And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
The sons married Moabite women, one was named Orpah and the other Ruth. They lived there for about ten years.
This verse tells us that Naomi's two sons married local women from Moab and settled there for a decade.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Ruth, set during the time of the Judges in ancient Israel, a severe famine in Bethlehem prompted Elimelech and his family to seek refuge in the neighboring land of Moab. There, his sons Mahlon and Chilion married local Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth, which was noteworthy because Moabites were often viewed as outsiders or even enemies by the Israelites due to historical conflicts. This marriage decision highlights the cultural tensions and sets up the narrative of loyalty and divine providence that unfolds in the story.
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