and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. 13 Then she said, Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken † friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be a not like unto one of thine handmaidens. 14 And Boaz said unto her, At meal-time come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. b 15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: 16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. 17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 And she took it up, and went into the city; and her motherin-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved, after she was sufficed. 19 And her motherin-law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to-day? and where wroughtest thou? 'blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. 3. Ruth received his favors with great humility and gratitude, and conducted herself with as much propriety in her place, as he in his, little field she was now gleaning in. (1.) She paid thinking she should shortly be the mistress of the all possible respect to him, according to the usage of the country, r. 10. Note, Good breeding is a great ornament to religion; and we must rende honor to whom honor is due. (2.) She humbly owned herself unworthy of his favors; I am a strangr, (v. 10.) and not like one of thy handmaidens; (v. 13.) not so well dressed, nor so well taught: not so neat, nor so handy. Note, It well becoines us all to think meanly of ourselves, and to notice that in ourselves, which is diminishing, esteeming others better than ourselves. (3.) She gratefully acknowledged his kindness to her; though no great expense to him, nor much more than what he was obliged to by the divine law, yet she magnifies and admires it, . 10. (4.) She begs the continuance of his good-will, v. 13. and owns that what he had said, had been a cordial to her. Those that are great, and in high places, know not how much good they may do to their inferiors with a kind look, or by speaking friendly to them; and so sinall an expense, one would think, they should not grudge, when it shall be put upon the score of their charity. (5.) When Boaz gave her her dinner with his reapers, she did not, under pretence either of her want, or of her labor, eat more than was convenient, and so unfit her for work in the afternoon, but only so much as would suffice, leaving the rest, and rising up immediately to glean, v. 14, 15. Temperance is a friend to industry; and we taust eat and drink to strengthen us for business, not to indispose us to it. [See on Jude, r. 12.] V. 17-23. Here, I. Ruth finishes her day's work, v. 17. 1. She took care not to lose time, for she gleaned until even. We must not be weary of well-doing, because in due season we shall reap. She scarcely used, much less abused the kindness of Boaz, he ordered his servants to leave handfuls for her, but she still gleaned the scattered ears. 2. She took care not to lose what she had gathered, Prov. 12: 27. She had gathered it ear by ear, but altogether, it was an ephah, about four pecks. It is an encouragement to industry, that in all labor, even that of gleaning, there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. She, herself, carried her corn into the city, though, had she asked them, it is likely some of Boaz's servants would have done that for her. We should study to be as little as possible troublesome to those that are kind to us. II. She paid her respects to her mother-in-law; went straight home to her, and did not go to converse with Boaz's servants; showed her what she had gleaned, that she might see she had not been idle. Thus, having showed industry abroad, she showed 2. She gave her an account of her day's work, and how a kind Providence had favored her in it, which made it very comfortable to her; for the gleanings that a righteous man hath, are better than the harvests of many wicked, Ps. 37: 16. (1.) Naomi asked her where she had gleaned. Note, Parents should inquire into the ways of their children, how, where, and in what company they spend their time. This may prevent many extravagances which children, left to themselves, run into, by which they bring both themselves and their parents to shame. If not our brethren's, surely we are our children's keepers: and we know what a son Adonijah proved, that never had been chidden. Parents should examine their children, not to frighten or discourage them, so as to make them hate home, or tempt them to tell a lie, but to commend them if they have done well, and with mildness to reprove and caution them if they have done otherwise. It is a good question for us to ask ourselves in the close of every day, Where have I gleaned to-day? What improvements have I made in knowledge and grace? What have I done or gotten, that will turn to a good account?' · (2.) Ruth gave her a particular account of the kindness of Boaz, (v. 19.) and her hopes of further kindness from him, r. 21. Note, Children should consider themselves