Judges and the land
Naomi's other Moabite daughter-in-law, who wept, kissed her goodbye and went home, as Naomi urged her to.
Quick read
Not typed · why →Naomi's other Moabite daughter-in-law, who wept, kissed her goodbye and went home, as Naomi urged her to.
“Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.”
Orpah was a Moabite woman who married Chilion, one of Naomi's sons. After ten years Naomi's husband and both sons had died, leaving three widows. When Naomi set out for Bethlehem, both daughters-in-law started down the road with her, and both said, No, we will return with you to your people.
Naomi urged them to go back to their mothers' houses and find new husbands, and prayed that the LORD would deal kindly with them. They wept aloud. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and went back, and Ruth clung to her. Scripture does not blame Orpah. She did what Naomi asked. Her choice is the quiet, sensible one that makes Ruth's look so remarkable.
Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
Beginning
She marries Naomi's son Chilion.
Low point
Her husband dies.
Turning point
We will return with you.
Ending
She goes back to her people.
Starts as a loving daughter-in-law. Ends as a widow who went home.
Only places Scripture records. Softer, dotted pins are traditional or uncertain sites. Tap a pin for the passage.
Scripture places her only in Moab.
Why there's no type here
Orpah says only one line in Scripture, too little to type her honestly.
Kindness to the dead and to Naomi (). Willing to go at first (). Honored Naomi's wish ().
She turned back to her people and her gods ().
Scripture does not say. Naomi prayed she would find rest in a husband's house ().
Scripture does not say.
Family
NaomiHer mother-in-law, who urged her to go home (Ruth 1:8-14).
RuthHer sister-in-law, who clung to Naomi when she turned back (Ruth 1:14).
Where this points to Christ
Orpah went back to her people and her gods (). Ruth crossed over and is named in the family line of Jesus (). Jesus still calls people to leave and follow him (), and he welcomes outsiders from every nation (), Moabites included.
Orpah made the sensible choice. When has following God felt less sensible than going home?
Where are you at a fork in the road right now?
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NextBoazThe PeacemakerThe good man who noticed the outsider and paid to bring her in.