“I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?”
Context:The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges in Israel. It tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who showed exceptional loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after their husbands died. Ruth’s commitment and faithfulness eventually led to her marriage to Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi.
Naomi’s Reflection:In Ruth 1:21, Naomi expresses her bitterness and sorrow upon returning to Bethlehem, her hometown, after a long stay in Moab. She acknowledges that she left Bethlehem “full” with a husband and two sons, but now she has returned “empty” with her husband and sons deceased. Naomi’s pain and sense of loss are evident in her words.
Recognizing God’s Hand:Naomi attributes her hardships to the Lord’s testimony against her and the affliction brought upon her by the Almighty. She believes that God is directly involved in the circumstances she has faced. Naomi acknowledges that her suffering is not a random occurrence but rather a result of divine providence.
Wrestling with Identity:Naomi questions why people still call her by her old name, Naomi, which means “pleasant,” considering the challenges she has faced. She feels that her experiences have transformed her, and she perceives herself as different from the person she once was. It reflects her struggle to reconcile her previous identity with her current state of grief and loss.
Lessons for us:
- Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty:Naomi’s words remind us that even in times of hardship and loss, we should recognize God’s sovereignty over our lives. He is intimately involved in our circumstances and can use our trials for His purposes.
- Honesty in Expressing Emotions:Naomi’s honest expression of her pain and bitterness before God serves as a reminder that we can bring our raw emotions and struggles to Him. He is a compassionate God who understands our heartaches and desires to comfort us.
- Perseverance and Faithfulness:Despite Naomi’s deep sorrow, she remains faithful to her commitment to accompany her daughter-in-law, Ruth, back to Bethlehem. Her perseverance demonstrates the importance of staying faithful and steadfast in our relationships and responsibilities, even in the midst of adversity.
Overall, Ruth 1:21 portrays Naomi’s emotional response to the hardships she has faced. It highlights her recognition of God’s involvement in her life, her struggle with identity, and the lessons we can learn from her experiences.
