The first is to reject their production and use altogether, and that is
usually premised on the view you have described. It is a difficult
appraoch to live by, because I don't think any seriously tries to
practice the idea that every line in scripture is creedal an of equal
importance. Is believing that Elimelech belonged to the clan of Ephrath
reqally as crucial to our faith as believing that God so loved the world
that he sent his only Son? Of course not, and once you have accepted
that then you have already accepted that a summary of faith that says
less than the Bible might have value in guiding us as to the essentials.

Let me address the minutiae before the bigger argument. Years ago I would
have proferred the same argument about Elimelech and his clan, but have
come
to realise that its truth is essential to our understanding of faith, both
historically and in the present.

I asked myself the question: "Who would be interested in this boring
repetitive drivel?" The answer is: those who were concerned about their
tribal ancestry in Israel. Why was it important? Because of its place in
the
promise of God. To the descendants of Elimelech, this news was their link
into their heritage - into the promise of God. Today it serves to remind
us
of a different "book of life" in which our place in the promises of God is
recorded.

Now I could go on from a preaching perspective, and here are some of the
exegetical thoughts which undergird this truth:
The work of God and the promises of God have an impact on ordinary people.
That God deems the names of these insignificant people important enough to
be recorded in this way is a reminder to us that status in the eyes of God
is not so much related to the great deeds of faith that we perform, but
our
place in His heritage and promise.

And another area for exploration is the reminder that these are more than
just appellations. For the Hebrew, names spoke of character. They tell a
story. Ask yourself as a Hebrew parent what you would answer when asked by
your child "Who is Elimelech?" Surely it would be something along the
lines
of... I don't know what he achieved, except that he was part of God's
covenant people.

It is on the same level as "God so loved the world that he sent his only
so"
because it reminds us of why. That there is a heritage and promise which
God
continues to work towards weaving all of us into a part.