From grief and bitterness to joy
The woman sat motionless in the dark room, her body bowed in grief and despair. So deep was her sorrow that she barely heard the wails of the other women gathered there, much less could comprehend the well-meaning words addressed to her. _ is was darkness, an abyss into which she was falling. _ is was the end. Today this woman had buried the second of her two sons, and nothing more was left to her.
_ ere is deep sadness in Ruth 1:5: “And Mahlon and Chilion died also, both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.” _ e end of family life, the end of prosperous living, even the end of struggling to care for her sick family. All gone! Where were their bright hopes now for a comfortable future in Moab? Dashed to pieces by the frailty of human life! Nay, more than this, terminated by the hand of the Almighty Himself! Many of us can only begin to imagine the desolation of this poor woman who was later to call herself “Mara (Bitter), for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (v20).
_ ankfully for Naomi, it was not the end. Her story would be a remarkable tale of turning back, of restoration and renewal. Naomi was to learn, and to teach us all, the magnitude of God’s providence and His mercy. _ is humble, devastated woman would become an outstanding example of one who grew in faith, who displayed resolute courage and godly wisdom, and who at the last was given a reason for great hope and joy for the future. Hers is the story for all those who struggle to combat seeming defeat and failure in this life, and who _ nd that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psa 30:5).
A faithless response to trial
As a young woman Naomi had married Elimelech, a man of Bethlehem-Judah. Her name signi_ es “pleasant”, while his, “God is king” speaks of allegiance and honour to the all-powerful Sovereign of heaven. Such auspicious names should have pointed to a happy future, but sadly Elimelech, at least, did not live up to the high ideals of his name. Nonetheless, life was good at _ rst for the young couple. Elimelech was a landowner, and enjoyed the comforts that the seasons’ bounty brought forth. Naomi acknowledges this fortunate state when she declares, “I went out full” (Ruth 1:21). _ eir union was, in due time, blessed with two sons, and the little family dwelt at Bethlehem-judah until famine descended on the land. What should they do?
Elimelech, a man of action but not of faith, determined to move to greener pastures on the other side of the Jordan. Did he think at all about Abraham’s disastrous move in the face of famine? Evidently not. Divinely recorded lessons of history meant little to this man who sought success on this world’s terms. Nor do we _ nd any indication that Naomi went unwillingly with her husband. _ e story is silent as to any condemnation of her husband by Naomi. In fact, she sees the subsequent events as Yahweh’s retribution upon her. “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and Yahweh hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testi- _ ed against me, and the Almighty hath a_ icted me?” (Ruth 1:20–21).
What a sad state of a_ airs when people ignore the lessons provided for their guidance in God’s Word, and make choices based on worldly advantage. _ e divine commentary is that “in those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Jdg 21:25). Let this not be our mistake. “_ ere is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov 14:12) And well known words describe what should be our course of action when problems arise, and decisions need to be made. “Trust in the L___ with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov 3:5–6)
From Bethlehem to Moab
Naomi declares, “I went out full,” which seems to indicate that Elimelech and Naomi were not forced by starvation to _ ee from Bethlehem. In fact, most of Bethlehem’s population seems to have stayed put, and endured the leanness of the times, perhaps seeking God, and in course of time receiving again the blessing of plentiful seasons. Naomi and her husband may even have been a little disdainful of their less adventurous neighbours as they departed with their two sons for the country of Moab.
_ e family probably journeyed north so as to round the northern tip of the Dead Sea and then south to Moab. If so, they would have travelled past Jebus, and down the steep decline to the crossing place of the Jordan. _ ey would thus have passed the ruins of Jericho, and forded the river at approximately the same spot at which the nation had miraculously crossed on their entry into the Promised Land.
What a foolish and dangerous path they were on, if only they knew. _ ey were going the wrong way! Away from God’s people, and away from the centre of worship, to the world. O deluded family, to think that they could _ nd security and prosperity amidst the pagans of Moab! _ ough God may allow trials in our lives, He is always our wise and loving Father, and is as near as prayer to all who seek Him in their troubles. But what if we deliberately choose to remove ourselves from His presence? Can the world give us wise guidance in life, protection from evil, hope for the future? _ e promise of the world will prove in the end to be a fatal mirage.
And so it was to be for Elimelech and his family. Perhaps they only intended to stay for a while, but “sojourning” (v1) became “continuing” (v2), and later “dwelling” (v4). _ ey did not _ nd the hoped-for abundance, however, for tragedy overtook them, and one death followed another with grim _ nality.
Thoughtful and teachable
It was clear to Naomi that God was working in her life, and her sore a_ ictions were at His hand. Whatever her thoughts and feelings had been in the ten years or so she had lived in Moab, she had not forgotten her God. It is obvious that of the family she alone was teachable, and that God was giving her unforgettable lessons. With a humble and painful acknowledgement of His chastening, she resolved to return home to Bethlehem, for “she had heard how the L___ had visited His people in giving them bread.”
Here is an insight into her mind – the good harvests of Bethlehem were not merely a ‘change in the weather’, but the visitation of God. Here is a challenge for us! How aware are we of God’s hand in our lives? Do we see Him in the ups and downs of daily life? Do we see Him in the events around us that impact upon us? We need to be conscious of the fact that if we are teachable, as Naomi was, then God will be teaching us, and we like her, must carefully learn the lessons He gives us in His wisdom.
In our rushed and busy lives, we need to seriously consider making time for re_ ection. Only by reviewing the events of our daily lives, can we see God’s hand as it personally relates to us. Naomi must have spent much agonising time in selfexamination, prayer and recalling the Word of God.
We pray that it does not require such dreadful tragedies in our lives for us to see the divine lessons God is giving us.