Orpah’s Odyssey

The Other Sister’s Saga

Did Orpah behave that badly?! The Book of Ruth paints a glowing picture of the Moabite widow who sacrificed homeland, faith, and family to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi to Israel. Ruths choice paid off . In Israel, she remarried and eventually became the great-grandmother of the illustrious King David. But what happened to Naomis other widowed daughter-in-law, Orpah, who decided not to go to Israel? Mentioned briefly in the Book of Ruth, Orpah chose to return to her birth family, an accepted custom. Nevertheless, religious tradition has excoriated Orpah for her decision. She has been labeled a traitor and worse. Why? What difference could that one unexceptional young woman have made? Or was she more remarkable than she has been previously portrayed? What happened to Orpah after she parted from Naomi and Ruth? What if a recently unearthed ancient scroll revealed those mysteries? Hidden centuries ago to prevent the revelation of shocking truths, the scroll bears Orpahs account of the famous story narrated in the Book of Ruth and more. Specifi cally, it offers secrets which some would prefer remain buried. However, why not allow Orpah to tell her side and defend her name, actions, and reputation? Here she does just that, looking back on a long, eventful life filled with anguish and joy, adventure and intrigue, and interaction with Biblical characters who may not have behaved as correctly, or, in some cases, as incorrectly, as history would have us believe. Sometimes the choices people make are not for their own reasons, but because a higher power has plans for them other than the obvious. And Jonah was not the only reluctant Old Testament prophet, as you are about to discover.