Before one could know another, i.e. while it was yet so dark that one person could not discern another. Or, before one did know the other, i.e. before they were carnally known to one another. Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor; he takes care to preserve not only his conscience towards God, but his reputation, and hers also, among men. read more
The veil, or, the apron, such as women ordinarily wear. Six measures; known and usual measure: it is not determined how large those measures were, but this the nature of the thing shows, that they were no larger than one woman could carry in her veil, or apron. read more
Who art thou, my daughter? either, first, She did not distinctly know who she was, because it was dark, and so calls her daughter only in general, as elder women call the younger. But she could as easily have discerned who she was, as what her age was. Or, secondly, This is not a question of doubting, but of wonder, as if she had said, Art thou in very deed my daughter? I can hardly believe it. How comest thou hither in this manner, and thus early? read more
CHAPTER 3THE CLAIMANT IN THE THRESHING FLOORCONTENTS.—Ruth, at the instigation of Naomi, by laying herself down at the feet of Boaz, claims an acknowledgment of the relationship between them. He explains to her that there is a nearer kinsman than himself, but promises to undertake the duties of a goel [redeemer] should the prior claim not be insisted upon. He dismisses her with a present, and she returns to Naomi to await the issue. read more
CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES.—Then [and] Naomi … said. The plan had matured itself slowly in her mind during the harvest season, now comes the proposal. Boaz, by his kindness and attention to Ruth, has evidently removed whatever difficulties she has felt heretofore [cf. on Ruth 1:11-13 : p. 47]. Shall I not seek? I must seek rest for thee. הֲלֹא as usual an expression of general admission or of undoubted certainty, in the sense of “Is it not true I seek for thee?” It is my duty to seek for... read more
CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES.—Ruth 3:7. And when Boaz. Illustrates the simplicity of ancient patriarchal times and manners (Lange). The owners of the crops came every night and slept upon their threshing floors, and this we found to be universal in all the regions of Gaza (Dr. Robinson). Had eaten and drunk. An Eastern idea that great men were more kindly disposed after eating (cf. Esther 7:3). And his heart was merry [cheerful]. Not necessarily implying any excess (Sp. Com.); cheerful and... read more
CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES.—Ruth 3:14. And she lay at his feet. Lit. The places of his feet. Before one could know another. Lit. Before a man could know his companion. Recognise his friend (Lange). The Mishna has decided daybreak to begin when it became possible to distinguish between white and blue; R. Mair when a wolf and a dog—R. Akiba when an ass and a wild ass—could be distinguished. But others said, when one sees and recognises another person at the distance of four ells (ibid). And... read more
Ruth 1-4 The Book of Ruth is a love-story told in four chapters. It gives us a glimpse of everyday life in Bethlehem; in home and in harvest-field, in its general gossip and its law-suits, more than three thousand years ago. I. Glancing back over the lines of this sweet and pure pastoral idyll, we feel that rarely did human story more impressively demonstrate the unspeakable worth of lowly folk, the fine and favourable issues of seemingly suppressed lives, the hidden wealth of true and... read more
Chapter 3Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? And now is not Boaz of our family, with whose maidens you have been working? Behold, he winnows the barley tonight in the threshingfloor. So wash yourself, put on your perfume, and your beautiful gown, and get down to the threshingfloor: but don't let them see you, until they have finished eating and drinking. And it shall be when he lies down to sleep, that you mark... read more
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Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 3:13
If he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, i.e. take thee to wife, to raise up seed to his brother, as he ought to do. read more