673. RTH 1:14. ORPAH AND RUTH CONTRASTED

Rth_1:14. Orpah and Ruth Contrasted

"And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her."’97Rth_1:14.

Sometimes a very small and apparently insignificant action, gives the most clear indication as to the true character of the individual. This was especially the case in reference to the two persons introduced in our text. For we shall find that the distinction here presented to us was kept up; and decided the character and destiny of both. But, not only shall we be instructed as to the real principles of both Orpah and Ruth, by considering the text, but we shall find that they are significant representatives of two great classes of persons in our world.

We have a large number of persons who possess the spirit of both; and therefore it is to this extended mode of applying the text, that we shall especially invite your attention.

Observe,

I. The narrative which precedes the incidents of the text.

II. The circumstances as therein stated.

III. The subsequent history of both.

I. The narrative which precedes the incidents of the text.

Observe, one of the leading characters in this history was Naomi, the widow of Elimelech. She was now returning to Bethlehem, in her native land. Not only had she been bereaved of her husband, but also of her two sons, who had been the husbands of Orpah and Ruth.

On her resolving to return to her native land, she affectionately stated this to her daughters-in-law; Rth_1:6 : and commenced her journey; Rth_1:7. They accompanied her, however, a portion of her way back towards the land of Judah. At length the time of separation arrived, when she thus urged on her two companions to return. "And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother’s house; the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with me," &c.; Rth_1:8. Doubtless, there was much heartfelt affection existing between them; and, hence it is written: "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her."

Such, then, is the introductory narrative to the text.

Notice, then,

II. The circumstances as therein stated.

And here observe.

1. The conduct of Orpah.

"She kissed her mother-in-law." We have no reason to doubt her high esteem, and sincere love for her. It is equally evident, that her disposition was kind, and her spirit amiable. She was not indifferent to her mother-in-law’s interest’97not unconcerned about her journey. She wept at their separation. She showed a most commendable degree both of attention and courtesy; and her parting greeting was, doubtless, warm and sincere; but she preferred her own idolatrous land; see Rth_1:15. She kissed Naomi, and then separated finally from her. It is clear also, that she hastened back, not waiting for Ruth to accompany her. She left Ruth in fond affection, cleaving to Naomi. She esteemed and loved Naomi; but she preferred "her own people, and her gods," Rth_1:15.

And here Orpah must be considered the type of that large class, who are distinguished’97

For many moral qualities.

For much that is courteous and kind.

For reverence for divine things.

For a certain amount of love for the church of Christ, and the society of his people,

For attendance on ordinances, &c.

For the support and patronage of religious and benevolent institutions, which they display.

But yet, who never come out of the world,’97never give up the sinful idols of the heart,’97never forsake the region of rebellion and unbelief; and while they go far in company with the pious, and give the kiss of esteem and courteous respect’97never become the decided adherents of the cross, or pilgrims to the better land.

Notice,

2. The opposite course pursued by Ruth. "She clave unto her." She held fast by

Naomi’97could not leave her,’97resisted all her entreaties to do so. Affirmed her resolve in the most powerful terms. "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest I will go," &c.; Rth_1:16. She so earnestly importuned, that Naomi was constrained to allow her to accompany her; and so they went on together, till they came to Bethlehem; Rth_1:19.

Now, just observe, Ruth forsook her country’97her home, and her friends. She did so most piously: for there can be no doubt, that so much was expressed when she said’97"Thy God shall be my God." She preferred her worshippers to her own country’s idolaters, for she said, "Thy people shall be my people." She acted evidently by faith; for there appeared nothing to tempt or allure her. Her mother-in-law was a poor widow, yet she clave to her, and returned with her to the land of God’s people.

In this, Ruth was a type of all who are led by divine grace’97

To abandon the service of sin.

To forsake the world for the church.

To give their hearts and lives to God.

To set out with holy decision and ardor, towards the better land.

And who persevere, however great the sacrifices, in the course they have chosen. Such did Ruth; so do all true penitent believers.

Now notice,

III. The subsequent history of both.

And observe,

1. As to Orpah.

Of her, sacred history is silent. Doubtless, she lived and died in her own country, and among her own people. Lived and died in the service of idols. Her mind unimproved,’97her condition unchanged.

Then turn we,

2. To Ruth.

Her career was most eventful. She was evidently the subject of providential direction and care. She became the object of respect and esteem among the people to whom she came. She became the wife of Boaz’97an illustrious servant of God. She was the mother of Obed, the grandfather of king David; and thus became distinguished, by raising seed, from whom sprang the Messiah’97the world’s Redeemer.

Here, then, temporal rewards, substance and honor, and religious blessings, were granted to Ruth, who forsook the land of Moab, and clave unto Naomi. A true representation of the benefits of simple and sincere piety, "Godliness is profitable," &c. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. "Whoso loseth his life," &c.

In conclusion’97

1. Address, and warn those who cherish the spirit of Orpah.

2. Recommend the decision of Ruth.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS