Ruth 2:8-12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ruth 2:4-16

Now Boaz himself appears, and a great deal of decency there appears in his carriage both towards his own servants and towards this poor stranger. I. Towards his own servants, and those that were employed for him in reaping and gathering in his corn. Harvest-time is busy time, many hands must then be at work. Boaz that had much, being a mighty man of wealth, had much to do, and consequently many to work under him and to live upon him. As goods are increased those are increased that eat them,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 2:8

Then said Boaz unto Ruth ,.... Having heard what the servant said concerning her, he turned himself to her, and addressed her in the following manner: hearest thou not, my daughter ? meaning not what the servant had said, but hereby exciting her to hearken to what he was about to say to her. Noldius F23 Ebr. Concord. part. p. 257. No. 1150. takes the particle to signify beseeching and entreating, and renders the words, "hear, I pray thee, my daughter". Some from hence conclude that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 2:9

Let thine eyes be upon the field that they do reap, and go thou after them ,.... And gather up the loose ears of corn dropped and left by them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee ? do her no hurt, or offer any incivility or rudeness to her, or even play any wanton tricks with her, as is too common with young persons in the fields at harvest time. This charge he now gave in her hearing, or however suggests that he would, and therefore she might depend upon it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 2:10

Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground ,.... In great humility, and under a deep sense of the favour done her, and as showing the greatest respect, in a civil manner, she was capable of: and said unto him, why have I found grace in thine eyes : how is it that one so mean and unworthy should have such favour shown? that thou shouldest take knowledge of me ; take such notice of her, show such affection to her, and bestow such kindness on her: seeing I am a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 2:11

And Boaz answered and said unto her ,.... Alshech thinks, that he lift up his voice that all that stood by might hear: it hath fully been showed me ; either by Naomi, or rather by some persons of Boaz's Naomi and reacquaintance, that had conversed with Naomi and related to Boaz what passed between them, by which he was fully informed of the following things mentioned by him; though the above writer supposes, that it was showed him by the Holy Ghost: all that thou hast done to thy... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 2:12

The Lord recompence thy work ,.... The Targum adds, in this world; meaning the kind offices she had performed, and the good service she had done to her mother-in-law; nor is God unrighteous to forget the work and labour of love, which is shown by children to their parents; and though such works are not in themselves meritorious of any blessing from God here or hereafter, yet he is pleased of his own grace to recompence them, and return the good into their bosom manifold, it being acceptable... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 2:8

Abide here fast by my maidens - These were probably employed in making bands, and laying on them enough to form a sheaf, which the binders would tie and form into shocks or thraves. When the maidens had gathered up the scattered handfuls thrown down by the reapers, Ruth picked up any straggling heads or ears which they had left. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 2:9

The young men that they shall not touch thee - This was peculiarly necessary, as she was a stranger and unprotected. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 2:10

Then she fell on her face - Prostrated herself, as was the custom in the East when inferiors approached those of superior rank. The Targum adds to the conversation between Ruth and Boaz: "How, says she, have I obtained grace in thy sight, that thou shouldest acknowledge me who am a stranger and one of the daughters of Moab, of whom it is said, The unclean shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord? And Boaz, answered, It has been certainly told me by the word of the wise,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 2:12

The Lord recompense thy work - The dutiful respect which thou hast paid to thy husband, and thy tender and affectionate attachment to thy aged mother-in-law. And a full reward be given thee - This is spoken with great modesty and piety: The kindness I show thee is little in comparison of thy desert; God alone can give thee a full reward for thy kindness to thy husband and mother-in-law, and he will do it, because thou art come to trust under his wings - to become a... read more

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