withdrew themselves from the needy who had counted upon their
help. They turned their faced to Moab. (37) There, on account of
their wealth and high descent, they were made officers in the army.
(38) Mahlon and Chilion, the sons of Elimelech, rose to still higher
distinction, they married the daughters of the Moabite king Eglon
(39) But this did not happen until after the death of Elimelech,
who was opposed to intermarriage with the heathen. (40) Neither
the wealth nor the family connections of the two men helped them
before God. First they sank into poverty, and, as they continued in
their sinful ways, God took their life. (41)

Naomi, their mother, resolved to return to her home. Her two
daughters-in-law were very dear to her on account of the love they
had borne her sons, a love strong even in death, for they refused to
marry again. (42) Yet she would not take them with her to
Palestine, because she foresaw contemptuous treatment in store for
them as Moabitish women. (43) Orpah was easily persuaded to
remain behind. She accompanied her mother-in-law a distance of
four miles, and then she took leave of her, shedding only four tears
as she bade her farewell. Subsequent events showed that she had
not been worthy of entering into the Jewish communion, for
scarcely had she separated from Naomi when she abandoned
herself to an immoral life. But with God nothing goes unrewarded.
For the four miles which Orpah travelled with Naomi, she was
recompensed by bringing forth four giants, Goliath and his three
brothers. (44)

Ruth's bearing and history were far different. She was determined
to become a Jewess, and her decision could not be shaken by what
Naomi, in compliance with the Jewish injunction, told her of the