From Moab to Majesty: The Legacy of Ruth and Her Family

Elimelech: A Leader Who Walked Away

Elimelech, a prominent figure from the Book of Ruth, lived during the time of the Judges and belonged to the tribe of Yehudah. He was the husband of Naomi and father to Machlon and Kilyon. The family resided in Bethlehem, but during a devastating famine, many turned to Elimelech, one of the wealthy leaders of the generation, for help.

As the Sages recount, “Elimelech was among the great men and providers of the time. But when famine struck, he feared the burden of the people who would come knocking with their bowls and baskets. So what did he do? He fled from them.”

Elimelech left Bethlehem with his family and moved to the fields of Moab. There, he died, leaving Naomi a widow in a foreign land. His sons married Moabite women; Machlon married Ruth, and Kilyon married Orpah. In time, both sons died without children, and Naomi resolved to return to Bethlehem.

Naomi: From Fullness to Emptiness

Naomi, once surrounded by family and wealth, lost everything during her decade in Moab. Her husband and sons died, and her financial standing vanished. As she prepared to return home, both daughters-in-law initially offered to come with her. Naomi urged them to stay behind. Orpah eventually agreed, but Ruth refused to leave her side.

Upon Naomi’s return to Bethlehem, the townspeople were shocked. “She once wore fine shoes; now she walks barefoot. Once dressed in soft wool, now in rags. Her face, once radiant with food and drink, is now pale from hunger. Is this Naomi?” (Ruth Rabbah 3:6). Naomi responded, “Do not call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20).

Machlon and Kilyon

Machlon and Kilyon, Elimelech and Naomi’s sons, followed their parents to Moab and married local Moabite women. According to the Midrash, Ruth and Orpah were daughters or granddaughters of Eglon, king of Moab.

Their names, the Sages note, were ominous. Machlon hints at illness, and Kilyon at destruction. Both died in Moab without children, bringing an end to their family line, until Ruth’s remarkable journey changed everything.

Ruth: Loyalty That Changed History

Ruth, a Moabite princess and wife of Machlon, made a fateful decision. After her husband's death, she chose not to return to her homeland but to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem. Naomi tried to dissuade her, but Ruth replied with unwavering loyalty: “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people are my people, and your God my God... Nothing but death will part us.”

When they arrived in Bethlehem, it was the season of the barley harvest. Needing food, Ruth went to glean stalks in the fields. By Divine providence, she ended up in the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech. Naomi recognized the opportunity and advised Ruth to remain in Boaz’s fields throughout the harvest.

Eventually, Boaz took steps to redeem Elimelech’s estate. When the closest relative declined, unwilling to marry Ruth, Boaz fulfilled the duty himself. He married Ruth, and she gave birth to Oved, the grandfather of King David.

Through self-sacrifice and unwavering faith, Ruth rose to spiritual greatness. The Sages say she lived to see the reign of her great-great-grandson, King Solomon. Some traditions state she lived 172 years; others suggest 270 to 391 years. Her story stands as a testament to how sincere devotion can elevate a person to the highest heights.

Boaz: A Man of Wisdom and Kindness

Boaz, a wealthy and righteous man from Bethlehem, was the grandson of Nachshon ben Aminadav and a descendant of the tribe of Judah. Known in the Midrash as “Ivtzan,” Boaz played a pivotal role in Ruth’s story.

He first encountered Ruth gleaning in his fields and was immediately impressed by her modesty and integrity. He treated her with kindness and, after a halachic (Jewish legal) process involving another family redeemer, fulfilled the mitzvah of yibbum by marrying Ruth. According to tradition, Boaz passed away the day after their wedding, but from their union came Oved, father of Yishai, father of David.

Commentators differ on Boaz’s age at the time of the marriage. Ibn Ezra estimates he was 84 or 91, while Rashi suggests he was at least 300 years old.

Orpah: The One Who Turned Back

Orpah, wife of Kilyon and daughter-in-law to Naomi, briefly set out with Naomi and Ruth on the road to Judah. However, when urged to return to her family, she did. The Midrash explains that her name, Orpah, derives from the word “oref” (back) because she turned her back on Naomi.

Yet even Orpah’s short-lived loyalty had merit. “In reward for the four tears she shed for her mother-in-law,” the Midrash teaches, “four mighty warriors descended from her.” One of them was Goliath, who was later defeated by David, Ruth’s descendant, fulfilling the Divine plan: “Let the sons of the one who turned away fall before the sons of the one who clung."