1-2. Before Israel was ruled by kings, Elimelech from the tribe of Ephrath lived in the town of Bethlehem. His wife was named Naomi, and their two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. But when their crops failed, they moved to the country of Moab. And while they were there,
3. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with only her two sons.
4. Later, Naomi's sons married Moabite women. One was named Orpah and the other Ruth. About ten years later,
5. Mahlon and Chilion also died. Now Naomi had no husband or sons.
6-7. When Naomi heard that the Lord had given his people a good harvest, she and her two daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab and go to Judah. As they were on their way there,
8. Naomi said to them, “Don't you want to go back home to your own mothers? You were kind to my husband and sons, and you have always been kind to me. I pray that the Lord will be just as kind to you.