4. Took them wives. It was probably after the death of their father that Mahlon and Chilion married. This was not entirely in their own interest alone, for the wives would be of real help to Naomi; also, sons born to them would perpetuate the deceased father’s name.
Orpah. Some think that the name Orpah means “stubborn.” Others suggest that it comes from ‘ephrah, “fawn,” or “hind.” This interpretation requires transposing letters. The cognate Arabic root means “ornamented richly with hair.”
Ruth. As to the meaning of this name, see 423. The name does not appear elsewhere in the