Ruth 3

By Naomi’s advice v. 1, & c. Ruth goeth to the threshing-flour of Boaz, and lieth down at his feet, 6. Who awaking, dealeth kindly with her, and acknowledgeth the right of redemption, 8. But for as much as there was another nearer kinsman then himself, he is minded first to discourse with him, 12. Sendeth Ruth betimes in the morning home with a large present, 14.

1. And Naomi, her mother in law, said unto her; My Daughter; should I not seek rest for thee, that provide a good match for thee? intimating that it was wholly her duty to do it. See such questions above chapter 2. on v. 9. So in the following verse.]

2. Now then, is not Boaz with whose maidens thou hast been, [viz. to glean ears: above chapter 2. 8, 22, 23.] (of) our kindred? [Heb. properly, is not Boaz our acquaintance? See above chapter 2. on vers. 3. and v. 20. 17.] Behold, he will this night winnow in the threshing-floor. [Heb. the threshing-floor of barley; i.e. the barley, that is in the threshing-floor]

3. Therefore go thee thy self, and anoint thyself [With sweet-smelling oil, as was in the East-countries See 2 Sam. 12. 20. and 14. 2. 2 Chro. 28. 15. Psal. 104. 15. Matth. 6. 17.] and put on [Heb. on thee, or, over thee] thy garments, [to wit, the best, that thou hast] and go down to the threshing floor: (but) make not thy self known unto the man, until he shall have made an end of eating and drinking.

4. And it shall come to pass, when he lieth down, [To sleep] that thou shalt mark the place, where he shall be laid down, go then in, [this advice and counsel according to the outward appearance, seemeth not to be honest; but Naomi knowing the piety and honesty of Boaz and Ruth, as also considering Boaz his age, doubted not, but that Boaz would deal honesty and wisely in this business, as he also did: so that Naomi was not deceived or mistaken in her confidence. Concerning the scandal, Naomi knew prudently to avoid that by the circumstance of time and place, as also Boaz himself. See his foot coverlet v. 14.] and turn up and lay thee down. [Or, uncover his feet. The Hebrew word is also found below v. 7, 8, 14. Item Daniel 10:6.] so shall he tell thee what thou shalt do.

5. And she [That is, Ruth] said unto her: Whatsoever thou sayest (to me) I will do.

6. So she went to the threshing-floor, and did according to all that her mother in law had commanded her.

7. Now when Boaz had eaten and drank, and his heart was in erry, [Heb. good. As Judg. 10. 25. See there] then he came to lie down at the uttermost (part) of a (corn) heap: afterward she came in softly, and turned up his foot-coverlet, and laid her (down).

8. And it came to pass at midnight, that man was afraid, and caught hold about him; [Or, turned himself hither and back again, or, hither and thither] and behold, a woman lay at his foot coverlet.

9. And he said; who art thou? and she said; I am Ruth, thine hand-maid: spread therefore thy wing out over thine hand-maid; [i.e. Take me under thy protection, as an husband doth his wife. Compare above chap.2. on v. 12. Or, thy hem, border skirt, to wit, of thy garment] for thou art the redeemer. [See above chapter 2. on v. 20.]

10. And he said, blessed be thou unto the LORD, my Daughter: Thou hast made this thy last kindness better than the first, [The meaning is, that which thou doest now, is yet better than the former, which thou didst to thy deceased husband, and thy mother in law Naomi. See above chapter 1. 8. and chapter 2. 11.] for asmuch as thou hast not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.

11. And now my Daughter, fear not; whatsoever thou hast said, will I do unto thee: for all the City [Heb. gate. See Genes. 22. on v. 17.] of my people doth know that thou art a vertous [Or, courageous] woman.

12. Now then, it is true indeed, that I am a redeemer: but there is yet one redeemer, nearer then I.

13. Tarry this night ever; further in the morning it shall come to pass, if he redeemeth thee, good, let him redeem; but if he hath no mind to redeem thee, then will I redeem thee, (as true as) the LORD liveth: lay thy self down until the morning.

14. So she lay down at his foot-coverlet until the morning, and rose up before the one could know the other: [Heb. the man his neighbour,] for he said; Let it not be known, that a woman hath come into the threshing-floor. [As Boaz had a good conscience before God, so would he also keep a good name and a repute among men.]

15. Furthermore he said; Bring the scarf [Or, apron wherewith the women cover the fore-part of their body] that is upon thee, and hold it, and she held it and he measured six (measures) of barley, and laid them upon her; afterward he went into the City.

16. Now she came unto her mother in law, who said, Who art thou, my Daughter? [It was yet so dark, that the one could not well know the other, as is said, v. 14. although Naomi might have perceived by the burden that she carried, that she was but young, so that she (after the custom of old folks) called her Daughter,] and she told her all, than that man had done to her.

17. Also she said; he gave me these six (measures) of barley: for he said (unto me;) Come not empty unto thy mother in law.

18. Then she said; sit (still) my Daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall out: for that man will not rest unless that he have finished this thing to day.