For the Love of Ruthਨਮੂਨਾ

What’s in a Name?

Names matter. More than we often realize, names carry weight—spiritually, prophetically, and emotionally. They speak identity and set the tone for expectation. That’s why understanding the meaning behind a name is so important, especially in the Word of God.

In Ruth chapter one, we meet Naomi, her husband Elimelech, their sons Mahlon and Kilion, and their daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. On the surface, it feels like the beginning of a typical family story. But when you dig deeper—when you look at the meaning of their names—there’s a revelation that’s easy to miss.

Elimelech means “My God is King.” Naomi means “Pleasant.” But Mahlon and Kilion? Their names mean sickness and destruction.

Now imagine this: every time Naomi called out to her sons, she was unknowingly speaking those declarations into the atmosphere.
“Sickness, come inside.”
“Destruction, help your father.”
What had been named was being activated. And eventually, both sons died—fulfilling the weight of the words attached to them.

This is not just a tragic story. It’s a spiritual lesson.

When Naomi lost her husband, both sons, and eventually Orpah (whose name means stiff-necked), it may have felt like everything was falling apart. But God was actually doing a divine separation. He was closing the chapter on a season that had to end.

Some names, some people, and some patterns are not meant to go with you into your next.

As painful as it may be, God will sometimes allow certain things to die—not to destroy you, but to deliver you. Naomi didn’t realize it yet, but she was being released from a season marked by sickness, destruction, and stubborn resistance. What remained? Ruth—whose name means friendship or companion. A reflection of covenant and loyalty. And it was through Ruth that Naomi would see restoration.

So here’s today’s reflection:
What in your life might God be calling you to let go of? What names—literal or figurative—have you been calling into your life that no longer belong in your future?

Speak life. Call forth what aligns with the next season. And trust that when God prunes, He always has a promise in mind.

Scripture Focus: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to the things I’ve allowed to linger in my life that carry weight you never intended for me to bear. Help me to speak life, to walk in wisdom, and to trust You when you say, “This cannot go with you.” I release the names of sickness, destruction, and resistance—and I embrace the new names You’ve written over my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.