Naomi

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Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth. Due to a famine, Naomi left Bethlehem with her husband Elimelech and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and migrated to Moab.

In the following years her husband died and her two sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. When her sons died too, Naomi decided to return to Judah.

Naomi told her two daughter-in-laws to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Orpah did stay, but Ruth accompanied Naomi back to Judah, "where you go I will go..."

While gleaning fields in Bethlehem Ruth met Boaz, a rich kinsman of Naomi. Naomi advised Ruth to charm Boaz to take her as his wife, so that Elimelech's property would remain in the family. Ruth and Boaz married and gave birth to Obed. Obed was the grandfather of King David.

Naomi's story is found in the Book of Ruth. Naomi means "my joy."

Next person in the Bible: Naphtali, son of Jacob/Israel

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