Verse 14:[1] And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah (Ecclus. 12:9[2]) kissed her mother in law; but Ruth (Prov. 17:17; 18:24) clave unto her.
[Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, וַתִּשַּׁ֤ק עָרְפָּה֙ לַחֲמוֹתָ֔הּ] And Orpah gave a kiss to her mother-in-law (Montanus). And she kissed to her mother-in-law, understanding, the hand, or the mouth (Piscator). She kissed her mother-in-law (Pagnine, Septuagint, Junius and Tremellius). Understanding, and she returned (Vatablus), or, she departed (Junius and Tremellius). With a kiss given, she bid her farewell; as in Genesis 31:28; 1 Kings 19:20 (Drusius). Because she had been moved, not by Religion, but by humanity, to follow her mother-in-law (Junius).
Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, that is, departed from with a kiss, as the manner was, Genesis 31:28; 1 Kings 19:20.
[Ruth clave to her mother-in-law[3]] Most firmly, like those things that are joined glutine, with glue: for it is דָּבַק, adglutinari, to be joined with glue, and it signifies the closest possible bond, which sort is between a husband and wife, Genesis 2:24;[4] Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31 (Drusius). That is, she accompanied her, and did not withdraw from her (Vatablus).
[1] Hebrew: וַתִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔ן וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה ע֑וֹד וַתִּשַּׁ֤ק עָרְפָּה֙ לַחֲמוֹתָ֔הּ וְר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽהּ׃
[2] Ecclesiasticus 12:9: “In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversity even a friend will depart.”
[3] Hebrew: וְר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽהּ׃.
[4] Genesis 2:24: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave (וְדָבַק) unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: '"Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."—Ruth 1:14
Both of them had an affection for Naomi, and therefore set out with her upon her return to the land of Judah. But the hour of test came; Naomi most unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them, and bade them if they cared for ease and comfort to return to their Moabitish friends. At first both of them declared that they would cast in their lot with the Lord's people; but upon still further consideration Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother in law, and her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous…
Matthew Henry: 'Orpah was easily persuaded to yield to her own corrupt inclination, and to go back to her country, her kindred, and her father's house, now when she stood fair for an effectual call from it. They both lifted up their voice and wept again (Ruth 1:14), being much affected with the tender things that Naomi had said. But it had a different effect upon them: to Orpah it was a savour of death unto death; the representation Naomi had made of the inconveniences they must count upon if they went forward to Canaan sent her back to the country of Moab, and served her as an excuse for her apostasy; but, on the contrary, it strengthened Ruth's resolution…