Naomi, a central figure in the book of Ruth, emerges as a character of depth and resilience during the period of the early harvest linked to Pentecost. She is introduced as the wife of Elimelech, a prominent Ephrathite from Bethlehem, Judah, who uprooted his family to Moab due to a famine during the time of the judges. Despite her husband's poor decision to leave the Promised Land, Naomi's character shines through as one of endurance and strength. Naomi survives the tragic loss of her husband and two sons in Moab, outlasting the men in her family who are depicted as weak and frail. Her name, meaning "pleasant," reflects her enduring spirit and ability to withstand trials. She is portrayed as a survivor, not succumbing to despair or giving up, but instead striving to make the most of her circumstances. Unlike the men in her family, who made poor choices, Naomi demonstrates sound decision-making and thoughtful counsel, proving herself a reliable friend in times of need. Upon deciding to return to Bethlehem, known as the House of Bread, Naomi shows her inclination to move back toward what is right and good after being led astray by her husband's choices. Her return signifies a wise reversal of the initial mistake of leaving during the famine, contrasting with Elimelech's lack of faith in God's providence. Naomi's character is further revealed through her interactions with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, who deeply love and are loyal to her. Her attractive personality engenders such devotion that they are willing to follow her into a foreign land. Naomi's witness of God's way of life profoundly impacts Ruth, who declares Naomi's God as her own, showcasing Naomi's influence as a pleasant and joyful presence. In her words to her daughters-in-law, Naomi prioritizes their welfare over her own, invoking God's blessing upon them with covenant loyalty and rest, reflecting an agape-like love. She believes God is real and active, expecting Him to bless even these Gentile women. Her logical and reasonable nature is evident as she sensibly advises them to return to their families in Moab for a better chance at a fulfilling life, displaying rare common sense. However, Naomi's shortcomings are also apparent. Upon returning to Bethlehem, she exhibits pessimism and a limited view of God's purpose, feeling that the hand of the Lord has turned against her. She perceives herself as cursed, renaming herself Mara, meaning "bitter," and believes God has testified and pronounced judgment against her. This blind spot reveals her struggle to see beyond her present afflictions, mistakenly viewing her circumstances as God's final judgment rather than a step in a larger plan. Despite this temporary bitterness, Naomi's enduring nature prevents her from remaining in despair. She pushes through her trials, demonstrating the importance of not allowing setbacks to foster a lasting root of bitterness against God. Her journey in the book of Ruth ultimately shows that her initial perception of being out of favor with God is proven wrong, highlighting the need for patience and trust in God's ongoing work toward good, even through afflictions.