4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years,
4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years,
4 The sons took Moabite wives; the name of the first was Orpah, the second Ruth. They lived there in Moab for the next ten years.
4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years.
4 The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 1:4
Commentary on Ruth 1:1-5
(Read Ruth 1:1-5)
Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.