1:20 The whole city stirred because of their arrival. People coming and going in the city was an everyday occurrence and would elicit very little attention, if any. Yet the coming of these two women caused a sensation throughout the city. It would indicate that the family of Elimelech and Naomi were status in the city. Not doubt well known and honored. Is this Naomi? Why the question, was it really that Naomi’s appearance had changed that much or was it simply an exclamation of delight to have her back in Bethlehem again? Or was it her attitude. The Almighty has dealt harshly with me. Did they inquire of the Lord when they left for Moab? How human to pass the blame onto the Almighty. How much of a factor had He been in their lives in Moab? From this kind of a disposition it is self evident that her spirituality was not where it should have been. Life has become bitter. She was out of step with the Lord. Life is never more ugly than when one is struggling with the gall of bitterness.
1:20 Is this Naomi? One must ask; is this really the woman whose name means, Beautiful, pleasant, agreeableness, splendor or grace? Naomi is out of character. She is allowing the past to overwhelm her. If we are not constantly looking to the Lord it is possible that the circumstances of life will overcome us. Call me Mara which means, bitter, angry, discontented. An exceedingly destructive factor in the life of anyone. No one, saved or unsaved can afford to become bitter over the state of affairs that we will inevitably face. Beware of the root of bitterness. Heb.12:15 Not all roots are large, some are smaller than the hairs of our heads. But are equally destructive. How many have lost faith because they have allowed the root to abide and grow into the proportions of a great tree. Unfortunately, many are persuaded to be a part of that same bitter spirit. You do influence others. Watch your SPIRIT.
1:21 Her testimony was; I left full, complete but I return empty. Much like the prodigal son who left with his inheritance full and complete but came back gaunt and empty. Failure to walk with the Lord produces dire consequences. Dare we blame the Lord for a bad situation when it is our own actions that have produced the condition that we find ourselves in? It is a difficult thing for human nature to admit that, we and we alone are responsible for the environment in which we find ourselves. Remember, that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Prov.23:7 It isn’t possible to conceal the attitude of the heart it will always reveal its context in an outer expression or demeanor.