Elimelech

Elimelech was a man from Bethlehem in Judah, the husband of Naomi and the father of Mahlon and Chilion (Ruth 1:2). During a time of famine, Elimelech and his family moved to the country of Moab (Ruth 1:1-2). While in Moab, Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow (Ruth 1:3). Naomi's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, married Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah, but they also died after about ten years (Ruth 1:4-5). After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, and her daughter-in-law Ruth accompanied her (Ruth 1:6-22). Elimelech's family had owned land in Bethlehem, which was later acquired by Boaz, a relative who married Ruth (Ruth 4:3,9). Through this marriage, Elimelech's lineage was preserved, and his family's property remained within the clan.