The answer is: He died

Ruth 1:3

In the book of Ruth, the story begins with a family facing famine in Bethlehem, leading Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to move to Moab. Unfortunately, Elimelech dies there, revealing the hardships the family must navigate. His death isn’t just a tragic plot twist; it echoes a common theme in biblical narratives about survival and the fragility of life.

Think about this: Elimelech’s move is quite significant – it points back to an important tradition of seeking better circumstances even in foreign lands. Yet, not all migrations can be seen as straightforward solutions. Why was Moab viewed with caution by the Israelites? The Moabites, descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham, had a rocky history with Israel and became synonymous with foreignness and cultural tensions.

In an interesting twist of fate, Naomi’s journey through grief influences Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, leading to one of the most beautiful examples of loyalty in scripture. Ruth’s famous pledge to Naomi—“Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay”—not only defines their relationship but also becomes a rich source of maternal and sisterly love, transcending boundaries of nationality.

Ruth’s eventual lineage ties back to King David, showcasing how God can weave grand destinies through seemingly adverse circumstances, ultimately shedding light on the importance of community and connection during periods of loss.