Ruth 1
1 Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there.
4 Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also.
6 Naomi, returning homeward,
8 dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her.
14 Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her.
19 They two come to Beth-lehem, where they are gladly received.
judges <08199> [the judges.]
judges <08199> [ruled. Heb. judged. a famine.]
Bethlehem <01035> [Beth-lehem-judah.]
Elimelech <0458> [Elimelech.]
The Rabbins say, that Elimelech was the son of Salmon, who married Rahab; and that Naomi was his niece.
Naomi <05281> [Naomi.]
Mahlon <04248> [Mahlon.]
It is imagined, and not without probability, that Mahlon and Chilion are the same with Joash and Saraph, mentioned in 1 Ch 4:22.
Ephrath <0673> [Ephrathites.]
[continued. Heb. were.]
left <07604> [and she was.]
So .... married <05375> [they took.]
The Targum says, "they transgressed the decree of the word of the Lord, and took to them strange women."
women <0802> [wives.]
Ruth <07327> [Ruth.]
Mahlon <04248> [A.M. 2696. B.C. 1308. An. Ex. Is. 183. Mahlon.]
Naomi's ........ died <04191> [died.]
The Targum adds, "And because they transgressed the decree of the word of the Lord, and joined affinity with strange people, therefore their days were cut off."
woman <0802> [and the woman.]
shown concern <06485> [visited.]
providing <05414> [in giving.]
leave <03318> [she went.]
<03212> [they went.]
<03212> [Go.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
deceased husbands <04191> [the dead.]
security <04496> [rest.]
kissed <05401> [she kissed.]
return <07725> [Surely.]
sons <01121> [are there.]
This alludes to the custom that when a married brother died, without leaving posterity, his brother should take his widow; and the children of such marriages were accounted those of the deceased brother. This address of Naomi to her daughter-in-law is exceedingly tender, persuasive, and affecting.
<0582> [that they.]
old <02204> [too old.]
married <0376> [I should have. or, I were with.]
wait <07663> [tarry. Heb. hope. it grieveth me much. Heb. I have much bitterness. the hand.]
Orpah <06204> [Orpah.]
Ruth <07327> [but Ruth.]
The LXX. add, [kai epestrepsen eis ton laon autes,] "and returned to her own people." The Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic are to the same purpose. It seems a very natural addition, and agrees with the assertion in the next verse; and is accordingly adopted by Houbigant as a part of the text.
returning ............ back <07725> [gone back.]
god <0430> [and unto.]
They were probably both idolaters at this time. That they were proselytes is an unfounded conjecture; and the conversion of Ruth now only commenced.
god <0430> [her gods.]
returning ............ back <07725> [return.]
Ruth <07327> [Ruth.]
A more perfect surrender of friendly feelings to a friend was never made. This was a most extraordinary and disinterested attachment.
urging .... abandon <06293 05800> [Intreat me not. or, Be not against me. to leave.]
<03212> [whither.]
people ..... people <05971> [thy people.]
God ..... God <0430> [thy God.]
Lord <03068> [the lord.]
death <04194> [but death.]
realized <07200> [When.]
determined <0553> [was stedfastly minded. Heb. strengthened herself.]
village <05892> [all the city.]
From this it would appear that Naomi was not only well known, but also highly respected at Beth-lehem: a proof that Elimelech was of high consideration at that place.
Naomi <05281> [Is this Naomi?]
Naomi <05281> [Naomi. that is, Pleasant. Mara. that is, Bitter. the]
Almighty.
very <03966> [dealt.]
Lord ................. Lord ....... Sovereign One <03068 07706> [and the.]
Lord ................. Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
beginning <08462> [in the beginning.]
At the beginning of Spring; for the barley harvest began immediately after the passover, and that festival was held on the 15th of Nisan, corresponding nearly with our March.
