SUMMARY
Upon returning to Bethlehem, NaomiThe mother-in-law of Ruth. More laments to the women of the village.
ANALYSIS
The blessings of RuthThe great-grandmother of David. More are balanced by the very real and moving lament of Naomi when she returns to Bethlehem.
She said to them,
“Call me no longer Naomi (pleasant), call me Mara (bitter),
for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me.
I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty;
why call me Naomi when the LORD has dealt harshly with me,
and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1:20-21)
Naomi’s lament is reminiscent of laments in Psalms and Job. Through the lament, truth is spoken, sorrow is given voice, and both are placed before God.
