Ruth 1

The story begins during a famine in Israel, forcing Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to leave Bethlehem and move to Moab. The sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Tragically, Elimelech and both sons die, leaving the three women widowed. Naomi decides to return to Judah. While on the road, she urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own people. Orpah tearfully leaves, but Ruth expresses unwavering loyalty, giving the famous pledge: "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." They arrive in Bethlehem destitute at the beginning of the barley harvest.