In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and Elimelech, a man of Bethlehem in Judah, journeyed to dwell in the country of Moab with his wife and two sons. This movement was under the sovereign hand of God, who allowed the famine to bring about His greater purpose. Elimelech's name, meaning "God-is-King," reflects a profound truth within his family line, which was connected to Boaz, a relative of great wealth. Through these circumstances, orchestrated by God's providence, Elimelech's journey set the stage for events that would unfold in the barley and wheat harvests, aligning with the time of Pentecost.

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, named Elimelech, went to sojourn in the country of Moab with his wife Naomi and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites of Bethlehem, a family of substance, yet Elimelech sold his property in Judah, suggesting a permanent move rather than a temporary escape from hardship. They remained in Moab, integrating into the life there, as his sons married Moabite women, indicating no intention to return to the Promised Land. Elimelech, whose name means God is king, lived among the world, apart from God's people, having left behind their holdings in Bethlehem. Tragedy struck when Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, leaving her with her two sons. Later, Mahlon and Chilion also passed away, leaving Naomi bereft of her family. The death of Elimelech, symbolizing a profound loss, marked the beginning of a journey back to Judah, as Naomi heard that the Lord had visited His people with bread. This loss hints at a deeper theme of redemption, suggesting that a great cost, akin to the death of a king, was necessary to bring one out of the world and back to the land of promise. In the unfolding narrative, Boaz, a near kinsman, eventually steps in to redeem the land that once belonged to Elimelech, along with Ruth, the widow of Mahlon. Boaz declares to the elders and the people that he has bought all that was Elimelech's, as well as Chilion's and Mahlon's, from the hand of Naomi, ensuring the perpetuation of their name through inheritance. This act of redemption not only restores the property but also secures a future for Ruth, integrating her into the family and the people of God.

In the opening of the Book of Ruth, Elimelech, whose name means God is king, made a choice to do what was right in his own eyes to save his family during a time of famine. Despite God's word to His physical people not to leave the land but to trust Him, Elimelech acted contrary to this instruction. Within ten years, this decision led to the deaths of Elimelech and his sons. Yet, under God's sovereign authority, even this poor choice was used to bring about a greater purpose, as someone from outside those blessed with the truth of His word submitted to Him, demonstrating outgoing concern for others.