Book of Ruth - Chapter 1 - Verse 4

This verse from the Book of Ruth in the Bible tells the story of two women, Orpah and Ruth, who married the sons of Naomi, a widow from Bethlehem. The women were Moabites, a neighboring tribe of Israel. The verse highlights their marriage and the fact that they lived in Moab for about ten years. This verse is significant as it sets the stage for the rest of the Book of Ruth, which follows the journey of Ruth and Naomi back to Bethlehem after the death of Naomi's husband and sons. It also sets up the contrast between Orpah, who eventually returns to her people, and Ruth, who remains loyal to Naomi and goes on to become a key figure in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

One common theme in theological interpretations of this verse is the significance of the names of the two women mentioned, Orpah and Ruth. The name Orpah means 'neck' or 'turn back', which is often seen as symbolic of her decision to return to her homeland after her husband's death, thus turning back from the path of faith. On the other hand, the name Ruth means 'friend' or 'companion', highlighting her loyalty and commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, and her willingness to stay with her despite the challenges they faced in Moab. This contrast between Orpah's decision to leave and Ruth's steadfastness emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the face of adversity.

Word studies of this verse often focus on the phrase 'took them wives', which in the original Hebrew can also be translated as 'married'. This raises questions about the cultural context of marriage in ancient times and the implications of intermarriage between the Israelites and the Moabites. Some scholars suggest that this act of marrying Moabite women may have been a sign of compromise with the surrounding pagan culture, leading to spiritual consequences for the Israelites. Others argue that the marriages of Orpah and Ruth to Mahlon and Chilion may have been seen as acts of compassion and kindness, highlighting the complex moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters in the narrative.