Elimelech and Naomi
Left Bethlehem to go and see
If there was bread in Moab’s land
From hunger they could hardly stand
Elimelech, alas, then died
The lads both took a Moab bride
But death was near and both sons fell
Naomi’s grief was deep as hell
To Bethlehem two widows came
In poverty and mourning shame
Naomi’s heart was full of grief
Her sadness knew of no relief
To Boaz’ field Ruth came to glean
And found a haven where no mean
Nor violent-hearted predator
Defied her noble comforter
Under the shadow of your wing
Let me find peace, your praise I’ll sing
To you I will stretch out my hand
Oh grant me life and let me stand
Come feel my pulse and make it race
Come fold me in your warm embrace
Provide for me relief from harm
And let me pour out all my charm
Then Boaz blessed the Lord and said
Rest here, dear Ruth, and make your bed
Before the sun has set this day
You will be mine and this I pray
No longer will you be my guest
I'll hold you to my lonely breast
The Most High God will be our praise
My home, my heart are yours always
Ruth stayed and lay down at his feet
And in the dawn he rushed to meet
The elders at the city gate
To clinch the deal and celebrate
In Bethl'em scandal to deter
A kinsman's sandal would transfer
To Boaz every legal right
To rectify the widow's plight
And Moab's daughter firm and loyal
From Boaz reaped a harvest royal
Their son was Obed, Jesse's Dad
And David, Jesse's youngest lad
On Israel's throne there sat no king
And every man did his own thing
No justice and no rule of law
No respite for the hungry poor
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