Ruth 4

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

RUTH CHAPTER 4 Boaz goeth up to the gate, calleth his kinsman; inquires whether he would redeem and marry Ruth, Ruth 4:1-5. He refuseth, Ruth 4:6-8. Boaz, the people witnessing and congratulating, buyeth the inheritance, and marrieth Ruth, Ruth 4:9-12. She beareth Obed the grandfather of David, Ruth 4:13-17. The genealogy from Pharez unto David, Ruth 4:18-22. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:1

The gate; the place where controversies were decided, and the people assembled, and where they used to go out and come in to the town; where he was most likely to find his kinsman. Ho, such a one! doubtless Boaz both knew his name, and called him by it; but it is omitted by the holy writer, partly because it was unnecessary to know it; and principally in way of contempt, as is usual, and as a just punishment upon him, that he who would not preserve his brother’s name might lose his own, and be... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:2

He took two men, to be umpires or witnesses between them; for though two or three witnesses were sufficient, yet in weightier matters they used more. And ten was the usual number among the Jews, in causes of matrimony and divorce, and translation of inheritances; who were both judges of the causes, and witnesses of the fact. See 1 Kings 21:8. read more

Matthew Poole

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

Both Naomi and Ruth had an interest in this land during their lives, but he mentions only Naomi, partly because all was done by her direction, to which Ruth wholly submitted herself; and partly lest the mention of Ruth should raise a suspicion of the necessity of his marrying Ruth, before he had given his answer to the first proposition. Selleth a parcel of land; which she might do because of her poverty, Leviticus 25:25. read more

Matthew Poole

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

Before the elders of my people; before this assembly, that it may be legally and firmly made over to thee. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:5

The wife of the dead; according to the law, Deuteronomy 25:5; Matthew 22:24, &c. To raise up the name of the dead; to revive his name, which was lost and buried with his body, by raising up a seed to him, to be called by his name. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:6

Lest I mar mine own inheritance; either, first, Because having no children of his own, he might have one, and but one, son by Ruth, who, though he should carry away his inheritance, yet should not bear his name, but the name of Ruth’s husband; and so by preserving another man’s name, he should lose his own. Or, secondly, Because as his inheritance would be but very little increased by this marriage, so it might be much diminished by being divided amongst his many children, which he possibly had... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:7

For to confirm all things, i.e. in all alienation of lands. So that it is no wonder if this ceremony differ a little from that Deuteronomy 25:9, because that concerned only one case, but this is more general. Besides, he pleads not the command of God, but only ancient custom, for this practice. A man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: he who relinquished his right to another, plucked off his own shoe, and gave it to him. This was symbolical, and a significant and convenient... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:10

From the gate of his place, i.e. from among the inhabitants dwelling within the gate of this city, which was Bethlehem-judah. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Ruth 4:11

Like Rachel and like Leah, amiable and fruitful. Those two are singled out, partly because they were of a foreign and heathenish original, and yet ingrafted into God’s people, as Ruth also was; and partly because of that singular fertility which God vouchsafed unto them above their predecessors, Sarah and Rebekah. Rachel is placed before Leah, because she was his most lawful, and only intended, and chosen, and best beloved wife. Build the house, i.e. increase the posterity. See Genesis 16:2;... read more

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