Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. And Mahlon and Chilion died] The Targum adds, And because they transgressed the decree of the word of the Lord, and joined affinity with strange people, therefore their days were cut off. It is very likely that there is more here than conjecture.
John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them , etc.] As well as their father, in the land of Moab, after they had lived with their wives
in it about ten years; the Targum is, “because they transgressed the decree of the Word of the Lord, and joined in affinity with strange people, their days were cut off;” or shortened: and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband ; deprived both of her husband and her sons, which was a great affliction, aggravated by her being in a strange country; many are the afflictions of the righteous.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of publi ordinances, thought they may think them well-principled, and arme against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appea that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted to the Jewish religion. Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mar all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer thos advantages which shall last for ever.
Original Hebrew וימותו4191 גם1571 שׁניהם8147 מחלון4248 וכליון3630 ותשׁאר7604 האשׁה802 משׁני8147 ילדיה3206 ומאישׁה׃376
