And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. (Ruth 1:2)
This name, meaning “My God is king,” reflects piety on the part of Elimelech’s parents. It may even suggest that at the time of the birth of Elimelech some Israelites were already talking of appointing a king like the nations about them. If so, the parents of this boy made it clear that they were on the side of those who recognized that God Himself was Israel’s only rightful king.
Naomi.
The parents of the young woman who became Elimelech’s wife had called their little girl “my pleasantness.” Hebrew parents rejoiced particularly at the birth of a son, but the parents of this little girl expressed heartfelt joy at the birth of a daughter.
Mahlon.
There is some difference of opinion as to the meaning of this name, as also regarding that of his brother. One possible meaning of Mahlon is “sickly.” Some might contend that his early death confirms this as the meaning of the name.
Chilion.
Possibly this name means “pining.” It may be that neither this boy nor his brother appeared sturdy at birth.
Ephrathites.
Ephratha was an older name for Bethlehem, the “house of bread” (see on Gen. 35:19 and Matt. 1:5). Natives of that town would therefore be called Ephrathites.
“Judah” is here added to “Beth-lehem” to distinguish this Bethlehem from that in Zebulun (Joshua 19:15).