Orpah

Moabite wife of Kilion (son of Naomi and Elimilech) (Ruth 4:10). Though though between leaving her mother-in-law or going back to her people after her husband's death, she finally decided to return to her people (Ruth 1:14). Ruth, on the other hand, "clung to" Naomi. While Ruth ended up gloriously in the annals of the people of God for her faithfulness and loyalty to Naomi, Orpah should not be derided, for she too had been faithful; had she not obeyed her mother-in-law and her counsel? With her return to her people her place in the story of the people of God is ended, and we know nothing of what became of her.

Open Family Tree ☰ (Generation 9)

CONCORDANCE (NIV)

Orpah is mentioned twice in the book of Ruth:

Ruth 1:4 — [Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.] They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, [both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.]

Ruth 1:14 — [Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me--even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord's hand has gone out against me!"] At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye, but Ruth clung to her.