The answer is: He died

Ruth 1:3

In the little book of Ruth, we see the story of Elimelech play out against a backdrop of hardship and personal loss. When a famine struck Judah, Elimelech decided to take his family across the border into Moab in search of food and better prospects. Unfortunately, in this foreign land, tragedy awaited him as he died—leaving behind his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.

What's intriguing about Moab is that it was often viewed suspiciously by the Israelites, as the Moabites descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew, yet they had a complex relationship with Israel. They helped Israel during their struggles but were also seen as immoral by some Jewish cultural standards. This layering of context adds depth to Naomi's rear guard. As a widow in a foreign land, Naomi faced considerable challenges, most poignantly, the loss of her guiding partner Elimelech.

Interestingly, Elimelech's decision to seek security away from Judah can spark discussions about faith and trust in times of challenge. The story of Ruth not only catalogs familial loyalty and love but also underscores resilience, showcasing how cost decisions allure both well and ill likely until the hand return. This narrative becomes a beautiful exploration of redemption into a sea of grief, ultimately leading Ruth to not just accept Naomi’s family but to actively be the change. So in a roundabout way, even in heartbreak, new beginnings may await just around the corner.