by John O’Malley
“And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen” (Ruth 2:20).
Could this be the same woman who concluded the last chapter with the words, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?”
Had Ruth’s demonstration reversed Naomi’s desire to change her name? Did Ruth’s declaration prompt Naomi to check the gauge of blessings in her life to see that she had gone from empty to full? When Ruth testified of Boaz, was it enough to make Naomi change her heart about the Almighty testifying against her? Was Ruth’s hope enough to make Naomi see that the afflictions of this life are to make us better, not bitter?
Naomi had genuine concerns for her family’s name. Elimelech’s children had died. There was none to carry on her husband’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5-9). Naomi had thoughts of her daughter-in-law finding happiness again in marriage (Ruth 1:11).
Naomi had seen other women in the community who celebrated life with their grandchildren. She would not be able to do this. Daily she was condemned in the courtroom of her own conscience for stepping out of God’s will. With the entrance of Ruth carrying into her house reminders of God’s kindness, she found forgiveness and freedom from the Almighty. Naomi’s outlook was transformed; her dismay (Mara) became delight (Naomi).
Are you a Naomi that lives in chapter one? You live in the shadows of bitterness, barrenness, and brokenness. God’s kindness, extended to His obedient children, changes dispositions and determinations. Naomi, why not move to chapter two and let Him convey His kindness to you?