“But she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.”
Context and Background:The Book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative found in the Old Testament. It tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth and her journey from a place of loss and despair to a position of redemption and blessing. Ruth’s story takes place during the time of the Judges in Israel, and it unfolds against the backdrop of a period of famine and distress.
The Situation:In Ruth 1:20, we find Naomi speaking to the women of Bethlehem upon her return from Moab. Naomi and her family had moved to Moab due to the famine in Bethlehem. Tragically, Naomi’s husband and two sons died in Moab, leaving her a widow with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi’s return to Bethlehem marks a significant turning point in the narrative.
The Meaning of Names:Naomi’s statement in Ruth 1:20 holds deep significance when she asks to be called “Mara” instead of “Naomi.” The name “Naomi” means “pleasant” or “delightful,” while the name “Mara” means “bitter.” By requesting to be called Mara, Naomi expresses the immense sorrow and pain she has experienced as a result of the loss of her loved ones.
Acknowledging God’s Hand:Naomi attributes her bitter experiences to the sovereignty and providence of God. By saying, “for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me,” she acknowledges that her difficult circumstances were not accidental or outside of God’s control. Even though she is in a place of deep sorrow, she still recognizes God’s hand in her life.
Wrestling with Grief and Loss:Naomi’s words reflect the reality of human emotions and the process of grieving. She does not shy away from expressing her pain but acknowledges the bitterness of her situation. This raw honesty provides a glimpse into the depth of her grief and the struggle she faces in coming to terms with her losses.
God’s Faithfulness and Redemption:While Naomi sees her circumstances as bitter, the narrative of Ruth goes on to demonstrate God’s faithfulness and His redemptive work in her life. Through Ruth’s faithfulness, the story unfolds with beautiful moments of restoration, love, and the eventual birth of Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.
Lessons for Us:Naomi’s journey from Naomi to Mara serves as a reminder that even in the midst of our darkest moments, God is still at work. It teaches us that it’s okay to wrestle with our grief and pain and to be honest with God about our emotions. Furthermore, it shows us that God can bring redemption and restoration to our lives, even when we cannot see it in the midst of our difficulties.
In conclusion, Ruth 1:20 captures Naomi’s expression of deep sorrow and pain. Her words reveal her struggle with loss, but they also provide a foundation for God’s redemptive work in her life. It reminds us of the importance of being honest with God about our emotions and trusting His faithfulness, even in the midst of our most challenging circumstances.
