In midst of famine, Elimelech departs from Bethlehem with his family to sojourn in Moab. Rather than turning to the Lord and waiting on him, he seeks his provision in the midst of a foreign people who serve foreign gods.

Elimelech's sons walk in his footsteps by marrying foreign women. This sojourn ultimately leads to the deaths of Elimelech and his sons, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed.