Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

RUTH.

The ARGUMENT.

THis little Book, by whomsoever Written, which is not material to know, is annexed to the Book of Judges, and by some of the Hebrew Doctors made a part of it. It is useful, as for many other points, so espe∣cially to shew the Genealogy of David; and consequently of Christ; and the Rise of Christ from a Moabitish Woman: which was an useful document, and a great encouragement to the Gentiles to believe in Christ.

CHAP. I.

NOw it came to pass in the days when the Judges ‡ Ruled a, that there was a famine in the land b: and a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab c, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi, and the name of his two sons, Mahlon, and Chilion, Ephrathites d of Bethlehem-Judah e: and they came into the countrey of Moab, and ‡ continued there f.

3 And Elimelech Naomies husband died, and she was left, and her two sons.

4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab g: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelt there about ten years h.

5 And Mahlon, and Chilion died also both of them, and the woman was left of her two sons, and her husband.

6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab, how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread i.

7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her: and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mothers house k: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead l, and with me.

9 The LORD grant you, that ye may find rest m, each of you in the house of her husband: Then she kissed them n, and they lift up their voice and wept.

10 And they said unto her, Surely we will re∣turn with thee unto thy people.

11 And Naomi said, Turn again my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any moe sons in my womb, that they may be your hus∣bands o?

12 Turn again my daughters, go your way p, for I am too old to have an husband: if I should

say, I have hope, ‖ if I should have a husband al∣so to night, and should also bear sons:

13 Would ye ‡ tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands o? nay, my daughters: for ‡ it grieveth me much for your sakes p, that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

14 And they lift up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law q, but Ruth clave unto her.

15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods r: return thou after thy sister in law.

16 And Ruth said, ‖ Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go: and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my peo∣ple, and thy God my God s:

17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

18 When she saw that she ‡ was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

19 ¶ So they two went until they came to Beth∣lehem: and it came to pass when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and ‖ they said, Is this Naomi t?

20 And she said unto them, Call me not ‖ Na∣omi u, call me ‖ Mara x: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

21 I went out full y, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me z, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter in law with her, which returned out of the countrey of Moab, and they came to Beth∣lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

CHAP. II.

AND Naomi had a kinsman of her husbands, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field and glean a ears of corn after him, in whose sight I shall find grace b▪ And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her ‡ hap was c to light on a part of the field belonging unto ‖ Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

4 ¶ And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you▪ and they answered him, The LORD bless thee d▪

5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

6 And the servant that was set over the rea∣pers answered and said, It is the Moabitish dam∣sel, that came back with Naomi e out of the coun∣trey of Moab.

7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean f, and gather after the reapers amongst the ‖ sheaves: so she came and h•…•…h continued even from the mor∣ning until now g, that she tarried a little in the house h.

8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens i.

9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee k? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

10 Then she fell on her face l, and bowed her self to the ground, and said unto him, ▪Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me m, seeing I am a stranger?

11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law, since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not n heretofore.

12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings o thou art come to trust.

13 Then she said, ‖ Let me find favour in thy sight p, my lord, for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken ‡ friendly unto thine hand-maid, though I be not like unto one of thy hand-maidens q.

14 And Boaz said unto her, At meal-time come thou hither, and eat of the bread r, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar s. And she sate beside the reapers t: and he reached her parched corn u, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean among the sheaves, and ‡ reproach her not x.

16 And let fall also s•…•…me of the handfuls, of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

17 So she gleaned in the field until Even, and •…•…eat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah y of barley.

18 ¶ And she took it up, and went into the ci∣ty: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved, and was sufficed z.

19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The mans name with whom I wrought to day, is Boaz.

20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead a And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, ‖ one of our next kinsmen b.

21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest c.

22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they ‖ meet thee not in any other field d.

23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean, unto the end of barley-harvest, and of wheat-harvest, and dwelt e with her mother in law.

CHAP. III.

THEN Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest a for thee, that it may be well with thee?