accountable to their parents, and to those that are over them, and not think it a disparagement to be examined. Ruth told her mother what kindness Boaz had showed her, that she night take occasion to acknowledge it, and return him thanks; but she did not tell her how Boaz had commended her, v. 11. Humility teaches us, not only not to praise ourselves, but not to be forward to publish others' praises of us. (3.) Hereupon, [1.] Naomi prayed heartily for her daughter's benefactor, even before she knew who it was, (v. 19.) shooting the arrow of prayer at a venture. But more particularly, when she was told who it was, r. 20. Note, The poor must pray for those that are kind and liberal to them, and thus requite them, when not capable of any other requital. Let the loins of the poor bless those that refresh them. And He that hears the cries of the poor against their oppressors, (Ex. 22: 27.) it may be hoped, will hear the prayers of the poor for their benefactors. She now remembered the former kindnesses Boaz had showed her husband and sons, and joins those to this; he has not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. [2.] She acquainted Ruth with their family relation to Boaz. It should seem she had been so long in Moab, she had forgotten her kindred in Israel, till by this providence God brought it to her mind. At least, she had not encouraged Ruth 2 1:16. Pe. 17:8. 36:7. 57:1. 61:4. 1. She entertained her with what she had left az. (M. R.) The Midrasch,' (an ancient Jewish book,) 'makes these words, "Come thou hither," to signify as much as Come to thy kingdom; and the morsel dipt in vinegar, to denote the reproaches and torments of the Messiah. Which is an argument, that they expect ed such a King as should be exposed to such sufferings, as our blessed Savior endured; who saith in the Psalmist, "They gave me vinegar to drink." Patrick. The interpretation is indeed most absurd; yet it is remarkable as tending to prove that point. SCOTT. Vinegar.] The Hebrews had two kinds of vinegar: the one, a weak [red] wine, used for common drink in the harvest field, as the Spaniards, Italians [&c.] do still; the other, a sharp acid like ours.' HORNE.Not simple vinegar, but vinegar mingled with a small por. tion of oil.' HEWLETT. A drink made from pure wine and sikera. JAHN.-Reapers.] 'I. e. the women who reaped.' PATRICK. Or, I find favor. Gen. 33:8,10,15. a 1 Sam, 23:41. Prov. 15:33. Phil. 2:3. e 1 Sam. 17:17. 25:18. 2 Sam. 17:28. Heb, shame her not. e Dent. 24:19-21. Ps. 112:9. Frov. 19:17. Matt. 25:40. Rom. 12:13. 2 Cor. 8:5-11. Philem. 7. Heb. 6:10. 1 John 3:17,18. f Prov.31:27. 2 Thes. 3:10. g Ex. 16:36. Ea 45:11,12. h 14. John 6:12,13. 1 Tim. 5:4. i 10. Ps. 41:1. 2 Cor. 9:13-15. k 1 Kings 7:21. 20 And Naomi said unto her daughter-inlaw, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. 21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto ine also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. 22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter-in-law, 'It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. 23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley-harvest and of wheat-harvest; and dwelt with her motherin-law. CHAP. III. By Naomi's instruction Ruth lies down in the night at the feet of Boar, 1-7. He acknowledges that he owes the duty of a kinsmau, but shows that another has a prior claim, 8-13. He sends her away in the morning with ax measures of Larley, and ale con fers with Naomi, 11–18. THEN Naomi her ness. with it; so unlike was humble Naomi to many, did, 1. In justice to the dead, to preserve the fam- t [3.] She appointed Ruth to continue her attendance in the fields of Boaz, (v. 22.) Let them not meet thee in any other field, for that will be construed a contempt of his courtesy.' Has the Lord dealt bountifully with us? Let us not be found in any other field, nor seek for happiness and satisfaction in the creature. Tradesinen take it ill, if those that are in their books, go to another shop. We lose divine favors, if we slight them. Some think Naomi gave her daughter-in-law a tacit rebuke; (r. 21, 22.) but they are too critical: Ruth spake of the young men, because they II. The course she took, in order to her daughwere the principal laborers, and to them Boaz had ter's preferiment, was very extraordinary, and looks given directions concerning her; and Naomi takes suspicious. If there was any thing improper in it for granted, while she attended the young men,, it, the fault must lie on Naomi, who put her daughher society would be with the maidens, as was fit. ter upon it, and who knew, or should know, the Ruth dutifully obeyed. And when the harvest laws and usages of Israel better than Ruth. 1. was ended, (as Patrick expounds it,) she did not. It was true, Boaz, being near of kin to the degad abroad, but kept her aged mother company ceased, and (for aught that Naomi knew to the at home. Dinah went out to see the daughters contrary) the nearest of all now alive, was obliged of the land, and we know what disgrace her van- by the divine law to marry the widow of Mahlon, ity ended in; Ruth kept at home, and helped to who was the eldest son of Elimelech, and was maintain her mother, and went out on no other dead without issue, v. 2. 