Ruth 1:14

“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again, etc.] Not being able to bear the thought of parting, or that they must be obliged to it: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; gave her the parting kiss, as the Jews f19 call it; and which was used by other people f20; but not without affection to her, and took her leave of her, as her kiss testified, since it must be so; and being moved by her reasons, and having a greater inclination to her own country than Ruth had; of the kiss at parting, (see <013128>Genesis 31:28 <111920> 1 Kings 19:20) but Ruth clave unto her; hung about her, would not part from her, but cleaved unto her in body and mind; forsaking her own people, and her father’s house;…”

“The kiss at parting as well as at meeting is the customary friendly and respectful salutation in the East. The difference between mere kindness of manner and self-sacrificing love is most vividly depicted in the words and conduct of the two women. Ruth’s determination is stedfast to cast in her lot with the people of the Lord (compare the marginal references and Matthew 15:22-28). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Kissed - Departed from her with a kiss. Bade her farewell for ever. She loved Naomi, but she did not love her so well, as to quit her country for her sake. Thus many have a value for Christ, and yet come short of salvation by him, because they cannot find in their hearts, to forsake other things for him. They love him, and yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth 1:15”

“1:14 Ruth clung tightly to Naomi: The Hebrew verb used here emphasizes the strength of Ruth’s love for her mother-in-law; it is the same word used to describe a man being “joined to” his wife (Gen 2:24) and to describe a person staying faithful to the Lord (Deut 4:4; 10:20; Josh 22:5).”

“Orpah: Gen 31:28, Gen 31:55; Kg1 19:20; Mat 10:37, Mat 19:22; Mar 10:21, Mar 10:22; Ti2 4:10 but Ruth: The LXX add, και επεστρεψεν εις τον λαον αυτης, "and returned to her own people." The Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic are to the same purpose. It seems a very natural addition, and agrees with the assertion in the next verse; and is accordingly adopted by Houbigant as a part of the text. Deu 4:4, Deu 10:20; Pro 17:17, Pro 18:24; Isa 14:1; Zac 8:23; Mat 16:24; Joh 6:66-69; Act 17:34; Heb 10:39 Ruth 1:15”

“At these dissuasive words the daughters-in-law broke out into loud weeping again (תּשּׂנה with the א dropped for תּשּׂאנה, Rut 1:9), and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, and took leave of her to return to her mother's house; but Ruth clung to her (דּבק as in Gen 2:24), forsaking her father and mother to go with Naomi into the land of Judah (vid., Rut 2:11). Ruth 1:15”