he directions given to Ruth by Naomi. (1-5) Boaz acknowledges
the duty of a kinsman. (6-13) Ruth's return to her
mother-in-law. (14-18)
Verses 1-5: The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing
upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form
a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with
great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the
blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should
carefully advise their children in this important concern, that
it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always
remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The
course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according
to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had
borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it.
Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true
religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows
to assert this claim, (De 25:5-10). But this is not recorded for
imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern
rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of
too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
Verses 6-13: What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always
so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel,
Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the
right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what
rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or
another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest
praise. He attempted not to take advantage of Ruth; he did not
disdain her as a poor, destitute stranger, nor suspect her of
any ill intentions. He spoke honourably of her as a virtuous
woman, made her a promise, and as soon as the morning arrived,
sent her away with a present to her mother-in-law. Boaz made his
promise conditional, for there was a kinsman nearer than he, to
whom the right of redemption belonged.
Verses 14-18: Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must
patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter,
would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true
believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to
care for them. Our strength is to sit still, (Isa 30:7). This
narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet
of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon
him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him
his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Ac 9:6). He
will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us
earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and
friends, that it may be well with them also.
he directions given to Ruth by Naomi. (1-5) Boaz acknowledges
the duty of a kinsman. (6-13) Ruth's return to her
mother-in-law. (14-18)