2. It was a convenient errand than to get provision for her; and we shall time to remind him of it, now that he had got so find afterward what preferment her humility and much acquaintance with Ruth, by her constant atindustry ended in. Seest thou a man diligent in tendance on his reapers during harvest; and he also, by the kindness he had showed to Ruth in less matters, had encouraged Naomi to hope he would not be unkind, much less unjust, in this greater matter. And she thought it a good opportunity to apply to him, when he made a winnowing-feast at his threshing-floor, (v. 2.) completing the joy of the harvest, and treating his workmen like a kind master; as Nabal and Absalom at their sheep-shearing. 3. Naomi thought Ruth the most proper person to do it herself; and perhaps it was the usage in that country, that in this case the woman should make the demand, so much is intimated by the law, Deut. 25: 7-9. Naomi therefore orders her daughter-in-law to make herself neat, not fine; (v. 3.) Wash thyself and anoint, not paint thee; (as Jezebel;) put on thy raiment, but not the attire of the harlot, and go down to the floor,' whither, probably, she was invited to the supper there made; but she must not make herself known, i. e. not make her errand known, (she herself could not but be very well known among Boaz's reapers,) till the company was dispersed, and Boaz was retired. And, his business? Honor is before him. CHAP. III. V. 1-5. We found it very easy, in the former ch. to applaud the decency of Ruth's behavior, and to show what good use we may make of the account given us of it; but, in this ch. we shall have much ado to vindicate it from the immother-in-law said putation of indecency, and to save it from having unto her, My daugh- an ill use made of it; but the goodness of those ter, shall I not seek times was such, as saves what is recorded here rest for thee, that it from being [accounted] ill done; and yet the badness of these times is such, as that it will not may be well with justify any now in doing the like. thee? Tim. 1:16-19. 3:10. 2 Sam. 2:5. Job 29:12,13, 2 m 2 Sam. 9:1. Prov. 17:17. Phil. 4:10. Or, one that hath a right to redeem. 3:9. 4:6. Lev. 25:25. Deut. 25.5 7. Job 19:25. n 7,8,22. o Frov. 27:10. Cant. 1:8. ↑ Or, fall not upon thee. p Prov. 6:6-8. 13:1. Eph. 6:1-3. I. Naomi's care for her daughter's comfort, is, V. 11-23. All persons should be careful what connections they form, and what places they frequent; but especially young woinen, both for conscience' and credit's sake.-In the path of duty is safety; and we should keep close to those employments and situations, in which the Lord has blessed us, without being desirous of change, or fearful of loss, or want of support.-A tender concern for each other's welfare, affectionate and edifying conversation, with true piety and contentinent, will render the lowest circumstances and the meanest fare comfortable.-But to accommodate this subject, ought not parents to ask their children what they have gleaned from the sermons which they have heard, the books which they have read, and the conversation they have joined in? May we not also ask ourselves the same question? He that would increase in wisdoin must be always thus gleaning, and call himself frequently to account respecting it; determining, if possible, to get some profitable hint from every person and occurrence. And those, who thus daily collect knowledge from others, and keep close to the word and ordinances of God, will become thoroughly furnished for every good work.'-Finally, let us, in the kindness of Boaz to Ruth, contemplate the kindness of Jesus to poor sinners; to whose meanness He most freely condescends; on whom, though most unworthy, He liberally confers his benefits; and whom He neither upbraids Himself, nor suffers others to upbraid, with their former transgressions. SCOTT. CHAP. III. V. 1-6. The law, concerning a man's marrying his brother's widow when he died childless, was by custom extended, as it seems, to the other near relations, when there were no brethren: 3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and * uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. 