Ruth 2

Ruth 2:1

KInsman] Some think his nephew, being the son of Salmon Elimelech his brother.

Ruth 2:2

glean ears] Which by the law were to be left by the reapers, for the relief of the poor and stranger. Leviticus 19:9. 23. 22. Deut. 24. 19, &c.

Ruth 2:3

and her hap] Heb. hap haped: It was hap in respect of Ruth, who knew not Boz his part of the field from another mans, but so ordered by Gods providence to make way for her marriage to him, Luke 10:31.

Boaz] Called, Matthew 1:5. Booz.

Ruth 2:4

The Lord be with you] That is, blesse and prosper you, and your labours.

The Lord blesse thee] That is, we answer thee again with the like holy salutation.

Ruth 2:5

his servant] See Genesis 24:5.

Ruth 2:6

came back] That is, accompanied Naomi in her coming back. See Chap. 1. 7, 10.

Ruth 2:7

a little in the house] That is, she hath been here all the day, saving a little while that she staid in the tent, either for shade, rest or repose.

Ruth 2:8

Hearest thou not?] A forme of affirming usuall with the Hebrews. See Genesis 13:9.

Ruth 2:9

have I not charged] That is, I have certainly and earnestly charged them. See Judg. 4. 6.

not touch thee] That is, that they do thee no wrong, in deed, or word, Psalms 105:15.

go unto the vessels] This was a great kindnesse in those countries, where the weather was hot, water scant, and they very thirsty with heat and labour, Genesis 26:18-19, &c.

Ruth 2:10

fell on her face] Such adorations from inferiours to superiours, are often mentioned in the scripture, Genesis 18:2. 33. 3. 42. 6. 1 Samuel 25:23.

take knowledge] That is, respect and favour me, as if I were one of thy friends, or kinred.

Ruth 2:12

a full reward] Let God bountifully like himself reward thy faith, by which thou hast been moved to leave all thy friends, and to trust in him, of which all my kindnesse is but a small taste.

whose wings] That is, in whose protection thou puttest thy confidence, as the little chicken under the wings of her dame. See Psalms 17:8. 36. 6. 57. 1. Matthew 23:37.

Ruth 2:13

Let me finde favour] Or, I finde favour.

friendly] Heb. to the heart.

though I be not like] That is, more mean, and lesse to be respected. So 1 Samuel 25:41.

Ruth 2:14

the bread] Her vertues observed increase his love, and his love, her allowance; before v. 9. he giveth her leave to drink out of his vessels, and now also to eat of his food.

in the vineger] Or the sauce made with vineger, wherewith, those that are afflicted with heat are much refreshed. Plinius l. 23. ch. 1.

parched corn] A kinde of food usuall in those countries. See 2 Samuel 17:28.

and left] Which she reserved for the relief of her mother, vers. 18.

Ruth 2:15

reproach her not] Heb. shame her not; that is, do not forbid, or rebuke her, which would make her ashamed, being a modest woman.

Ruth 2:17

an ephah] See Exodus 16:36.

Ruth 2:18

brought forth] To wit, out of her scrip or bag.

Ruth 2:19

take knowledge] See v. 14.

Ruth 2:20

the living] That is, me and thee.

the dead] That is, my husband and sons deceased, who were of his neer kinred.

one of our next kinsmen] Or, one that hath right to redeem, To wit, who hath according to the law, right to redeem lands alienated; and also ought to marry the widdow of him that is dead, having no issue, as it is thy case, Leviticus 25:25. Deuteronomy 25:5-7. Mark 12:19.

Ruth 2:22

that they meet thee not] Or, fall upon thee; That is, that other reapers, ill minded to thee, being a stranger, do offer thee no abuse, or least Boaz his maids should meet her in some other field, he having willed her to keep to his.