If they were hanging around expecting a blessing, when “Mahlon and Chilion died also,” they had to decide if they wanted to put their faith in the Creator of the Universe to one day redeem their souls. Or if they wanted to keep trusting in material benefits on Earth.
Even really strong, faithful people aren't always blessed with things on Earth. We must always remember that blessings are never related to one's devotion to God. They weren’t even always related in Old Testament times. Hannah, for instance, had incredible faith, and feared God (that is, held Him in awe and reverence in obeying Him). Yet, she was constantly burdened by her lack of children, till her prayers were answered and she gave birth to Samuel. Job, likewise, had plenty, but then it was all taken away.
The beauty of a real relationship with Christ is, He can get us through tough times with incredible peace and comfort when we turn to Him. It's just like Orpah and Ruth could trust in God’s promise and His pledge of a Redeemer, if they chose. Anyone can enjoy the fruits of their faith when times are good. It's when times are tough that they must decide where their faith is.
This is the incredible danger of “health and wealth” preachers. The only riches we are promised as Christians are eternal ones. Jesus Christ has a different plan for each of us. People must be won to Him becuase they want their sins forgiven, so they can be redeemed from Hell. People can't truly be won to Him if all they are looking for is material gain.
The fact Elimelech and Naomi only had two sons before they left Israel doesn't tell us much, as noted. Orpah and Ruth's lack of children may have been the hand of God, withholding children as a test of their faith, or preventing children being born to these men unequally yoked. But, we aren't told this, so we can only guess.
The only thing certain is this: When their husbands died - both of them, the Bible says, emphasizing the loss - Naomi was left alone. She'd lost her husband and sons. And, the faith of these ladies was sorely tested – including Naomi’s.
Missionaries face enormous tests of faith on the mission field. So do those who remain behind to support them. Each of us has a duty to react in a way that will draw people toward God. We are often the only example of Jesus Christ they'll ever see. We are the ones who will help them decide whether to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior or not.