2 And now is not on this occasion, she would have an easier access Boaz had supped with his workmen, and been a Boaz of our kindred, to him in private, than she could have at his own while pleasant with them, he went to bed in due with whose maidens house. And thus far was well enough. But, 4. time, so early, that by midnight he had his first thou wast? behold, he Her coming to lie at his feet, when he was asleep sleep, (v. 8.) thus he would be fit for his business in his bed, had such an appearance of evil, was betimes next morning. Good husbands will keep winnoweth barley to- such a dangerous approach towards it, and might good hours, and not indulge themselves or their night in the threshing- have been such occasion of it, that we know not families in unseasonable mirth. The Chaldee floor. well how to justify it. Many expositors think it paraphrase tells us, (v. 7.) his heart was good, unjustifiable, particularly the excellent Mr. Poole. (and so the Heb. is,) and he blessed the name of We must not do evil that good may come. All the Lord, who had heard his prayers, and taken agree it is not to be drawn into a precedent; away the famine from the land of Israel. So he neither our laws [our manners] nor our times are went sober to bed, his heart was in a good frame, the same that were then; yet I am willing to make and not overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenthe best of it. If Boaz was, as they presumed, ness. Nor did he go to bed without prayer; and the next kinsman, she was his wife before God, it was well, for he had an unusual temptation be(as we say,) and there needed but little ceremony fore him, though he knew it not. 4. He laid at the to complete the nuptials; and Naomi did not in- end of the heap of corn; that he might be near his tend that Ruth should approach to him any other-work, and ready for it next morning, and show wise than as his wife; she knew Boaz to be not that, like his father Jacob, he was a plain man, only an old man, (she would not have trusted to that, on occasion, could make his bed in a barn, that alone in venturing her daughter-in-law so near and, if need were, sleep contentedly in the straw. him,) but a grave, sober man, a virtuous and religious man, and one that feared God. She knew Ruth to be a modest woman, chaste, and a keeper at home. Naomi herself designed nothing but what was honest and honorable, and her charity (which believeth all things and hopeth all things) banished and forbade all suspicion, that either Boaz or Ruth would offer any thing but what was likewise honest and honorable. If what she advised, had been then as indecent and immodest (according to the usage of the country) as it seems now to us, we cannot think, that if Naomi had had so little virtue, (which yet we have no reason to suspect,) that she should have had so little wisdom, as to put her daughter upon it, since that alone might have marred the match, and have alienated the affections of so grave and good a man as Boaz from her. We must therefore think the thing did not look so ill then as it does now. Naomi referred her daughter-in-law to Boaz for further directions. When she had thus made her claim, Boaz, who was more learned in the laws, would tell her what she must do. 5 And she said unto her, All that thou say est unto me I will do. 6 And she went down unto the floor, 'and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. 9 And he said, Who c 2:20-23. Deut. 25:5,6. Heb. 2:11 14. d 2 Sam. 14:2. Ps. 104:15. Matt. 6: feet. 1 Thea. 5:22. 14. We may be sure, if Ruth had apprehended any evil in what her mother advised her to, she was a woman of too much virtue, and too much sense, to promise as she did, (v. 5.) All that thou sayest unto me I will do. Thus must the younger submit to the elder, and to their grave and prudent counsels, when they have nothing worth speaking of to object against it. V. 6-13. Here is, I. Boaz's good management of his common affairs; it is probable, according to the common usage, 1. When his servants winnowed, he was with them, to prevent, not their stealing, (he had no reason to fear that,) but their waste, through carelessness in winnow ing. Masters may sustain great losses by heedless though honest servants, which is a reason why men should be diligent to know the state of their own flocks, and look well to them. 2. When he Or, lift up the clothes that are on his had more than ordinary work to be done, he treatf Ex. 20:12. Prov. 1:8. John 2:5. 15: ed his servants with extraordinary entertainments, g Gen. 43:34. Judg. 16:25. 19:6.9.22. and, for their encouragement, did eat and drink with Sam. 13:28. Esth. 1:10. Ps. 104:15. them. It well becomes the rich and great, to be Ec. 2:24. 3: 12, 13. 1 Cor. 10:31. generous to, and also familiar with, those that Eph. 5:18,19. are under them, and employed for them. 3. When and it required the woman to do several things, widely different from modern usages. (Deut. 25: 5-10.) This law gave Ruth, now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz, as Naomi supposed; who either did not know of another nearer kinsman, or was aware that it would be in vain to apply to him. (Note, 4: 1-8.) It was customary for widows to assert this claim; and, considering Boaz's character and superiority of station, she supposed that this was best done in a private manner. When all allowances are made, perhaps neither party can be entirely exculpated. Though their plan was graciously rendered successful, it was not recorded for imitation in the present state of society; nor must it be judged of by modern customs and maxims. (M. R.) SCOTT. ↑ Or, took hold on. (2.) Behold, he winnoweth, &c.] 1. e. observe how God by his providence offers a fair opportunity of accomplishing thy desire by becoming better acquainted with Boaz.' Assemb. Ann.