2 And now, is not Boaz of our kinred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshing floor b.

3 Wash thy self therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment c upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thy self known un∣to

the man d, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

4 And it shall be, when he lieth down e, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in f, and ‖ uncover his feet g, and lay thee down, and he will tell thee what thou shalt do h.

5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest un∣to me, I will do i.

6 ¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk k, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

8 ¶ And it came to pass at midnight l, that the man was afraid, and ‖ turned himself m, and be∣hold, a woman lay at his feet n.

9 And he said, Who art thou? And she an∣swered, I am Ruth thine hand maid▪ spread there∣fore thy skirt over thine hand-maid o, for thou art ‖ a near kinsman.

10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kind∣ness p in the latter end, than at the beginning, in as much as thou followedst not young men q, whe∣ther poor, or rich.

11 And now my daughter, fear not r, I will do to thee all that thou requirest s: for all the ‡ city of my people doth know, that thou art a vertuous woman.

12 And now it is true, that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit, there is a kinsman nearer than I.

13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman t, well, let him do the kinsmans part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

14 ¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another u. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor x.

15 Also he said, Bring the ‖ veil that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures z of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter ‖? and she told her all that the man had done to her.

17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me, for he said to me, Go not empty to thy mother in law.

18 Then said she, Sit still my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

CHAP. IV.

THEN went Boaz up to the gate a, and sate him down there: and behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake, came by, unto whom he said, Ho, such an one b, turn aside, sit down here c. And he turned aside, and sate down.

2 And he took ten men d, of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sate down.

3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi e, that is come again out of the country of Moab, sel∣leth a parcel of land f, which was our brother Elimelechs.

4 And ‡ I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the el∣ders of my people g. If thou wilt redeem it, re∣deem it, but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it besides thee, and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.

5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it al∣so of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead h, to raise up the name of the dead i upon his inhe∣ritance.

6 ¶ And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for my self, lest I mar mine own inheritance k: re∣deem thou my right l to thy self, for I cannot re∣deem it.

7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel, concerning redeeming, and concerning changing, for to confirm all things m: a man pluck∣ed off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour n: and this was a testimony in Israel o.

8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee: so he drew off his shoe.

9 ¶ And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelechs, and all that was Chilions, and Mahlons, of the hand of Naomi.

10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from a∣mong his brethren, and from the gate of his place p: ye are witnesses this day.

11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders said, We are witnesses: The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house, like Rachel, and like Leah q, which two did build the house r of Israel: and ‖ do thou worthily in Ephratah s, and ‡ be famous in Bethlehem s.

12 And let thy house be like the house of Pha∣rez t, ( whom Tamar bare unto Judah) of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

13 ¶ So Boaz took Ruth u, and she was his wife; and when he went in unto her x, the LORD gave her conception y, and in due time she bare a son.

14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not ‡ left thee this day without a ‖ kinsman z, that his name may be fa∣mous in Israel a.

15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life b, and ‡ a nourisher of ‡ thine old age: for thy daughter in law which loveth thee, which is bet∣ter to thee than seven sons, hath born him c.

16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

17 And the women •…•…er neighbours gave it a name d, saying, There is a son born to Naomi, and they called his name Obed e: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 ¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron.

19 And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nah∣shon begat ‖ Salmon,

21 And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

22 And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat Da∣vid f.

Notes

• ‡

  Heb. judged.
• a

  Which is noted as the cause of the following Famine, because in much of that time they were guilty of great de∣fection from God. But under which of the Judges this hap∣pened, Scripture being silent, it seems presumptuous to de∣termine; nor is it necessary to know what is said about this matter from the Genealogy mentioned, Chap. 4. 18, &c. it will be most proper to consider it there.
• 2 King. 8. 1.
• b

  Or, in that land; to wit, of Canaan.
• c

  A Fruitful Land, beyond Ior∣dan, Eastward.
• d

  So called, because this Bethlehem is otherwise called Ephrath or Ephratha, Gen. 35. 19. Mich. 5. 2. either from Caleb's Wife of that name, 1 Chron. 2. 19. and 4. 4. or from the fertility of the Soyl about it; which title may therefore be used here, to shew the greatness of the Famine, which affected even fertile parts.
• ‡

