Naomi

Naomi, whose name means "pleasant," was an Israelite woman from Bethlehem. When famine struck the land, she, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion relocated to Moab. There, after Elimelech died, the sons married Moabite women: Mahlon married Ruth, and Chilion married Orpah. After about ten years, both sons also died, leaving three widows.

When Naomi heard that the Lord had visited His people with food, she decided to return to Bethlehem. She urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and remarry among their own people. Orpah tearfully agreed, but Ruth refused to leave. Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth, but bitterly told the townswomen, "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."

Naomi's bitterness gave way to hope as she watched God's providence unfold. When Ruth gleaned in Boaz's fields and reported his kindness, Naomi recognized him as a kinsman-redeemer. She advised Ruth on how to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, setting in motion their eventual marriage. When Ruth bore a son, the women of Bethlehem declared to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman... thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, is better to thee than seven sons."

Naomi nursed the baby Obed, who would become grandfather to King David. The woman who declared herself empty was filled again, demonstrating that God restores what seems irretrievably lost.