Orpah | The Woman Who Turned Back
Primary Scripture: Ruth 1:1–18 Introduction Speak His Word Only shares with you another Woman of the Bible—Orpah . Orpah was a Moabite woman who married Chilion , one of the sons of Naomi and Elimelech. Her name, Hebrew ʿOrpāh (עָרְפָּה) , is often associated with the back of the neck or the idea of turning the back , although the precise etymology is uncertain. Her story is especially memorable because she reached a critical crossroads: Orpah loved Naomi, but ultimately returned to Moab, while Ruth continued forward with Naomi toward Bethlehem. Orpah should not be portrayed as a cruel or heartless woman. Scripture shows that she wept, kissed Naomi, and initially intended to accompany her . Yet when Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return, Orpah made a different decision from Ruth. “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.” — Ruth 1:14, KJV One woman kissed Naomi goodbye. The other clave unto her. That moment...