  Heb. were. Numb. 9. 21.
• f

  To wit, during the Famine.
• g

  Either these were Proselytes when they Married them, which may well be doubted, from v. 15. or they sinned in marrying them, as appears from Deut. 7. 3. and 23. 3. Ezra 9. 1, 2. Nehem. 13. 23. and therefore were punished with short Life, and want of Issue, v. 5, 19, 21.
• h

  As long as the Fa∣mine lasted.
• i

  i. e. Food, so she staid no longer there than necessity forced her.
• See 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 15.
• k

  Not that they wanted Fathers, Ruth 2. 11. but because Daughters used to converse more frequently with their Mo∣thers, and to be most endeared to them, and to dwell in the same apartments with them, which then were distinct from those parts of the House where the Men dwealt.
• l

  With my Sons, your Husbands, whilest they lived.
• m

  i. e. A quiet and happy life, free from those cares, vex∣ations, incumbrances, and troubles which Widows are in a special manner exposed unto.
• n

  As the manner there was when friends parted.
• o

  According to the Ancient Custome, Gen. 38. and the ex∣press Law of God, Deut. 25. 5 which doubtless she had ac∣quainted them with before, among other branches of the Jewish Religion, wherein she did instruct them.
• ‖

  Or, if I were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an hus∣•…•…d.
• n Qu. Why doth she disswade them from this journey, and not rather perswade them to go with her, and to embrace the Jewish Religion? Answ. 1. Possibly she thought such disswasion might be the best way to perswade them, as it oft happens; especially in that Sex. 2. She would not have them rashly and inconsiderately to embrace the Jewish Reli∣gion, in hopes of some advantage from it, which she justly thought they would be disappointed of; and withal, exposed to many straits and troubles, and on that occasion, revolt from the True Religon, which would be far worse than ne∣ver to have embraced it. And therefore she doth justly, and wisely, and piously, in representing to them the truth of the business, and the outward inconveniences which would ac∣company the Change of their Place, and Religion; as also our Blessed Lord Christ did, Mat. 8. 20.
• ‡

  Heb. hope.
• o

  It is unreasonable for me to expect it, or for you to per∣form it.
• ‡

  Heb. I have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bitter∣•…•…▪
• p

  That you are left without the comfort of Hus∣bands or Children; that I must part with such dear and affectionate Daughters; and that my circumstances are such, that I cannot invite, nor incourage you to go along with me. For her condition was so mean at this time, that Ruth when she came to her Mothers City, was forced to Glean for a living, Chap. 2. 2.
• Job 19. 21.
• q

  i. e. Departed from her with a kiss, as the manner was, Gen. 31. 28. 1 King. 19. 20.
• r

  Which she saith, partly to try Ruths sincerity and con∣stancy; partly, that by upbraiding Orpah with her Idolatry, she might consequently turn her from it; and partly, that she might intimate to her, that if she went with her, she must embrace the True God and Religion.
• See Jos. 24. 15. 2 King. 2. 2. L•…•…. 24. 28.
• ‖

  Or, be not against me.
• s

  I renounce those Idols which my Sister hath returned to, and I will Worship no other God but thine, who is indeed the onely True God.
• ‡

  Heb. strength •…•…ed her self.
• ‖

  That is the women.
• t

  Is this she that formerly lived in so much Plenty and Honour? Oh how marvellously is her condition changed, that she is returned in this forlorn and desolate condition!
• ‖

  That is plea∣sant.
• u

  Which signifies pleasant, or chearful, or amiable.
• ‖

  That is bit∣ter.
• x

  Which signifies bitter or sorrowful.
• y

  With my Husband and Sons, and a plentiful Estate for our support.
• z

  i. e. Hath born witness, as it were, in Judg∣ment, and given Sentence against me, and declared my Sin by my Punishment.
• a

