Ruth 3:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ruth 3:14-18

We are here told, I. How Ruth was dismissed by Boaz. It would not have been safe for her to go home in the dead of the night; therefore she lay at his feet (not by his side) until morning. But as soon as ever the day broke, that she had light to go home by, she got away, before one could know another, that, if she were seen, yet she might not be known to be abroad so unseasonably. She was not shy of being known to be a gleaner in the field, nor ashamed of that mark of her poverty. But she... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ruth 3:17

And she said, these six measures of barley gave he me ,.... Which she laid down before her, which was a proof of his kindness to her, that she was acceptable to him, and had well sped; of these six measures, see 3:15 which by some are allegorically interpreted of six blessings that should be bestowed upon her, as the spirit of wisdom, understanding, &c.; as Isaiah 11:2 so Jarchi; or of six persons that should spring from her, as David, Daniel, and his companions, and the King... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 3:1-18

Naomi's maternal solicitude. This is one of those paragraphs of Scripture which require delicate handling, but which, for that very reason, are full of suggestiveness that comes home to the bosom. Under strange, old-fashioned forms of things there was often much real virtue and true nobility of character. 1. It may be regarded as certain that while the harvest lasted Boaz and Ruth would be coming daily into contact with each other. 2. It may likewise be assumed as certain that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 3:15-17

Generosity. Boaz was "a mighty man of wealth," and Naomi and Ruth were poor, widowed, friendless, and comparatively strangers. All through the narrative Boaz appears as thoughtful, liberal, unselfish, honorable, munificent. He is an example to those whom Providence has endowed with wealth. I. WEALTH IS GIVEN TO THE RICH not for their own sake only, but FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS . Men are not the owners, but the stewards, of their possessions. How imperfectly this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 3:17

And she said, These six measures of barley he gave to me; for he said, Thou must not go empty to thy mother-in-law. The C'tib omission of "to me" after "for he said" is most likely to be the original reading. A fastidious Rabbi would rather originate this insertion than the omission. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 3:17

The present was, in one point of view, inconsiderable; but, in another point of view, it was a most suitable gift from one who desired indeed to show sympathy, gratitude, and kindness, but who did not wish, at that stage of the affair, to raise unconditioned expectation which might never be realized. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ruth 3:16-17

Ruth 3:16-17. Who art thou, my daughter? Or rather, Is it thou, my daughter? He said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law There is no mention made before of Boaz thus speaking to her, but it is not unusual for the sacred writers, in the relation of a fact or event, to omit many little circumstances which they occasionally mention afterward. It is likely that Boaz intended this corn chiefly for Naomi, as he was that day either about to marry Ruth himself, or to provide her another... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ruth 3:1-18

Naomi’s plan (3:1-18)By the time reaping was over, the widows had put aside enough grain to last them till the next summer. But Naomi was concerned for Ruth’s future, and suggested that she marry (3:1).One difficulty was that Naomi had no sons still living; that is, there were no brothers of Ruth’s late husband whom Ruth could marry. Naomi therefore suggested Boaz, as he was apparently the closest living relative. In addition, he had shown some interest in Ruth. Naomi thought out a plan whereby... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ruth 3:17

17. six measures of barley—Hebrew, "six seahs," a seah contained about two gallons and a half, six of which must have been rather a heavy load for a woman. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ruth 3:14-18

3. Ruth’s return to Naomi 3:14-18Ruth had risked danger by sleeping on the threshing floor (Ruth 3:14). Other people might have seen her and assumed that something bad was taking place. Evidently some of Boaz’s reapers were aware of her presence, but Boaz told them to keep Ruth’s presence there a secret (Ruth 3:14)."He knew that if it became known, town gossips would put the worst construction on the incident, just as some modern commentators do, thereby destroying Ruth’s reputation and perhaps... read more

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