Mahlon

Mahlon is one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, an Ephrathite family of Bethlehem-judah that emigrates to Moab. He is the first husband of Ruth, dies in Moab without an heir, and his name reenters the record when Boaz redeems his estate and marries his widow.

Son of Elimelech and Naomi

Mahlon is introduced in the family migration to Moab: "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 Bethlehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there" (Ruth 1:2).

Death in Moab

Both sons die in Moab, leaving Naomi a widow without children: "And Mahlon and Chilion died both of them; and the woman was left of her two children and of her husband" (Ruth 1:5).

Redemption of His Estate

When Boaz redeems Naomi's holdings at the gate, Mahlon's name appears in the public declaration: "And Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people, You⁺ are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi" (Ruth 4:9). Boaz then names Ruth as Mahlon's widow and announces the levirate purpose of the marriage: "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance, that the name of the dead will not be cut off from among his brothers, and from the gate of his place: you⁺ are witnesses this day" (Ruth 4:10). The redemption preserves Mahlon's name on his inheritance.