Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons.

both Mahlon and Chilion died, leaving Naomi alone with neither her husband nor her two sons.

May the Lord grant each of you security in your new husbands’ households.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they cried loudly.

But Naomi responded, “Go back, my daughters. Why go with me? Are there still sons to be born to me as future husbands for you?

So go on back, my daughters! Be on your way! I’m too old to remarry. If I were to say that I’m hoping for a husband tonight and then also bore sons this very night,

Boaz Meets Ruth

Naomi had a close relative of her late husband, a man of considerable wealth from the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz.

Boaz answered her, “It has been clearly disclosed to me all that you have done for your mother-in-law following the death of your husband—how you left your father, your mother, and your own land behind, and came to a people you did not previously know.

Naomi Offers to Find a Husband for Ruth

Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi, told her, “My daughter, should I not make inquiries about your financial security, so you’ll be better off in life?