  Which was permitted to the Poor, and the Stranger, Deut. 24. 19. both which she was; nor was she ashamed to confess her Poverty, nor would she eat the bread of idleness: whereby she sheweth her self to be a prudent, and diligent, and vertuous woman, as she is called, Ruth 3. 11.
• b

  For though it was their duty to permit this, Levit. 19. 9. and 23. 22. yet either she was ignorant thereof, or thought, that being a Stranger, it might be grudged, or denied to her; or, at least, that it became her modestly and humbly to acknow∣ledge their kindness herein.
• ‡

  Heb. hap ha•…•…pened.
• c

  For it was indeed a chance in reference to Second Cau∣ses, but ordered and designed by Gods Providence.
• ‖

  Called Mat. 1. 5. Booz.
• d

  They expressed and professed their Piety, even in their civil Conversation, and worldly Transactions; which now so many are ashamed of, and call it Hypocrisie or vain Ostentation thus to do.
• e

  i. e. That came with Naomi when she came back: for otherwise, as Ruth did not go from thence, so she could not properly be said to come back.
• f

  She did not boldly intrude her self, but modestly ask leave of us.
• ‖

  Or, handfuls.
• g

  She is not retired through idleness, for she hath been diligent and constant in her labours.
• h

  Not in Naomi's house, as many understand it, as may be gathered from v. 18, 19. but in the little House or Tent, which was set up in the Fields at these times, and was necessary in those hot Countries, where the Labourers or others might retire for a little repose or repast at fit times. Being weary with her continued labours, she comes hither to take a little rest.
• i

  Not by the young Men, to avoid both occasion of sin, and matter of scandal. Herein he shews his Piety and Pru∣dence.
• k

  So as to offer any incivility or injury to thee. Touching is oft taken for hurting, Gen. 26. 11. Psal. 105. 15.
• l

  This was the humblest Posture of Reverence, either Civil when performed to men, or Religious, when to God. See Gen. 18. 2. and 33. 3. and 42. 6. Matth. 2. 11. and 8. 2.
• m

  i. e. Shew any respect and kindness to me. For words of knowledge in Scripture commonly include af∣fection.
• n

  Of whom thou hadst no experience: for otherwise in general she could not be ignorant of this People.
• o

  i. e. Protection and Care, as Deut. 32. 11. Psal. 17. 8. and 36. 7. and 94. 3. An Allusion either to Hens, which protect and cherish their Young ones under their Wings; or to the Wings of the Cherubims, between which God dwelt.
• ‖

  Or, I find favour.
• p

  I humbly Implore the continuance of thy good Opinion of me, though I do not deserve it.
• ‡

  Hebr. to the heart.
• q

  A Person more mean, and necessitous, and obscure, being a stranger, and one Born of Heathenish Parents, and not the Holy and Honourable Peo∣ple of Israel, as they are.
• r

  Which in those simple and frugal times was the usual Food of Servants and the meaner Sort, at least when they were engaged in such Works as this, which required speed, and therefore must be quick in their Eating as well as in their Work. Or, Bread may be here put for any Food, as it o•…•…t is.
• s

  Either simple Vinegar, in which the Poorer sort used to dip their Bread, and so Eat it in hot Countries, as they did not only in Canaan, but afterwards in Italy; it be∣ing very proper, especially in those Par•…•… for cooling them in those hot Seasons, for strengthning their Sinews, &c. or Vinegar mixed with other things to make some kind of S•…•…uce.
• t

  Not with or among them, but at some little di∣stance from them, and as one Inferior to them, as she had acknowledged before in Words, and now sheweth it by her Actions.
• u

  A Food in frequent use, and some esteem with them. See 2 Sam. 17. 28.
• ‡

  Heb. shame her •…•…ot.
• x

  As if she were rude or impudent in so doing, as other∣wise they should have thought. Quest. Why did he not ra∣ther give her as much Corn as she could carry, and send her away? Ans. Because he would not have her to Eat the Bread of Idleness, but honestly to get it with the Sweat of her Brows, according to her Duty and present Condition.
• y