-Winnoweth.] Probably what was threshed out in the day was winnowed in the evening, when the sea-breeze, common in Palestine, set in.' Dr. A. CLARKE.-Threshing-floor.] In some elevated part of the field, but destitute of walls and covering, and indeed nothing more than a circular space 30 or 40 paces in diameter, where the ground had been levelled and beaten down.' [1 Sam. 23: 1.] JAHN.-The floors were not in an open field, but in barns where owners and laborers fasted in time of harvest, and afterwards laid down to rest.' As II. Ruth observed her mother's orders, went and laid her down, not by his side, but over-cross his feet, in her clothes, and kept awake, waiting for an opportunity to tell her errand. When he awaked in the night, and perceived there was somebody at his feet, and inquired who it was, she told him her name, and then her errand, (v. 9.) that she came to put herself under his protection, as the person appointed by the divine law to be her protector. Spread thy skirt over me, be See pleased to espouse me and my cause.' The good acceptance Ruth gained. What she did had no ill effect, so Naomi was not mistaken in her good opinion of her kinsman. He knew her demand was just and honorable, and treated her accordingly. Boaz knew it was not any sinful lust brought her thither, and therefore maintained both his own honor and hers. He did not put any ill construction on what she did, did not reproach her as impudent, and unfit to make an honest man a wife; she having approved herself well in the fields, and all her conduct having been modest and decent, he would not, from this instance, entertain the least suspicion of her character, or seem to do so; perhaps blaming himself that he had not offered the service of a kinsman to these distressed widows, and saved her this trouble, and ready to say as Judah concerning his daughter-in-law, She is more righteous than I. He says, (v. 10.) Thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end, than at the beginning, ch. 2: 11. in that she consulted not her own fancy, but her husband's family, in marrying again. She received not the addresses of young men (much less did she seek them) whether poor or rich, but was willing to marry as the law directed, though to an old man, because it was for the honor and interest of the family into which she had matched, and for which she had an entire kindness. Young people must aim, in disposing of themselves, not so much to please their own eye, as to please God and their parents. He promised her marriage, v. 11. Note, [1.] Exemplary virtue ought to have its due praise, (Phil. 4: 8.) and it will recommend both men and women to the esteem of the wisest and best. Poverty often obscures the lustre of virtue: yet Ruth's virtues, even in a mean condition, were generally semb. Ann. Patrick and Hewlett think, they were covered at top and closed by doors at night, though open on all sides by day: but no rain fell in harvest time in Palestine, and it is common now to sleep in the open air there. The sun,' observes Roberts, is so hot and pernicious, in the east, that many farmers plough and irrigate their fields and gardens long after it has set, or before it rises. The wind also is generally stronger in the night, which might induce Boaz to prefer it.' ED. (3.) Down to the floor.] Some place near it, where she might see what was done and not be observed.' PATRICK.-But Poole thinks she was, with Boaz's laborers, invited to the feast: hence he infers a reason why she should wash, anoint, and dress neatly, which, otherwise, there could be no object in her doing, as she was to go by night, when she could not be seen. Her not making herself known also, he understands to relate only to the business she was sent upon, which she was not to make known till after the feast. ID. Verse 7. Merry.] Or, 'good;' and it may mark his cheerfulness and thankfulness for the plenty the Lord had sent, after the famine. SCOTT. Verse 9. Spread... thy skirt.] This is supposed to have been a customary ceremony in contracting marriage, and implied the woman's being taken under the protection of her husband, and admitted to share aŭ art thou? and she an- taken notice of, and could not be hid; (v. 11.) man. 10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter; for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than 'at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst young men, whether poor or rich. not 11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. 