Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth joined to her. I. WORLDLY RESPECTS ARE GREAT HINDRANCES IN THE COURSE OF GODLINESS. The world keepeth from the entertaining of the truth (Matthew 22:5); it hindereth in the receiving of it. II. AN UNSOUND HEART MAY FOR A TIME MAKE A FAIR SHOW IN THE WAY TO CANAAN, BUT YET TURN BACK AT THE LAST, as Orpah doth here. And this is by reason, first, of certain motions of religion, which maketh them in general to approve of the same; holding this, that it is a good thing to be religious, and that none can find fault with a man for that. Further, the working of the Word, moving the heart in some sort to entertain it. And, lastly, the desire of praise and good esteem with men: these will make hollow hearts to set on a while to heavenward, but shall not be able to enter. III. SUCH AS WANT SOUNDNESS TOWARDS GOD FOR RELIGION MAY YET HAVE OTHERWISE COMMENDABLE PARTS IN THEM. For Orpah is commended for a kind wife, as well as Ruth by Naomi, and for a kind daughter-in-law (ver. 8); and she showed good humanity in going on the way with her mother-in-law, yea, a good natural affection in weeping so at parting. (R. Bernhard.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. |
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