View Ruth 3 in the note window.
The directions Naomi gives to Ruth, ver. 1 - 5.
Her punctual observance of them, ver. 6, 7.
The honourable treatment which Boaz gave her, ver. 8 - 15.
Her return to Naomi, ver. 16 - 18.
1: Rest - A life of rest, and comfort, and safety, under the care of
a good husband.
2: Threshing - floor - Which was in a place covered at the top, but
open elsewhere, whither Ruth might easily come. And this work of winnowing
corn was usually ended with a feast.
3: Raiment - Thy best raiment. Known - In so familiar a way,
as thou mayest do hereafter.
4: Uncover his feet - Remove the clothes that were upon his feet;
thereby to awaken him. Will tell thee - What course thou shalt take to
obtain that marriage which belongs unto thee.
8: At midnight - He did not discover her sooner.
9: Spread thy Skirt - That is, take me to be thy wife, and perform
the duty of an husband to me.
10: Shewed kindness - Both to thy deceased husband, the continuance
of whose name and memory thou seekest; and to thy mother - in - law, whose
commands thou hast punctually obeyed. Followedst not - To seek thy
marriage here, or in thy own country, as thou wouldst have done if thou
hadst not preferred obedience to God's command, before pleasing thyself.
13: Perform, &c. - Take thee to wife, to raise up seed to his brother.
Bishop Hall sums up the matter thus. "Boaz, instead of touching her
as a wanton, blesseth her as a father, encourages her as a friend, promises
her as a kinsman, rewards her as a patron, and sends her away laden with
hopes and gifts, no less chast, but more happy than she came. O admirable
temperance, worthy the progenitor of him, in whose lips and heart there was
no guile!"
14: Let it not, &c. - He takes care to preserve not only his
conscience towards God, but his reputation, and hers also, among men.
15: Veil - Or, the apron.
16: Who art thou? - This is not a question of doubting, but of
wonder, as if she had said, Art thou in very deed my daughter? I can
hardly believe it. How camest thou hither in this manner, and thus early?