12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit, "there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as P the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning. [2.] That if the other refused to do the kinsman's V. 14-18. We are here told, I. How Ruth was dismissed by Boaz. It had not been safe for her to go home in the dead of the night, therefore she lay at his feet (not by his side) until morning; but as soon as ever the day broke, that she had light to go home by, she got away, before one could know another, that if she were seen, yet she might not be known to be abroad so unseasonably. She was not shy of being known to be a gleaner in the field, nor ashamed of that mark of her poverty; but she would not willingly be known to be a night-walker, for her virtue was her greatest honor, and what she most valued. He made his promise conditional, and could 15 Also he said, bring the veil that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, The measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. 16 And when she Boaz dismissed her, 1. With a charge to keep counsel; ( 14.) not that they needed to care much what people said of them, while both were con 17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy motherin-law. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The word of God has pronounced marriage honorable in all;' and therefore those who choose to abide in a single state, should not condemn those, who prefer a married life. If they are imprudent, they will have trouble in the flesh: but their brethren should spare them,' and not censure what the divine law does not condemn. (1 Cor. 7: 25-29. 1 Tim. 5: 13-15.)-The more willing any one is, for conscience' sake, to renounce worldly interests, the greater care should others employ in promoting his advantage. But good intentions will not justify improper means; and it is well for us, that we have to do with a God of mercy, who takes better care of our interest, purity, credit, and peace, than we often do of our own and of each other's.-Parents should be very cautious what injunctions they lay upon their children; lest filial affection and deference should ensnare their consciences, and lead them into temptation: for the authority even of a parent will not justify a sinful action.-Few men have such command of their passions, and candor of mind, as to injure neither the virtue nor the reputation of females, who indiscreetly put themselves in their way: and yet to take advantage of a woman's affection and confidence, for her irreparable detriment, is much baser than defranding those who implicitly trust in us. They, however, who value either their chastity or their character, should flee from his comforts. (Ez. 16: 6-8.) It was therefore a direct claim upon Boaz to marry her; which she grounded on the law of God, and on his being the nearest relation of her deceased husband. SCOTT. 'Even to the present day, when a Jew marries a woman, he throws the skirt or end of his talith over her, to signify that he hath taken her under his protection.' Dr. A. CLARKE. Verses 10-13. rest, until he have finished the thing this day. such situations; in which they can be preserved only by the same Power, that preserved the young men in the fiery furnace.-All our plenty should be shared with the poor and industrious: and all our feasting should be so moderated, that it may neither unfit us for our ordinary employments, nor for the exercises of devotion. When, in such circumstances, men can retain the dominion over their passions, and conduct themselves with tenderness, prudence, piety, justice, and regard to the law of God, their wealth may be pronounced blessed, and their use of it honorable.-We must not, however, rest satisfied even with a clear conscience in the sight of God; but should endeavor to preserve a clear character, and to avoid whatever may occasion slander, or excite suspicion: (2 Cor. S: 20, 21. 1 Thes. 5: 22.) and we ought to be as tender of the reputation of others as of our own.-But without any impropriety, we poor polluted sinners may apply to Jesus Christ, to take us under his almighty care; and when we have applied to Him, He will not rest till He has accomplished our desires; while in the meantime He will communicate blessings to us and ours, in answer to our prayers: nor can we too earnestly desire and seek this same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also. (Matt. 11: 28-30.) SCOTT. and redeemer as it requireth. See ch. Verse 16. ID. [15] CHAP. IV. Boaz proposes to the kinsman, of whorn he had spoken, to redeem Elimelech's land, and to marry Rath which he declines to do, 1-8. Boaz buys the She bears Obed, the grandfather of David, 13-17. The genealogy from inheritance and marries Ruth, 9-12. Pharez to David, 18-22. с THEN went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one, turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. 