  Which is thought to contain about a Bushel. See Exod. 16. 36. Levit. 5. 11.
• z

  Or, that which she had left of her fulness, or after she was satisfied. She did Eat as much as she desired of what she had Gleaned, and her Mother, as I suppose, with her, and the residue she gave to her Mother, to lay up for future use.
• 2 Sam. 2. •…•….
• a

  i. e. Which he formerly shewed to those who are now dead, to wit, my Husband and his Sons whilst they were li∣ing, and now continues to us, their Wives, who are now alive.
• ‖

  Or, one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath right 〈◊〉〈◊〉 redeem.
• b

  Heb. one of our Redeemers, or Avengers, to whom it belongs to Avenge our Persons, and to Redeem our Lands, and to Marry thee, the Widow and Relict of his next Kins∣man, as is expressed, Ruth. 3 9. She saith, one of them, not that there were many who were immediately such, but that he was a very near Kinsman, and one to whom that Office belonged, in case of the refusal of one Person, of whom she rightly conjectured that he would refuse, as he did.
• c

  Both Barley-Harvest, and Wheat-Harvest, as is said, v. 23.
• ‖

  Or, fall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee.
• d

  Whereby thou wiltst both expose thy self to many incon∣veniences, which thou mayest expect from strangers; and incur his displeasure, as if thou didst either despise his pro∣fered kindness, or doubt of the sincerity of his affections and offers.
• e

  Heb. sat, or continued at home, when she had dispatched her occasions abroad, and did not wander or gad abroad, af∣ter the manner of idle Persons and Harlots, Prov. 7. 11, 12.
• a

  i. e. A life of Rest, and Comfort, and Safety, under the Care of a good Husband. The Question supposeth an Af∣firmative Answer: I will seek it, as my Duty binds me.
• b

  Which was in a place covered at the top, but open else∣where, whither Ruth might easily come. And this work of winnowing Corn was usually begun or ended with a Feast, as may be gathered both from v. 7. and from other Instances, wherein they used to do so upon like occasions; and this work was to begin this Evening, and, as some think, was done only in the Evenings, when the heat grew less, and the wind began to blow. See Gen. 3. 8.
• c

  To wit, thy best Raiment. All this was done to render her self more Amiable in the Eyes of Boaz. Obj. But Boaz could not see her, the whole business being to be transacted by Night. Ans. First, It was begun in the beginning of the Night, as soon as Boaz had suppe•…•… and composed himself to rest; as appears from v. 4, 7. when there was so much Light left as might discover her to him. Secondly, There being a Solemn Feast this Evening, as is very probably thought, and the Master of the Feast having Invited his Labouring Peo∣ple to it, and Ruth among the rest, it is likely that both she and the rest did put themselves into their best Dress upon that occasion, as the manner is even at this day; and so he had opportunity enough to see her.
• d

  To wit, not in so fa∣miliar a way, as she was appointed to do, so as he might know her, in the sence in which that word is sometimes used.
• e

  To rest or sleep, as upon such occasions they used to do in those hot Countries.
• f

  Though Naomi and Ruth seem to be vertuous and modest Women, and their intent was Lawful and Honest; yet there seems to be a manifold Irregu∣larity in the manner of it. First, it seems to be against that Modesty, which should be eminent in that Sex, and in un∣married Persons. Secondly, Against Honesty, both because it was an injury to another Person, who was nearer akin, whose right this was; which Naomi could not be Ignorant of: and because it was a Preposterous and Precipitant Me∣thod, not agreeable either to the Rules of Scripture, or the Usage of well-mannered Nations, or that Decency which even Nature requires. Thirdly, Against Prudence; for it might have proved the occasion, as of many Sins, so of great shame to all of them; and a mean to Alienate his Af∣fection from her, which she sought to engage. And though there be some Circumstances which Alleviate the Fact, as the Experience which Naomi had of the Wisdom and So∣briety both of Boaz and of Ruth, yet she knew not what the event would be; and that there was something of shame∣fulness in the thing, may be gathered both from Naomies choice of the Night for it, as if it were a Work of Dark∣ness; and from Boaz his fear least this should be known, v. 14. And it is an aggravation of it, that this Course was un∣necessary, and she had a plain and likely way, which was directly to Address her self to Boaz, or the next Kinsman, and to require the Duty which by Gods Law he was bound to perform, and this before Witnesses, as Boaz did. And her Clandestine proceeding seems to have arisen from a distrust of Gods Providence, to bring about what she desired in the ordinary way.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his feet.
• g

