Character Study Of Naomi Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF NAOMI – RUTH’S MOTHER-IN-LAW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ruth 1:8

"And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me."

Supporting Texts:

Ruth 1:1-22, Ruth 2:20, Psalm 30:5, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 61:3

INTRODUCTION

Naomi was an Israelite woman from Bethlehem who, along with her husband Elimelech, moved to Moab due to famine. She faced severe trials, including the deaths of her husband and two sons, leaving her with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.

Despite her bitterness and sorrow, Naomi remained a guiding force in Ruth’s life, leading her towards God’s divine plan. Through Naomi’s wisdom and Ruth’s faithfulness, God orchestrated events that led to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David.

Naomi’s life teaches us about endurance, faith in God’s sovereignty, and the power of divine restoration.

1. NAOMI’S JOURNEY TO MOAB

a) Famine in Bethlehem led to migration (Ruth 1:1)

She and her family left for Moab to survive.

b) She lived in Moab for ten years (Ruth 1:4)

Her sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah.

c) Naomi lost her husband and two sons (Ruth 1:5)

She was left widowed and childless in a foreign land.

d) She decided to return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:6)

She heard that God had restored food to her homeland.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham also left his homeland in search of provision (Genesis 12:10).

2. NAOMI’S BITTERNESS AND LOSS

a) She felt that God had afflicted her (Ruth 1:13)

She believed God’s hand was against her.

b) She tried to send Ruth and Orpah back (Ruth 1:8-9)

She felt they had no future with her.

c) She changed her name to “Mara” (bitterness) (Ruth 1:20)

She believed her life had turned from pleasant to bitter.

d) She blamed God for her misfortune (Ruth 1:21)

She returned to Bethlehem empty-handed.

e) Biblical Example: Job also experienced great loss but later saw restoration (Job 1:21, Job 42:10).

3. NAOMI’S WISDOM AND MENTORSHIP TO RUTH

a) She guided Ruth in choosing the right path (Ruth 1:16)

Ruth followed her to Bethlehem and embraced Israel’s God.

b) She taught Ruth how to find favour with Boaz (Ruth 3:3-4)

She instructed her in the customs of Israel.

c) She recognised Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2:20)

She understood the laws of redemption in Israel.

d) She helped orchestrate Ruth’s marriage to Boaz (Ruth 3:18)

She assured Ruth that Boaz would not rest until the matter was settled.

e) Biblical Example: Mordecai also mentored Esther for divine purpose (Esther 2:10-11).

4. NAOMI’S RESTORATION AND BLESSINGS

a) Ruth married Boaz, bringing joy to Naomi (Ruth 4:13)

Her daughter-in-law’s marriage brought hope.

b) She became a grandmother to Obed (Ruth 4:16)

She nursed and cared for the child.

c) The women of Bethlehem rejoiced with her (Ruth 4:14)

They declared that Ruth was better than seven sons.

d) Obed became part of the Messianic lineage (Matthew 1:5)

Naomi’s legacy extended to King David and Jesus Christ.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah also experienced divine restoration through the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1-5).

5. STRENGTHS OF NAOMI

a) She was caring and selfless (Ruth 1:8)

She prioritised Ruth and Orpah’s well-being.

b) She was wise and knowledgeable (Ruth 3:1-4)

She understood the customs and laws of Israel.

c) She was a spiritual mentor (Ruth 2:20)

She guided Ruth into God’s divine plan.

d) She remained faithful to God despite trials (Ruth 1:6)

She returned to Bethlehem in search of God’s provision.

e) Biblical Example: Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, also provided spiritual guidance (Luke 1:41-45).

6. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF NAOMI

a) God can restore what is lost (Joel 2:25)

Naomi’s sorrow turned into joy.

b) Even in bitterness, God has a plan (Romans 8:28)

Her trials led to a greater purpose.

c) Mentorship is important in fulfilling destiny (Titus 2:3-5)

Naomi’s guidance positioned Ruth for favour.

d) Faithfulness to God leads to divine blessings (Psalm 37:4)

Naomi’s return to Bethlehem led to her restoration.

e) Biblical Example: Sarah also experienced delayed blessings but was eventually rewarded (Genesis 21:1-3).

CONCLUSION

Naomi’s life journey was filled with loss, bitterness, wisdom, and restoration. Though she faced great sorrow, God used her to guide Ruth into His divine plan. In the end, Naomi experienced the joy of redemption and became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Her story teaches us that God can turn our mourning into joy, and our faithfulness to Him will always be rewarded.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, restore every area of my life that has experienced loss.

2. Help me to trust Your plan even when I don’t understand it.

3. Father, use me to mentor and guide others into Your purpose.

4. Let my life be a testimony of divine restoration.

5. Lord, turn my sorrows into joy and my bitterness into blessings.