“Orpah Kissed … Ruth Clave” - 1/6/25

 

Ruth 1:14 records the sad departure of Orpah from her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. The KJV says, “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her.” Other versions substitute words like “abode,” “followed.” “held on,” “clung,” and “joined” in place of “clave.” 

 

Orpah kissed her dear mother-in-law and left to hopefully start again and have the family she could not have otherwise. Ruth, meanwhile, would cling to Naomi and go to a foreign city (Bethlehem) with no promise of anything but a life of poverty as a widow. If we had no other knowledge about these three women than what is provided in Ruth 1:1-14, which one, Ruth or Orpah, made the wise decision? Put out of your mind the events of chapters 2-4 (for they did not have this knowledge), and imagine what it might have been like as widows striking out on their own.

 

In this situation, Orpah submitted to the wishes of the older while Ruth did not (1:11-13). Orpah was freeing Naomi from a burden while Ruth, at this point, was adding a burden to her mother-in-law by her presence. What would you do if you were living at this time and could make the choice for Orpah or Ruth? (Remember, you are like them and do not know the future, ch. 2-4.)

 

Another family had a similar decision to make. They had to separate, but which direction would they go? Abram told Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left” (Gen. 13:8-9). Lot made his choice (Gen. 13:10). It was not a minor decision but one that affected the rest of his life.

 

Orpah and Ruth were at such a crossroads. What seemed advantageous for Orpah might not have been. We will not know, for we will never read about her again. What appeared to be a foolish decision for Ruth to continue as a widow in a foreign land turned out to be the best decision for her and was a blessing to Naomi.

 

While Orpah “kissed” and said goodbye in obedience to her mother-in-law’s wishes, Ruth “clave” (joined/followed) Naomi in disobedience, and that made all the difference. Determining which decision was the best would not be known for some time to come in their lives. Ruth 1:14 reminds us of the blessing of making decisions based on our trust in God’s loving providence.  Subsequent events prove that is how Ruth lived and made her decisions.  Ruth did not know what her future held, but she knew who held her future.

 

Isn’t this the way it is with our lives today? We do not always know the “best” decisions, but we try to make the best choices based on our experience. Christians must remember that our decisions must be made “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Col. 3:17). We focus on Who it is that loves us and directs us, and we strive to follow Him, trusting in His providence. When I read Ruth 1:14, Jeremiah 10:23 also comes to mind. Jeremiah said, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Is this not still true for us today? It is not up to us to direct our steps. Our decisions must be based on what pleases God (Matt. 6:33; Jas. 4:15).

 

- Jarrod M. Jacobs