us that God ultimately brings blessing out of even our bitterest losses when we trust in Him. Naomi exemplifies how God weaves even our darkest times into the story of His redemption.