The family of Elimelech had left Israel to seek food and prosperity. There was no contact between them and their family and friends back in Bethlehem. Would they ever return, and if they did, would they be wealthy or destitute? Would the family have grown in size? Would they exult in the blessing of God or stagger under his affliction? Ten years can change people’s lives dramatically. Naomi had left with a husband and two sons. She returns a widow bereft of