Mahlon and Chilion

Mahlon (Hebrew: מַחְלוֹן Maḥlōn) and Chilion or Kilion (כִּלְיוֹן Ḵilyōn) were two brothers mentioned in the Book of Ruth.

She tests her daughters-in-law, advising them to return to their respective mother's household, in drastic violation of Jewish Law, and which would likely mean readoption of Moabite culture including idol worship.

While Orpah returns and leaves Judaism, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, thus proving her conversion valid.

The nearest relative declines, however, giving the rights to the levite marriage to Boaz, who marries Ruth.

Mahlon means "sickness" and Chilion "wasting", which, as is the common theme throughout the scroll, aligns closely with the characters' roles in the relevant events.

Death of Elimelech and his two sons