Bitter

THE QUESTION

Naomi came home to Bethlehem after losing her husband and both sons, and she asked the women there to call her Mara. What does Mara mean?

A) Bitter ✓

B) Empty

C) Pleasant

D) Beloved

A closer look

Naomi had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons during a famine, and there she lost all three (Ruth 1:1-5). When she came home to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth, the whole town was stirred, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” (Ruth 1:19).

But her story didn’t end there. Ruth married Boaz, and when their son was born, the women told Naomi, “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” Naomi took the baby in her arms. His name was Obed, and he became the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:13-17).

If you chose Empty, you were remembering her very next words: “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21).

Today’s verse says, “When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19). Naomi’s bitter season ended with a baby in her arms and the women of Bethlehem praising God.

We hope this helped you grow in God’s Word today. Now head back to your email and tell us how you liked today’s devotional. 🙏