Ruth
by Erika Hanses
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Elimelech, a man of Bethlehem-judah, with his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, went in time of famine and sojourned in the land of Moab.[1] There Elimelech died, and the two sons married, Mahlon taking Ruth as his wife, and Chilion taking Orpah—both women of Moab, where both sons likewise died.[1] Naomi heard that the famine in Judah had passed, and determined to return home.[1] Ruth, in spite of the dissuasion of Naomi, accompanied her mother-in-law to Bethlehem.[1] The two women arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest in a state of dire poverty.[1] Elimelech had had an inheritance of land among his brethren, but, unless a Goel could be found, Naomi would be compelled to sell it.[1]
Elimelech had a prosperous relative in Bethlehem whose name was Boaz, and who, like others, was engaged in the harvest.[1] Naomi sent Ruth to glean in his fields, and, after he had spoken kindly to her and shown her some favors, she, still acting upon the advice of her mother-in-law, approached Boaz at night and put herself in his power.[1] Boaz was attracted to her, but informed her that there was a kinsman nearer than he who had the first right to redeem the estate of Elimelech, and that it would be necessary for this kinsman to renounce his right before Boaz could proceed in the matter.[1] Accordingly he called this kinsman to the gate of the city before the elders, and told him of Ruth's situation and his right to redeem the estate and to marry Ruth.[1] The kinsman declared that he did not desire to do so, and drew off his shoe in token that he had renounced his rights in favor of Boaz.[1] Boaz bought the estate from Naomi and married Ruth.[1] Ruth and Boaz became the parents of Obed, who became the father of Jesse, the father of David.[1]