RUTH THE GLEANER

 

The scene is laid in Bethlehem of Judea, which is situated some six miles south of Jerusalem, and also in Moab beyond the Jordan, bordering on and east of the Dead Sea. During the reign of the Judges a grievous famine spread throughout the land of Judah. Elimelich, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Maholon and Chilton, determined to immigrate into the country of Moab beyond the Jordan River. There seems to have been no absolute necessity for this sojourn. Others continued to remain in Judea and tided over the period of distress.