Ruth 3
Verse 1 Rest - A life of rest, and comfort, and safety, under the care of a good husband. Verse 2 Threshing - floor - 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 ended with a feast. Verse 3 Raiment - Thy best raiment. Known - In so familiar a way, as thou mayest do hereafter. Verse 4 Uncover his feet - Remove the clothes that were upon his feet; thereby to awaken him. Will tell thee - What course thou shalt take to obtain that marriage which belongs unto thee. Verse 8 At midnight - He did not discover her sooner. Verse 9 Spread thy Skirt - That is, take me to be thy wife, and perform the duty of an husband to me. Verse 10 Shewed kindness - Both to thy deceased husband, the continuance of whose name and memory thou seekest; and to thy mother - in - law, whose commands thou hast punctually obeyed. Followedst not - To seek thy marriage here, or in thy own country, as thou wouldst have done if thou hadst not preferred obedience to God's command, before pleasing thyself. Verse 13 Perform, &c. - Take thee to wife, to raise up seed to his brother. Bishop Hall sums up the matter thus. "Boaz, instead of touching her as a wanton, blesseth her as a father, encourages her as a friend, promises her as a kinsman, rewards her as a patron, and sends her away laden with hopes and gifts, no less chast, but more happy than she came. O admirable temperance, worthy the progenitor of him, in whose lips and heart there was no guile!" Verse 14 Let it not, &c. - He takes care to preserve not only his conscience towards God, but his reputation, and hers also, among men. Verse 15 Veil - Or, the apron. Verse 16 Who art thou? - 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 camest thou hither in this manner, and thus early?