Elimelekh

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The Man Who Left Bethlehem

TANAKH

Elimelech's story sets the stage for the Book of Ruth, highlighting themes of loyalty, survival, and divine justice. The Book of Ruth introduces Elimelech, his move to Moab during a famine, his death, and the survival of his wife Naomi and their two sons.

The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and his two sons were named Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. They came to the country of Moab and remained there. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.

Ruth 1:2-3

The Perils of Leaving the Land

TALMUD

At the beginning of the book of Ruth, Elimelekh dies after leaving the land of Israel during a famine. The Talmud in Bava Batra sees the association of these two events as more than a coincidence, using Elimelech's story as a cautionary example.

The Gemara provides a mnemonic for the ensuing statements that Rav Ḥanan bar Rava said that Rav said: Melech; Abraham; ten years; when he died; and He alone was exalted. Rav Ḥanan bar Rava says that Rav says: With regard to Elimelech, and Boaz’s father, Salmon, and So-and-so, the unnamed relative who was a closer relative to Elimelech than Boaz (Ruth 4:1), and Naomi’s father, all of these are descendants of Nahshon, son of Amminadab, the head of the tribe of Judah (see Ruth 4:20–21 and Numbers 2:3)…

Bava Batra 91a:13

From Self-Centeredness to Selflessness

COMMENTARY

The story of Elimelech, Machlon, and Kilyon serves as a powerful lesson on the consequences of self-centered behavior, contrasted with the divine reward for Ruth's kindness and selflessness. Rabbi Chaim Jachter’s contemporary commentary on the book of Ruth delves into these themes, offering insights from classic commentaries and modern interpretations.

In light of our discussion, we can suggest a deeper meaning of this Midrash. The Midrash teaches that the primary message of Megillat Rut is not the many Halachot that we derive from this rich story. Rather, the central theme is that of reward and punishment — the reward for those who are giving and the punishment for the self-centered. Megillat Rut begins with a searing description of the terrible downfall of Elimelech, Machlon and Kilyon due to self-centered and self-serving behavior…

Megillat Ruth; From Chaos to Kingship, Perek 1 1:22

Elimelech and the Famine

MIDRASH

The historical context and theological interpretation of famines in biblical history provide a deeper understanding of Elimelech's actions and their consequences. Ruth Rabbah, a midrashic text, offers homiletic interpretations and expansions on the Book of Ruth, providing moral and theological insights through storytelling.

Ruth Rabbah 1:4

The Consequences of Elimelech's Actions

COMMENTARY

The misfortunes of Elimelech, Machlon, and Chilyon serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of one's actions. Rashi, the renowned medieval Jewish commentator, draws from the chronological work 'Seder Olam' to explain the divine retribution faced by these figures from the Book of Ruth.

Wherever they went, the hand of Adonoy was destructive to them. This refers to Elimelech, Machlon, and Chilyon— Seder Olam.

Rashi on Judges 2:15:1

Elimelech's Selfishness and Divine Punishment

COMMENTARY

Commentaries accuse Elimelech of selfish motivation in his departure from his homeland as a leader during a famine. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a Yiddish commentary from the early 17th century, offers insights into Elimelech's actions and their consequences.

Elimelech was a very rich man and when the famine came, he said: now all the people will come and stand before my door and ask me for bread and I will not be able to resist. He had an evil heart and would derive no pleasure from giving the people [bread]. Therefore, he left the land of Israel for another country. He intended to keep his wealth and remain in a foreign land, but God, blessed be He, who is in the whole world, finds the person everywhere to pay them their due. The person thinks that when he gives the poor something, he will become poor because of this…

Tze'enah Ure'enah, Megillot, Ruth 1:2

Divine Retribution and Repentance

MIDRASH

The Midrash Tanchuma Buber uses the story of Elimelech from the Book of Ruth to illustrate themes of repentance and divine retribution.

Another interpretation (of Ps. 106:43): MANY TIMES HE DELIVERED THEM. < These words > speak about the children of Adam. When trouble comes to one < of them >, he immediately repents, and the Holy One delivers him. So it is the first time and the second. < If > he repents, that is preferable; but if not, < the Holy One > brings trouble upon him. Why? Because it is difficult for the Holy One to raise his hand against a human being. So what does he do to him? When he sins, he begins by raising his hand against his assets…

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Behar 8:1

Elimelech's Family in Moab

SECOND TEMPLE

The story of Elimelech's family highlights the personal and familial struggles during a time of famine and their significant decisions that shaped Jewish history. Josephus' narrative in 'The Antiquities of the Jews' recounts the journey of Elimelech's family to Moab, their marriages, and the eventual return of Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem.

How Under Eli's Government Of The Israelites Booz Married Ruth, From Whom Came Obed The Grandfather Of David.
1. Now after the death of Samson, Eli the high priest was governor of the Israelites. Under him, when the country was afflicted with a famine, Elimelech of Bethlehem, which is a city of the tribe of Judah, being not able to support his family under so sore a distress, took with him Naomi his wife, and the children that were born to him by her, Chillon and Mahlon, and removed his habitation into the land of Moab…

The Antiquities of the Jews 5:9:1

The Sudden Loss of Elimelech

TARGUM

Elimelech's death left Naomi and her sons in a state of sudden vulnerability and loss. The Aramaic Targum to Ruth offers an ancient translation and commentary, providing deeper insights into the immediate impact of Elimelech's death.

Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left a widow, and her two sons were left orphans.

Aramaic Targum to Ruth 1:3