Ruth 3

Ruth 3:1

SHall I not] That is, I will assuredly seek. See Judg. 4. 6.

rest for thee] That is, a setled estate, free from the turmoyl of thy present condition, to wit, poverty, labours, grief, widdow-hood, want of children, which disquiet thy minde, by procuring for thee a good husband. See Chap. 1. 9.

Ruth 3:2

is not Boaz] That is, know assuredly, that he is our neer kinsman, to whom the right of redemption belongeth. See Chap. 2. 20.

Ruth 3:3

anoint thee] To wit, with fragant oyl, as was the manner of those countries, 2 Samuel 14:2. Psalms 104:15. Matthew 6:17.

thy raiment] That is, thy best clothes.

to the man] That is, to Boaz.

Ruth 3:4

and thou shalt go in] Her intention was good, though the means seemingly, and under severe censure immodest. But Naomi, being confident of the honesty and innocency, both of Boaz and Ruth, having respect also to Boaz his age, adviseth to this course, as thinking it most effectuall to draw on the match, avoiding withall, as much as might be, giving scandall to others by the secrecy, which the time of night and place afforded.

uncover his feet] Or, lift up the clothes that are on his feet.

Ruth 3:5

And she said] That is, Ruth answered her mother.

Ruth 3:7

had eaten and drunk] That is, liberally, according to their manner in time of harvest and vintage, Psalms 4:7.

was merry] That is, frolick and cheerfull.

Ruth 3:8

turned himself] Or, took hold on.

Ruth 3:9

spread therefore thy skirt] A proverbiall speech; that is, retain me into thy protection, by taking me to be thy wife. See Chap. 2. 12. and Genesis 20:16. Ezekiel 16:8. Deuter. 22. 30.

a neer kinsman] Or, one that hath right to redeem. See Chap. 2. 20.

Ruth 3:10

in the latter end] That is, in this thy present act of chaste love, preferring me an old man before young men, more vigorous and personable.

then at the beginning] That is, to thy former husband, and to thy mother in law, Chap. 1. 8. and 2. 11.

young men] That is, men of like age to thy self, neither here nor in thy own countrey, but hast left them, and come into Canaan, and hast not chosen a man of thine own age, but such an one as may be fit to preserve thy husbands name in his own family.

Ruth 3:11

all that thou requirest] That is, procure for thee an husband and redeemer, according to the law. See Chap. 2. v. 20.

citie] Heb. gate.

Ruth 3:13

part of a kinsman] In taking thee to wife, and raising seed to him that is deceased, to preserve his name and race. See Chap. 2. 20.

Ruth 3:14

not be known] To avoid scandall, that he might keep hereby a good conscience before God, and a good name before men, Acts 24:16. Romans 12:17. 2 Corinthians 8:21.

Ruth 3:15

vail] Or, sheet, or, apron.

Ruth 3:16

Who art thou] Though she might discern her by her feature and burthen, to be a young woman, and so calls her daughter; yet being dark, she could not cleerly and certainly see, and know that she was Ruth.

Ruth 3:18

Sit still] That is, abide with me in the house, that thou mayest be ready to attend upon all occasions.