Overview
Elimelech, whose name means "my God is king," lived in Bethlehem during a severe famine. Rather than trust God during this trial, he led his family to Moab, a pagan nation. He died in Moab while still a sojourner there, leaving his widow Naomi with their two sons. Though briefly mentioned, his choices set in motion the events that led to Ruth's redemption and became part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus.
Key Scriptures
"In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons" (Ruth 1:1, ESV).
"Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons" (Ruth 1:3, ESV).
"Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz" (Ruth 2:1, ESV).
Application
When facing hardship, believers should trust God's provision in His promised place rather than seeking refuge in worldly alternatives.