Naomi: Restoration in Covenant

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Ruth is such an amazing character in the book named after her. She exemplifies loyalty and love. Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law, is also a critical figure in this story. She exemplifies some of the struggles that we as Christians go through.  Her story illuminates the beauty of covenant and restoration.

As I consider the title of the blog series, I believe Naomi is an example of Biblical sacrifice and beauty. Let’s take a closer look at Ruth’s mother in law, Naomi.

Naomi, Ruth’s Mother In Law

Naomi’s story begins in Bethlehem-Judah.  At the beginning of her journey, she lived with her husband, Elimelech, and her two sons.

Bethlehem means Bread or House of Bread and Judah means Praise.  From these names, we understand that the Lord’s intent for Naomi and her family was one of abundance and joyful praise.  Yet, we see famine in the land because in Judges 21:25 it states,  “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” KJV

When we go off in our own direction, we are going to encounter serious consequences.  We break covenant and suffer loss. For the people of Israel, the result was famine.

The Lord admonishes us to stay in close contact with Him in order that we can follow His path.  There is safety and abundance within His borders. Venturing out beyond His covering leaves us vulnerable to attack and lack.




There will be days when we experience challenges.  It may be that we have gone beyond His protective hand.  Of course, there are times when difficult situations come about just because we have an enemy and he is out to destroy us. But it is important to keep in mind that leaving the Lord’s instruction will, most certainly, lead to a place of despair.

I have been guilty of thinking I knew better than the Lord. Have you been there?   Sometimes those thoughts can be subtle but none the less detrimental.  It may be that we don’t trust that we are hearing from the Lord.  I’ve found myself questioning that still small voice.  “Was that you, Lord?  Surely, my plan seems like a better plan.”   Anybody else guilty?

This may have been the very struggle Elimelech found himself in as he prepared to move his family.

There are times when difficult situations come about just because we have an enemy and he is out to destroy us. But it is important to keep in mind that leaving the Lord's instruction will, most certainly, lead to a place of despair. Share on X

Naomi’s Family in Moab

As a result of each man doing what was right in his own eyes, famine struck Bethlehem.  Elimelech took his family to Moab where provision could be found.

The Bible uses the word sojourn, which indicates that this was supposed to be a temporary stay.

Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife and his two sons. Ruth 1:1 (KJV)

I imagine Namoi may have felt uneasy about this plan. She may have felt that she needed to go along with this plan since her husband had made the decision.  Naomi made the journey with her husband and two sons.

I can relate to being in a place where it seems like you don’t have any choice.  You feel like you need to do the practical thing for the benefit of your family. It may be that you want to honor your husband’s plans as he is the head of the household.

As I pondered Naomi’s situation, I felt the Lord reminding me I am to honor my husband.  This is part of my call as a Godly wife. I need to respect his decisions.  It is a matter of working with him and not against him.  I am also called to pray and encourage him.

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My Posture in Covenant

I also need to recognize my place as a child of God.  I am in covenant with the Living God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and as a result, my prayers are heard. He promises never to leave me or forsake me.  My posture is one of knowing that my Father hears me and I can pray blessings on my husband and family.

Perhaps Naomi and Elimelech forgot the treasure they had in their relationship with the living God.

Even in these times, our God is merciful. I am so very grateful for that.  He sees the end from the beginning and works the circumstances out for our benefit.

As I reflect on the faithfulness of God during these times, I gain strength for the journey ahead. I am reminded that I can stop and allow Him to speak to me so that I can hear what His best is.  These experiences with the Lord, fine-tune our listening ability so that we can hear what His spirit is saying.

Naomi’s Journey-From Bad to Worse

During their time in Moab, things went from bad to worse. Elimelech dies. Naomi’s two sons marry Moabite women, but they both sons die before they give Naomi any grandchildren.

