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Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:1

Rest, i.e. a life of rest, and comfort, and safety, under the care of a good husband. The question supposeth an affirmative answer: I will seek it, as my duty binds me. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:2

Which was in a place covered at the top, but open elsewhere, whither Ruth might easily come. And this work of winnowing corn was usually begun or ended with a feast, as may be gathered both from Ruth 3:7, and from other instances, wherein they used to do so upon like occasions; and this work was to begin this evening, and, as some think, was done only in the evenings, when the heat grew less, and the wind began to blow. See Genesis 3:8. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:3

Thy raiment, to wit, thy best raiment. All this was done to render herself more amiable in the eyes of Boaz. Object. But Boaz could not see her, the whole business being to be transacted by night. Answ. First, It was begun in the beginning of the night, as soon as Boaz had supped and composed himself to rest, as appears from Ruth 3:4,Ruth 3:7, when there was so much light left as might discover her to him. Secondly, There being a solemn feast this evening, as is very probably thought, and the... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:4

When he lieth down, to rest or sleep, as upon such occasions they used to do in those hot countries. Thou shalt go in: though Naomi and Ruth seem to be virtuous and modest women, and their intent was lawful and honest; yet there seems to be a manifold irregularity in the manner of it. First, It seems to be against that modesty which should be eminent in that sex, and in unmarried persons. Secondly, Against honesty, both because it was an injury to another person, who was nearer akin, whose... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:5

The confidence she had in Naomi’s wisdom and piety, and true love to her, made her ready to follow her advice, wherein she was the more excusable, because she did not understand the laws and customs of the country, as Naomi did. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:7

Had eaten and drunk, to wit, liberally, as the manner was upon those occasions. See Judges 9:27; Psalms 4:7; Isaiah 9:3. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:8

At midnight; he did not discover her sooner, though she did not uncover his feet, being it seems in a deep sleep, as is usual after feasts, and she doing no more that her mother commanded her, and using no words or gestures which might provoke his lust; wherein she showed her temperance and modesty, and that what she did was only by her mother’s instigation and advice, which plainly appeared from her desire expressed, Ruth 3:9, which he knew, she being a stranger, was unacquainted with. And... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:9

Spread thy skirt over thine hand-maid, i.e. take me to be thy wife, and perform the duty of an husband to me. This phrase is used in this sense Deuteronomy 22:30; Deuteronomy 27:20; Ezekiel 16:8. Either, first, Because the wife is admitted into the same bed with her husband, and both are covered with one and the same covering. Or, secondly, From an ancient ceremony of the husband’s throwing the skirt of his garment over her head, in token both of her subjection, 1 Corinthians 11:5,1 Corinthians... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:10

Thou hast showed more kindness; both to thy deceased husband, the continuance of whose name and memory thou preferrest before the satisfaction of thy own lust; and to thy mother-in-law, whose commands thou hast punctually obeyed, even with thy own hazard in so doubtful an enterprise. Thou followedst not young men, to seek thy marriage either here, or in thy own country, as thou wouldst have done if thou hadst not preferred obedience to God’s command, before the pleasing of thyself. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:11

Fear not; think not that I despise and reject thee, because I do not immediately comply with thy desire. I will do to thee all that thou requirest, i.e. marry thee, upon the condition here following. read more

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