“ And now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I.” Boaz, however, now drew attention to a problem There was a nearer kinsman than himself. In view of the fact that Ruth was seeking to produce children on behalf of her dead husband it had to be through the nearest kinsman who was willing. Furthermore, rights to property were involved, and that also gave precedence to the nearest kinsman. read more
“ Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform to you the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part; but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to you, then I will do the part of a kinsman to you, as YHWH lives. Lie down until the morning.” Boaz then told her to wait there with him until the morning when he would discover whether the nearer kinsman would be willing to fulfil his duty as near kinsman. If he would, then well and good. (As with most... read more
‘ And she lay at his feet until the morning. And she rose up before one was able to discern another. For he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing-floor.” However, in view of the fact that she might be offered to another he clearly felt that it was necessary to be discreet. Nothing wrong had been done, but he would not want it known that she had offered herself to him when matters were not yet settled. And as always, there would be those who would try to make something... read more
‘ And he said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” And she held it. And he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her. And he went into the city.’ But before she went he told her to hold her mantle in such a way that she could receive a gift, and he measured out six measures of barley and put them in her mantle. And he then left and went into the city. It is probable that this gift was highly significant, indicating his acceptance of Ruth on the terms he had agreed. He... read more
‘ And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Who are you, my daughter?” And she told her all that the man had done to her.’ When she arrived home Naomi asked her, ‘Who are you my daughter?’ It was possibly intended to be an enquiry as to whether her status had changed. Was she still Ruth the widow, or was she now a prospective bride, betrothed to a wealthy man and enjoying the benefit of a kinsman redeemer (a goel)? Alternatively it might simply mean, ‘How did things go? What was the... read more
‘ And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, “Do not go empty to your mother-in-law.” Ruth then produced the six measures of barley explaining that Boaz had said, “Do not go empty to your mother-in-law.” We must almost certainly see, in view of the next verse, that Naomi recognised in this gift an acceptance by Boaz of the proposal that had been made, a gift assuring her that he would do all that was necessary. Had Boaz been at all offended, or even neutral, he would... read more
‘ Then said she, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall, for the man will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day.’ So Naomi told Ruth to sit quietly and await the outcome, for she was now sure that Boaz would not rest until he had sorted mattes out one way or the other. read more
Ruth 3. Boaz as a Goë l.— Elimelech and his two sons were dead. Would any member of the family have enough right and proper feeling to save his name from extinction? The nearest relative was in this case silent and inactive. But, with the originality of love, Naomi devised a plan not merely for the redemption of her late husband’ s estate and the continuation of the family succession, but for the happy settlement of Ruth in a Judæ an home. Ignorant of the customs of Bethlehem, Ruth follows... read more
RUTH CHAPTER 3 By Naomi’s advice, Ruth lieth at Boaz’s feet, Ruth 3:1-7. He awaking commendeth what she had done, and acknowledgeth the right of a kinsman; tells her there was a nearer kinsman, to whom he would offer her, who refusing, he would redeem her, Ruth 3:8-13. Sends her away with six measures of barley, Ruth 3:14-18. read more
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Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:11
“ And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say, for all the city (literally ‘the gate’) of my people know that you are a worthy woman.” He then assured her that as far as it lay within his power he would do what she had requested, because she had a reputation among all the people of Bethlehem as being a worthy woman. ‘All the gate of my people.’ The gate was the place where people met and conversed, and where the elders made decisions and judged the rights and... read more