פּירוש אויף רות 1:5

“The two of them also died” [1:5]. This means that both Machlon and Chilion also died and their wives and their father’s wife remained. One can ask, why does it say “the two of them also”? This means that the word “also” is superfluous. However, this teaches us that their camels, horses, and donkeys died first. Therefore, it tells us that they also died, just like their animals. Our sages say that God, blessed be He, is compassionate. He does not punish a person immediately with his life, but first punishes him through his money and clothing. Afterwards, with his field, that he has to sell it. If he reflects on it [and repents], it is good. If not, he is punished in that he must sell his house. If he does not reflect on it, he must sell himself, and not that he will sell himself to a Jew, but to a gentile, heaven forbid. God is compassionate and gladly wants that the person should reflect and punishes him slowly. God gives the person a warning that he should reflect.²⁴Ruth Rabbah, 2.10; Yalkut Shimoni, Ruth, Remez 601.

Some sages say that Scripture shows that “and they died” means that she was pregnant with a child and even that child was miscarried. “I went away full and the Lord has brought me back empty” [1:21]. This means, I went full and returned empty.²⁵Ruth Rabbah, 3.7; Yalkut Shimoni, Ruth, Remez 601.

Some ask, who does Scripture say “va-yamutu” with a vav after the mem? However, it wants to show us that when someone dies and leaves no children, like Machlon and Chilion, this is a true death and a great and complete death. That is why “va-yamutu” is written with a superfluous vav. It shows that the sons therefore died from the world that was created in six days. Therefore, they did not want to give charity, which is distributed in six forms. The first is a commandment to give charity to a gentile. The next one is better, to a Jew, even if he lives in another city. The third is better, to give to a pauper who lives in his city rather than a Jewish stranger from another city. The fourth is better, to give his friends and relatives rather than strangers. The fifth is better, to give his children before other relatives, as Scripture says, “Happy are those who act justly, who do right at all times” [Psalms, 106:3]. This means, he who acts justly and is charitable at all times. Where is it possible to be charitable all the time? He means, whoever feeds his sons and daughters when they are small, he is charitable all the time. The sixth, he who feeds his father and mother, this is the true charity and highest attribute, since he fulfills two commandments at one time, that is, the commandment of charity and the commandment of honoring father and mother. The one who gives charity is blessed with six blessings. This also shows the superfluous vav of va-yamutu.

Both. What is the meaning of “also” גַם? First they were struck by financial loss and their camels and their cattle died; afterwards they “also” died.¹²When God punishes man He first deprives him of his property, and if he does not repent, God smites him in person. Alternatively, “also” indicates that their death was punishment “also” for having remained outside of Eretz Yisroel.