3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land which was our brother Elimelech's: tile extraction, should be transmitted to posterity, and the singular providence that attended her. Ho, such a one, sit down here.' He called him by his name, no doubt, but the divine historian thought not fit to record it. scious of an unspotted purity, but because few could have come so near the fire as they did, and not be scorched. Had it been known, it would V. 1-8. Here, 1. Boaz calls a court immediatehave occasioned suspicions in some, and reflection ly. Probably he was himself one of the elders (or from others; good people would have been troubled, aldermen) perhaps the father of the city, for he and bad people would have triumphed, therefore seems here to have gone up to the gate, as one havlet it not be known. Note, We must always take ing authority, and not as a common person; like care, not only to keep a good conscience, but a Job, ch. 29: 7, &c. We cannot suppose him less good name: either we must not do that, which, than a magistrate. But why so hasty, why so fond though innocent, is liable to be misinterpreted, or of the match? Ruth was not rich, but lived on if we do, we must not let it be known. We must alms; not honorable, but a poor stranger; never avoid not only sin, but scandal. There was like- said to be beautiful; and if ever so, weeping, and wise a particular reason for concealment here; if travelling, and gleaning, had now withered this matter should take wind, it might prejudice her lilies and roses. It was, then, that all her the freedom of the other kinsman's choice, and he neighbors agreed she was a virtuous woman; this would make this his reason for refusing Ruth, set her price with him far above rubies. Therethat Boaz and she had been together. 2. He dis-fore, he thinks, if, by marrying her, he might do missed her with a good present of corn, which her a kindness, he should also do himself a greater; would be very acceptable to her poor mother at he will therefore bring it to a conclusion immedihome, and an evidence that he had not sent her ately. It was not court-day, but he got ten men away in dislike, which Naomi might have sus- of the elders of the city to meet him in the [open pected, had he sent her away empty. He gave place, by the] gate, where public business used to be it her in her reil, or apren, or mantle; gave it her transacted, r. 2. So many, it is probable, by the by measure; like a prudent corn master, he kept an custom of the city, made a full court. Boaz, though account of all he delivered out; it was six measures, a judge, would not be a judge in his own cause, i. e. six omers, as is supposed, ten of which made but desired the concurrence of other elders. Honan ephah; whatever the measure was, probably he est intentions dread not a public cognizance. 2. He summons his rival to come and hear the gave her as much as she could well carry, v. 15. II. How she was welcomed by her mother-in-matter that was to be proposed to him; (r. 1.) law. She asked her, Who art that, my daughter? A bride or no? Must I give thee joy?' So Ruth told her how the matter stood, r. 16, 17. Whereupon her mother, 1. Advised her to be satisfied in what was done; Sit still, my daughter, 4 And I thought to till thou know how the matter will fall, t. 18. How it is decreed in heaven, the Chaldee reads, for maradvertise thee, saying, riages are made there. She had done all that was f Buy it before the fit for her to do, and now must patiently wait the inhabitants, and before issue, and not be perplexed about it. Let us learn the elders of my peo- hence to cast our care on providence, to follow that, ple. If thou wilt re- and attend the motions of it, composing ourselves deem it, redeem it; but into an expectation of the event, with a resolution if thou wilt not redeem to acquiesce in it, whatever it be; sometimes that proves best done for us, that is least our own doit, then tell me, that I ing. 2. She assured ber that Boaz, having unmay know: for there dertaken this matter, would approve himself a is none to redeem it faithful, careful friend; He will not be at rest, till he beside thee; and I am have finished it. Though it was a busy time with after thee. And he him in the fields and the floor, yet having undersaid, I will redeem it. taken to serve his friend, he would not neglect the business. Much more reason have good Christians 5 Then said Boaz, to be careful for nothing, but cast their care on God, What day thou buyest because He has promised to care for them. Sit the field of the hand of still and see how the matter will fall, for the Lord Naomi, thou must buy will perfect that which concerns thee, and will make it also of Ruth the Mo- it to work for good to thee.' Ps. 37: 4, 5.-138: abitess, the wife of the 8. Your strength is to sit still, Isa. 30: 7. dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. a Deut. 16:18. 17:5. 21:19. 25:7. Job 29:7. 81:21. Am. 5:10-12,15. b 3:12. c Is. 55:1. Zech, 2:6. d Ex. 18:21,22. Deut. 29:10. 