  Remove the Cloths which were upon his Feet; thereby to awaken him.
• h

  How thou shouldst carry thy self, or what course thou shalt take to obtain that Mar∣riage which belongs unto thee. Only there were some Rites to be observed, and Circumstances to be done, before they came to the conclusion of the Marriage, about which Boaz would instruct her.
• i

  The confidence she had in Naomies Wisdom and Piety, and true Love to her, made her ready to follow her advice, wherein she was the more excusable, because she did not understand the Laws and Customs of the Country, as Nao∣mi did.
• k

  To wit, liberally, as the manner was upon those occa∣sions. See Iudg. 9. 27. Psal. 4. 7. Isa. 9. 3.
• l

  He did not discover her sooner, though she did uncover his Feet, being it seems in a deep sleep, as is usual after Feasts, and she doing no more than her Mother commanded her, and using no words or gestures which might provoke his Lust: wherein she shewed her Temperance and Mode∣sty, and that what she did was only by her Mothers lust •…•…∣tion and Advice, which plainly appea•…•…ed from h•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣pressed, v. 9. which he knew, •…•…he bein•…•… a Stranger, w•…•…s un∣acquainted with. And this was the reason 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Boaz was not in the least offended with her, but only 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ her Vertue, without any reflection upon her for this 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖

  Or, took •…•…old on.
• m

  From the plaee where he lay, he raised and turned him∣self towards the Feet, to learn who or what was there. Or, he was troubled, or afraid, or wondred. For the Hebrew word being but once used, is diversly rendred.
• n

  Which he might understand, either by some glimmerings of Light which were after midnight, which discovered her▪ or rather by her Voice, or out of her own Mouth, who being asked, told him so much in general, before he made particular en∣quiry.
• o

  i. e. Take me to be thy Wife, and perform the Duty of an Husband to me. This Phrase is used in this sen•…•…e, Deut. 22. 30. and 27. 20. Ezek. 16. 8. Either, First, Because the Wife is admitted into the same Bed with her Husband, and both are Covered with one and the same Covering. Or, Se∣condly, From an ancient Ceremony of the Husbands throw∣ing the Skirt of his Garment over her Head, in token both of her subjection, 1 Cor. 11. 5, 6, 10. and appropriation to him, being hereby as it were hid from the Eyes of others; See Gen. 20. 16. and also of that Protection which he oweth to her, See Ruth 2. 12.
• ‖

  Or, one that hath right to redeem.
• p

  Both to thy deceased Husband, the continuance of whose Name and Memory thou preferrest before the satis∣faction of thy own Lust; and to thy Mother-in-law, whose Commands thou hast punctually obeyed, even with thy own hazard in so doubtful an Enterprize.
• q

  To seek thy Mar∣riage either here, or in thy own Country, as thou wouldst have done if thou hadst not preferred Obedience to Gods Command, before the pleasing of thy self.
• r

  Think not that I Despise and Reject thee, because I do not immediately comply with thy Desire.
• s

  i. e. Marry thee, upon the Condition here following.
• ‡

  Heb. gate.
• t

  i. e. Take thee to Wife, to raise up Seed to his Brother, as he ought to do.
• u

  i. e. While it was yet so Dark that one Person could not discern another. Or, before one did know the other, i. e. be∣fore they were carnally known to one another.
• x

