This map features Beit Lechem (Bethlehem) and the land of Moav, the places where the events of the Book of Ruth take place as described in Ruth 1.
- Beit Lechem – Part of the land of the tribe of Judah (See our ancient map of Israel), it is the place where most of the events in the Book of Ruth transpire. Elimelech moves his family from Beit Lechem when famine strikes (Ruth 1:1), and Naomi returns to Beit Lechem with her daughter-in-law Ruth after losing her husband and two sons (Ruth 1:19). In ancient times, Beit Lechem was full of fields of wheat and grains for harvesting. It is also the site of Rachel’s burial place (Genesis 35:19).
- Moav – Elimelech escapes famine in Israel by bringing his family to Moav (Ruth 1:1). Here, his children marry Moavite women, most notably Ruth who becomes the mother of Jewish royalty