Ruth 1:3-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ruth 1:1-5

The first words give all the date we have of this story. It was in the days when the judges ruled (Ruth 1:1), not in those disorderly times when there was no king in Israel; but under which of the judges these things happened we are not told, and the conjectures of the learned are very uncertain. It must have been towards the beginning of the judges? time, for Boaz, who married Ruth, was born of Rahab, who received the spies in Joshua's time. Some think it was in the days of Ehud, others of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 1:3

And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died ,.... According to Josephus F24 Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 5. c. 9. sect. 1.) , after he had dwelt in the land ten years, and had married his two sons to Moabitish women; but, as Alshech observes, the text shows that while he was living they were not married to them, but after his death; and it is said of them only that they dwelt there about ten years; so that it is most probable that their father died quickly after he came into the land of Moab: and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 1:4

And they took them wives of the women of Moab ,.... Not before they were proselyted to the Jewish religion, as Aben Ezra thinks, and which seems plainly to be the case of Ruth; at least she was so afterwards, if not before; and also of Orpah, as the same writer concludes from 1:15 though others are of a different opinion, and some excuse their marriage, and others condemn it as unlawful, among whom is the Targumist, who paraphrases the words,"and they transgressed the decree of the Word of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 1:5

And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them ,.... As well as their father, in the land of Moab, after they had lived with their wives in it about ten years; the Targum is,"because they transgressed the decree of the Word of the Lord, and joined in affinity with strange people, their days were cut off;'or shortened: and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband ; deprived both of her husband and her sons, which was a great affliction, aggravated by her being in a strange... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 1:3

Elimelech - died - Probably a short time after his arrival in Moab. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 1:4

And they took them wives - The Targum very properly observes, that they transgressed the decree of the word of the Lord, and took to themselves strange women. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 1:5

And Mahlon and Chilion 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. It is very likely that there is more here than conjecture. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 1:1-5

The emigrants and their trials. We are introduced to the Hebrew family into which the Moabitess Ruth was married. I. THE BEAUTIFUL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NAMES of both the Hebrew parents. II. THE WOLF OF HUNGER HAD COME PROWLING TO THE HEBREWS ' DOOR . In those conditions of society in which there is little commerce to unite people to people, or when a city is in a state of siege, the consequences of famine are inexpressibly sad and harrowing.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 1:3

And Elimelech Naomi's husband died. Apparently soon after the settlement of the family. No details, however, are given, as, on the one hand, no blame is attached to the conduct of Elimelech, and as, on the other, the line of biographical interest runs in another direction. And she was left, and her two sons. Not only was the mother her husband's relict ; they were all left behind . He had gone somewhither in advance, and they "remained." So the word is frequently rendered. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 1:3

Widowhood. In the country of Moab Elimelech and his family found a home. A period of repose seems to have been granted them. They learned to reconcile themselves to new scenes and associations. But life is full of vicissitude. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow." O, to live as those whose treasure and whose heart are above! "Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left." A brief, pathetic record! I. The widow's SORROW . The observation of all, the experience of some hearers, may... read more

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