Topical Encyclopedia Naomi is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known from the Book of Ruth. Her account is one of loss, loyalty, and redemption, and she plays a crucial role in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.Background and Family Naomi was married to Elimelech, and they lived in Bethlehem in Judah. During a time of famine, they moved to the land of Moab with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. In Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow. Her sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, but after about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, leaving Naomi without her husband and sons (Ruth 1:1-5). Return to Bethlehem Hearing that the LORD had provided food for His people, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. She urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry. Orpah eventually agreed, but Ruth clung to Naomi, expressing her loyalty with the famous words: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Together, Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:6-22). Life in Bethlehem Upon their return, Naomi expressed her grief and bitterness, asking to be called Mara, meaning "bitter," because she felt the Almighty had dealt bitterly with her (Ruth 1:20-21). Despite her sorrow, Naomi's wisdom and guidance became evident as she advised Ruth on how to glean in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Naomi recognized Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, a role in which he could marry Ruth to preserve the family lineage (Ruth 2:1-3:18). Role in Redemption Naomi's strategic counsel to Ruth led to Boaz taking notice of her and eventually marrying her. This union was significant, as Boaz redeemed the land that belonged to Elimelech and took Ruth as his wife, ensuring the continuation of Naomi's family line. Naomi's joy was restored with the birth of Obed, Ruth and Boaz's son, whom the women of Bethlehem acknowledged as a blessing to Naomi, saying, "He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age" (Ruth 4:15). Obed became the grandfather of King David, placing Naomi in the direct lineage of the Messiah (Ruth 4:13-17). Legacy Naomi's account is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. Her life illustrates the themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine orchestration. Through her relationship with Ruth and her role in the family lineage, Naomi is remembered as a pivotal figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Strong's Hebrew 5281. Noomi -- mother-in-law of Ruth... 5280, 5281. Noomi. 5282 . mother-in-law of Ruth. Transliteration: Noomi Phonetic Spelling: (no-om-ee') Short Definition: Naomi. ... Naomi. ... /hebrew/5281.htm - 6k Library A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert Ruth and Naomi. The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner Ruth the Gleaner. Ruth Ruth and Naomi. Ruth. Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life Judges and Ruth. A Cloud of Witnesses. Thesaurus Naomi's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Naomi's (1 Occurrence). Ruth 1:3 Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. ... /n/naomi's.htm - 6k Na'omi (21 Occurrences) Ruth (19 Occurrences) Naoum (1 Occurrence) Elimelech (6 Occurrences) Elim'elech (6 Occurrences) Boaz (25 Occurrences) Husband (154 Occurrences) Resources Why did Ruth and Orpah make different decisions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from Ruth's loyalty to Naomi? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naomi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Naomi's (1 Occurrence)Ruth 1:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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