Ruth 1:1: So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.
The Book of Ruth is saturated with symbols. Bethlehem is a picture of the Church and Moab is a picture of the world. When Elimelech leaves Bethlehem–the only refuge for sinners–and goes to Moab, he is leaving the Lord God and the covenant promises. Bethlehem is the land where God’s name dwells. No matter how difficult it may be, there is no refuge apart from God’s presence. In the Old Covenant, God chose to dwell in particular places. To leave such places, no matter how dire the problems
