Naomi - Her Promise

Naomi - Her Promise

God’s faithfulness to restore to fullness an empty life is revealed more in this story of Naomi than in any other biblical account. The famine and hunger that drove Naomi and her husband and sons away from Bethlehem are finally replaced with full harvests and bread baked from grain gleaned in the fields. The anguish of losing her husband and sons is replaced with the loving care and concern of her daughter-in-law Ruth, who is “better to [Naomi] than seven sons” (Ruth 4:15). And Naomi’s empty mother-arms are filled with the son of Boaz and Ruth. She is no absent grandmother; the Scriptures say Naomi took Obed and “laid him in her lap and cared for him” (Ruth 4:16). (We’ll hear more about this grandson in the next chapter.)

Like Naomi, we may have trouble recognizing God’s goodness and his faithfulness at times. But he is still with us no matter the circumstances.

Promises in Scripture

The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

— Ruth 4:14 – 15

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again.

— Psalm 71:20

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. . . .

You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has worked wonders for you.

— Joel 2:25 – 26