Ruth 3
DOYLYRuth 3:2
-
— is not Boaz of our kindred.] By the Jewish law (Levit. xxv. 25; Deut. xxv. 5.) it belonged to the nearest of kin to redeem the land of a deceased brother, and to raise up his name, by marrying his widow. Bp. Patrick.
-
— he winnoweth barley to night] The manner of winnowing corn in warm climates is to throw it up in the air when the wind is brisk; the grain then falls, and the wind carries away the husk. In Palestine, as in other countries bordering on the sea, a breeze usually springs up from the sea every evening; and this accounts for the expression which we have here, of winnowing barley to-night. Calmet.
Ruth 3:5
- — Then said Boaz, &c.] It should be well observed, that Boaz, before he took Ruth to wife, applied to one who was more nearly related to her than himself, to know whether he would make use of his right of redemption; and did not marry her till this man had refused to do it. This publick proceeding before the judges, with all the formalities usual on the like occasion, proves the uprightness and purity of Boaz’s conduct. Ostervald.
Ruth 3:6
- — I cannot redeem it for myself, &c.] The Chaldee paraphrases thus; “I cannot redeem it upon this condition, because I have a wife already, and do not choose to bring another into my house, lest quarrels and divisions arise in it, and lest I hurt my own inheritance.”
Ruth 3:7
- — at the end of the heap of corn.] A striking representation this of the simplicity of living in those ancient times, when the most wealthy persons looked after their own business, both at home and in the field. It appears that Boaz spent the night in his threshing-floor, the better to preserve his corn from depredators, till it might be carried home and lodged in safety. Bp. Patrick.
— and laid her down.] Though the action of Ruth, here set forth, seems at first sight hardly consistent with decency; yet, if we consider the simplicity of those times, it will appear very excusable: to which if we add the virtuous character of the woman, the age of Boaz, the manner of his addressing her when he first perceived her, the testimony he bore to her prudence and good conduct, the publick proceedings before the wedding, and the several other circumstances of this history, there is not the least ground to suspect the virtue of either of them; and there is nothing but the purest innocence in the whole transaction. Osterwald. If we consider the end, the motives, and the circumstances
- Now this was the manner &c.] The manner and ceremony of conveying over a title and estate amongst the ancient Israelites, was this: the person who sold or conveyed over his title pulled off one of his shoes, and in open court delivered it to the purchaser, thereby sig-
Ruth 3:9
- — spread therefore thy skirt] In the Hebrew, spread thy wing: a phrase which imports the taking a person under protection; and here not a common, but a matrimonial, protection. Hence, at this day, when two persons are married among the Jews, the man throws the skirt of his robe over his spouse, and covers her head with it. Bp. Patrick.
Ruth 3:10
- — he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord.] Nothing can be more honourable than the testimony which Boaz gives in this and the next verse to the character of Ruth; which, while it removes all suspicions from her reputation, proves at the same time that Boaz himself acted upon principle, and was a man of true discernment and real piety.
— thou hast shewed more kindness &c.] This last kindness of yours surpasses that which you shewed at first. Your attachment to your husband when alive, and to your mother in law, are most praiseworthy: but the desire which you have shewn of reviving the name
Boaz calleth into judgment the next kinsman. Before CHRIST about 1312. [ Or, sheet, or, apron. 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 the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
Ruth 3:15
- — the said] The Hebrew word for this is variously interpreted; it seems to signify any kind of covering; some translate an apron or kirtle: but it appears most properly rendered by us a vail, with which modest women cover their faces. Bp. Patrick. — six measures of barley.] It should be considered, that, in those countries, barley was a more valuable sort of corn than in other parts of the world; for bread was commonly made of it, not only by the poor, but also by persons of better condition; of which we find several examples both in the Old and New Testament. Bp. Patrick. Chap. IV. ver. 1. Then went Boaz up to the gate.] We here see the simple manner in which judicial proceedings took place in those times. The judge sat in the gate, the place of resort in every city where publick business was transacted; no writings were employed or tedious formalities observed, but the party was merely summoned to make his appearance. In this instance 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.