I can only imagine how Naomi must have felt as the men in her life were now gone and she is left with her daughters in law.  She may have felt that the Lord abandoned her.  Her response to the women of Bethlehem would indicate this.

The story tells us that as she approaches Bethlehem, on her return home, the women refer to her as Naomi, she rejects the name that means pleasant and embraces the name Mara, which means bitter.

Naomi Returns to Bethlehem

She hears that there is provision once again in Bethlehem so she decides to go back to her home.  Naomi felt that there was an opportunity to, at least,  scrape together enough to exist even though she feels that the Lord has rejected her.

It is interesting how the enemy will play with our minds during those seasons that are difficult.  He tries to lay guilt at our feet.  The enemy works hard to lock us in a place where we are sure there is no hope of restoration.  We can only scrape by, never to experience the blessing of a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Even in the midst of this, Naomi pushes forward to return to Bethlehem.  Orpah and Ruth begin the journey with her but Naomi insists that they return to their own homes.

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.  And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and with me.   The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.  Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. Ruth 1:7-8

A Mother in Law’s Love

The tears shed are those of love and devotion.  Ruth and Orpah wanted to remain with Naomi but she insisted that they should go back to their mother’s homes.

I believe Naomi demonstrated love and kindness to her daughters in law many different times during their sojourn in Moab. Orpah and Ruth were drawn to Naomi to such an extent that they wanted to make the journey back to Bethlehem; at least initially.

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I feel certain that Naomi’s warmth towards her daughters in law came as a result of her relationship with the living God.

We see Naomi go through a season of despair but as she returns home, we see the beginning of restoration.

Covenant Relationships

As the story of Ruth and Naomi continues, we see the beauty of the covenant relationship. Naomi provides wisdom to Ruth.  In turn, Ruth’s provisions become Naomi’s as she always remembers to bring back a portion for Naomi when she gleans in the fields or eats a meal.  This is a picture of what covenant means.  Both parties bring what they have to the table to bless the other party.

Our Lord has made a covenant with us.

He also had this in mind for Naomi as I mentioned earlier.  The Lord always intended for Naomi and her family to be blessed.  Her home was to be filled with praise and adoration of the Heavenly Father.

That is His intention for our lives.

We also see covenant extended to Ruth, who was not originally part of the covenant.  As she walks in her covenant blessing she made sure to bless the one responsible for bringing her into a relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

What a wonderful illustration for us to dwell on.

Naomi’s Restoration

Furthermore, Naomi receives the blessing of nurturing her grandson that came about as a result of the relationship between Boaz and Ruth.

Naomi did not know God had planned to bless her in this wonderful way.  I believe she had a sense of His goodness but she did not know the details.

That is true for us as well.  We know the Lord has only our good in mind and sometimes that hard to see.  Circumstances can communicate a different outcome.

We live our lives not knowing the specific details of the blessings of the Lord but just as Naomi allowed the love of the Lord to heal her and give her new purpose, we can also walk in that place of blessing and provision as He heals our hearts from past mistakes and missteps.

Naomi’s story challenges all of those places of insecurity and doubt that try to make their home in my heart.  Her life is a great reminder of the Covenant Love that the Heavenly Father has for me.  It is from this place of security that I can live my life to the glory of the Father.


Rosemerry Blash
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8 Comments

  2. I love how you detailed this story and related it to our day to day lives. I also found it refreshing to have the focus on Naomi and what we can learn from her, since often the story focuses on Ruth. There are so many insights here that I’ll be saving it to review in my devotional time. Thanks so much!
    Blessings.

    Reply

    1. Naomi is truly amazing. I have gleaned a lot from her as well. It is amazing how the Lord was so patient and kind to her when she was feeling totally rejected. I could really relate to how she felt at times and I am so glad He doesn’t hold those time against us. Thanks so much for your comment.

      Reply

  3. So often Ruth is the focus of the story, but we can certainly learn a lot from Naomi as well. She must have been an awesome mother-in-law!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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