The answer is: Mahlon & Chilion

Ruth 1:2

Elimelech's two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, play a significant role in the story of Ruth—a beautiful tale centered on loyalty, love, and redemption. Elimelech, prompted by a famine in Bethlehem, moved his family to Moab, a land typically viewed as foreign or even hostile to the people of Israel. This decision set off a chain of events that highlights the importance of community, kinship, and compassion, especially in times of hardship.

Mahlon and Chilion's names carry an interesting significance too. "Mahlon" likely means "sickness," and "Chilion" can translate to "wasting away." These names seem to foreshadow the hardships ahead, especially since both sons struggle with their lives in Moab and eventually die there, leaving behind their widowed wives, Ruth and Orpah. This detail is crucial, as it overturns social norms of that time—widows in ancient Israel often found themselves vulnerable and without support.

Despite the difficult backdrop, Ruth’s choice to return to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi against all odds signifies profound bravery and emphasizes themes of love and loyalty. Interestingly, Ruth is one of only two women to have a book of the Bible named after her, symbolizing the critical role of women in the biblical narrative. So next time you dive into Ruth's story, remember that it speaks broader truths about commitment and belonging involving the most unexpected heroes.