Naomi and Ruth Arrive in Bethlehem
Ruth 1:19-22
Naomi and Ruth have left Moab behind. They journey back to Bethlehem which was about a sixty plus mile journey. When they arrive in the city, the people were moved about them.After such a long absence, the people must have welcomed Naomi. They probably were happy to see her again.
The people also said, "Is this Naomi?"
What had changed about Naomi for women of the town to make such a statement? Had she changed in her appearance? Had the hardships of the years taken a toll on her countenance?
Naomi confirms their question. Yes, she is Naomi. But she is no longer pleasant but bitter. For she declares that she is no longer to be called Naomi, which means pleasant. She is to be called Mara, which means bitter. Why was she bitter? Because she left Bethlehem full. She left with her husband and their two sons. But she has returned empty. She returned without her husband and sons.
Who was the source of this hardship? Twice, Naomi states that it was the LORD who had testified against her and that it was the Almighty which had afflicted her. She sees her suffering as God’s testimony, i.e., as proof that God condemns her for some sin of which she is unaware. However, her troubles will provide the means to God’s bounty, as Ruth stays with her and gleans in Boaz’s field [ESV Study Bible notes].
God uses bitter experiences to make us better. "Because God is Almighty and the All Sufficient I Am, despite the circumstances that might suggest otherwise, Naomi clearly acknowledged that He was in control, a truth which carries with it an implied hope and a hint of a better future." [J. Vernon McGee]
We all have experienced trials and tribulations. There is no one who has not experienced them. I've experienced various trials in my life. Some that would have led me to despair if I had not known the Lord. Romans 8:28 is my life line. It states, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
I may not know the purpose for everything I've experienced on this earth. When I get to heaven I will fully know. For now [I] see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known [1 Corinthians 13:12]. All I know is that God will use what happens in my life for my good and His glory. He will do the same for you. For God is no respecter of persons [Romans 2:11].
Naomi and Ruth have left Moab behind. They journey back to Bethlehem which was about a sixty plus mile journey. When they arrive in the city, the people were moved about them.After such a long absence, the people must have welcomed Naomi. They probably were happy to see her again.
The people also said, "Is this Naomi?"
What had changed about Naomi for women of the town to make such a statement? Had she changed in her appearance? Had the hardships of the years taken a toll on her countenance?
Naomi confirms their question. Yes, she is Naomi. But she is no longer pleasant but bitter. For she declares that she is no longer to be called Naomi, which means pleasant. She is to be called Mara, which means bitter. Why was she bitter? Because she left Bethlehem full. She left with her husband and their two sons. But she has returned empty. She returned without her husband and sons.
Who was the source of this hardship? Twice, Naomi states that it was the LORD who had testified against her and that it was the Almighty which had afflicted her. She sees her suffering as God’s testimony, i.e., as proof that God condemns her for some sin of which she is unaware. However, her troubles will provide the means to God’s bounty, as Ruth stays with her and gleans in Boaz’s field [ESV Study Bible notes].
God uses bitter experiences to make us better. "Because God is Almighty and the All Sufficient I Am, despite the circumstances that might suggest otherwise, Naomi clearly acknowledged that He was in control, a truth which carries with it an implied hope and a hint of a better future." [J. Vernon McGee]
We all have experienced trials and tribulations. There is no one who has not experienced them. I've experienced various trials in my life. Some that would have led me to despair if I had not known the Lord. Romans 8:28 is my life line. It states, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
I may not know the purpose for everything I've experienced on this earth. When I get to heaven I will fully know. For now [I] see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known [1 Corinthians 13:12]. All I know is that God will use what happens in my life for my good and His glory. He will do the same for you. For God is no respecter of persons [Romans 2:11].
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