One of the sons of Elimelech, Ruth 1:2. His name is derived from Mahol, infirmity. Perhaps the father's name, and the whole family were figurative. In the history of this house, we read that in the days when the Judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. The Book of the Judges, at the close, saith, that in those days, "there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25) And this we may be sure, was bad enough. In such seasons there is always a famine, not perhaps of bread and water, but a famine to the soul in not hearing the word of the Lord. (Amos 8:11) In this state this house in Israel left Bethlehem-Judah, the land of bread, and the bread of JEHUDAH, (for so Bethlehem-Judah means) and went to sojourn in Moab. In other words, left the Lord to seek the world in Moab. To this history correspond the names. Elimelech signifies, my God, a king. Naomi, my pleasant one; now called Marah, bitterness; and Mahlon and Chillon, sickness and consumption.