Naomi's Homeward Longing: Faith Refined Through Affliction

Naomi arose that she might return to Canaan. Her crosses and losses in Moab became God's instrument of instruction, turning her soul from a cursed country toward the blessed land of promise. Elohim's rod has a voice (Micah 6:9), and Naomi's ear was open to hear it. It is rich mercy when affliction brings us from worse to better, from Moab to Canaan—further from sin and nearer to God.

Naomi's character reveals three marks of genuine faith. First, she retained her allegiance to the One True and Living God amid surrounding idolatry. Second, she believed in Elohim even in the midst of adversity—widowed, bereaved, impoverished. Third, she exercised influence for good on those nearest her, particularly her daughters-in-law, women least easily swayed by one in her position.

Remarkably, Naomi denied herself for others' good. Though two strong, active young women would have eased her old age, she recognized they would settle more easily in their native land. She bade them return and was willing to journey home alone. She rose above petty jealousy, wishing them "rest each in the house of her husband"—the best security for a woman's honor.

Naomi's religion was no surface thing; it had become part of herself, informing her entire character. It saved her from idolatry's corruptions and despair, enabling her to exercise beneficent power over those who knew her best. What imperfect religion accomplished in her, the sublime faith of Christ accomplishes in us.