3. He proposes to this kinsman the redemp tion of Naomi's land, which, it is probable, had been mortgaged for money to buy bread during the famine; (r. 3.) Naomi has a parcel of land to sell, namely, the equity of the redemption of it out of the hands of the inortgagee, which she is willing to part with; or, as some think, it was her jointure for life, and wanting money, she would for a small matter sell her interest to the heir at law, who was the fittest to be a purchaser. This he gives the kinsman legal notice of, (v. 4.) that he might have the refusal of it. Boaz, though fond enough of the purchase, would not do so mean a thing, as to take a bargain over another's head; and we are taught, by his example, to be not only just and honest, but fair and honorable, in all our dealings, and to do nothing which we are unwilling should see the light, but be above-board. 4. The kiusinan seemed forward to redeem the land, (v. 4.) till told, that if he did, he must marry the widow, and then he flew off. He liked the land well enough, and, probably, caught at that the more greedily, because he hoped the poor widow being under a necessity of selling, he might have so much the better bargain. But Boaz told him there was a young widow in the case, and if he have the land, he must take her with it: The estate passes with this encumbrance; either the divine law or the usage of the country would oblige him to it, or Naomi insisted she should not sell the land, but on this condition, v. 5. Some think this does not relate to that law of marrying the brother's widow, (for that seems to oblige only the children of the same father, (Deut. 25: 5.) unless by custom it was afterward made to extend to the next of kin,) but refers to the law of redemption of inheritances, (Lev. 25: 24, 25.) for a Goel, a redeemer, is here inquired for; and if so, it was not by law, but by Naomi's own resolution, that the purchaser was to marry the widow. He refused, legal, and customary manner.-The manner in which Eoaz brought forward this business, evinced a strict regard to openness, fairness, and equity; and also an affection for Ruth, whom it is evident he was desirous of marrying, provided the kinsman was willing to relinquish his prior claim. SCOTT. CHAP. IV. In this ch. we have the wedding between Boaz and Ruth, in the circumstances of which there was something uncommon, which is kept on record, for the illustration, not only of the law concerning the marrying of a brother's widow, (Deut. 25: 5, &c. cases help to expound laws,) 31:28. but of the gospel too, for from this marriage descended David, and the Son of David, whose espousals to the Gentile church were hereby typified. Heb. I said I will reveal in thine So the book concludes with the pedigree of David, r. 18-22. Perhaps, to oblige him, the blessed Spirit directed the insertion of this story in the sacred canon, he being desirous the virtues of his great-grandmother, Ruth, together with her Gen 1 Kings 21:8. 1 rov. 31:23. Lam. 5: 14. Acta 6:12. e Ps. 112:5 Prov. 13:10. ear. f Jer. 32:7-9. Rom. 12: 17. 2 Cor. 8: 21. Pol. 4:8. Gen. 23:18. Jer. 32:10-12. Lev. 25:25-29. i 3:13: Gen. 38:8. Deut. 25:5,6. Matt. 22:24. Luke 20:28. NOTES. CHAP. IV. V. 1-8. Considerable difficulties arise, in explaining this transaction consistently with the laws before given; and indeed it does not appear in whose possession the estate of Elimelech was at this time. It is however probable, that it had been sold till the year of jubilee (Lev. 25: 14-17, 25-23.) and as Elimelech had no male issue surviving, and it could not be alienated from his family, the nearest relation would have a right to redeem it, by repaying the proportion of the purchase-money; except as Ruth, Elimelech's daughter-in-law, was entitled to his inheritance, according to the law given in the case of those who left daughters only. (Num. 27: 1-11.)-To obviate therefore all doubt and difficulty in this matter, Boaz proposed to this kinsman of Elimelech, that he should both redeem the estate and marry Ruth; in which case the estate would certainly belong to his eldest son by her: but if he was unwilling to do it, he desired him to renounce his claim, and he would marry her, and redeem the land for himself. This transaction respects all the several laws above referred to; and doubtless the whole was settled in the most regular, (1.) Came by.] A remarkable instance of God's providence, that the man whom he waited for should come by just at the time he wanted to see him.' Assemb. Ann. See on ch. 2. 4. ED. Hio, such a one Heb. Peloni Almoni: words of no proper signifleation, but used by the Febrews to note a person whose name they knew not, or had forgotten.' Assemb. Ann. [So fulano' is still used in Italy and Spain.] Used when the person of an individual is known, but not his name or residence' Dr. A. CLARKE. (2.) Ten-men.] This number of witnesses was necessary for the ratification of marriages, divorces, the purchase and acquittance of slaves, and the conveyance of right and property.' Dopp.-'How simple, how rational this mode of proceeding! A question of this kind in our courts of justice, in these enlightened times, would re |