  He takes care to preserve not only his Conscience towards God, but his Reputation, and hers also, among men.
• ‖

  Or, sheet, or, apron.
• z

  Known and usual Measure; It is not determined how large those Measures were, but this the Nature of the thing shews, that they were no larger than one Woman could carry in her Veil, or Apron.
• y Or, the apron, such as women ordinarily wear.
• ‖

  Either, First, She did not distinctly know who▪ she was, because it was Dark, and so calls her Daughter only in ge∣neral, 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 Daugh∣ter? I can hardly believe it. How comest thou hither in this manner, and thus early?
• a

  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 Kins∣man.
• b

  Doubtless Boaz both knew his Name, and called him by it, but it is omitted by the Holy Writer; partly be∣cause 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 Brothers Name, might lose his own, and lie buried in the Grave of perpetu∣al Oblivion.
• c

  I have some Business of Importance with you.
• d

  To be Umpires or Witnesses between them: for though two or three Witnesses were sufficient, yet in weightier Mat∣ters they used more. And ten was the usual Number among the Iews, in Causes of Matrimony and Divorce, and Transla∣tion of Inheritances; who were both Judges of the Causes, and Witnesses of the Fact. See 1 King. 21. 8.
• e

  Both Naomi and Ruth had an Interest in this Land du∣ring their Lives, but he mentions only Naomi, partly because all was done by her direction, to which Ruth wholly sub∣mitted her self; 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.
• f

  Which she might do because of her Poverty, Levit. 25. 25.
• ‡

  Heb. I said, I will uncover thine ear. Re∣veal in thine ear.
• g

  Before this Assembly, that it may be Legally, and Firm∣ly made over to thee.
• h

  According to the Law, Deut. 25. 5, &c. Matth. 22. 24, &c.
• i

  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.
• k

  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 Ruths Husband; and so by pre∣serving another Mans 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 pos∣sibly had already, and might probably have more by Ruth.
• l

  Which I freely Renounce and Resign to thee.
• Deut. 25. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• m

  i. e. In all Alienation of Lands. So that it is no wonder if this Ceremony differ a little from that Deut. 25. 9. be∣cause 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.
• n

  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 Cere∣mony, as if he said, Take this Shoe wherewith I used to go and tread upon my Land, and in that Shoe do thou enter upon it, and take possession of it.
• o

  This was admitted for sufficient Evidence in all such Cases.
• p

  i. e. From among the Inhabitants dwelling within the Gate of this City, which was Bethlehem-Iudah.
• q

  Amiable and Fruitful. Those two are singled out; partly because they were of a Foreign and Heathenish Original, and yet ingrafted into Gods people, as Ruth also was: and partly, because of that singular Fertility which God vouch∣safed unto them above their Predecessors, Rachel and Leah. Rachel is placed before Leah, because she was his most Lawful, and only Intended, and Chosen, and best-Beloved Wife.
• r

  i. e. Increase the Posterity. See Gen. 16. 2. Exod. 1. 21.
• ‖

  Or, get 〈◊〉〈◊〉 riches, or, power.
• s

  Two Names of one and the same Place; of which see on Ruth 1. 2.
• ‡

  Heb. pro∣claim thy name.
• s

  Two Names of one and the same Place; of which see on Ruth 1. 2.
• t

  As honourable and numerous as his Family was; whom, though he also was Born of a stranger, God so far Blessed, that his Family was one of the five Families to which all the Tribe of Iudah belonged, and the Progenitor of the Inha∣bitants of this City.
• Gen. 38. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1 Chron. •…•…. •…•… Matth. 1. 3.
• u

  Which he might do, though she was a Moabite, because the Prohibition against Marrying such, is to be restrained to those who continue in the Heathenish estate, as is evident from the reason of it; Whereas Ruth as a sincere Proselyte and Convert to the God and Faith of Israel.
• x

  i. e. Had Conjugal Converse with her. See Gen. 6. 4.
• y

  i. e. Strength to Conceive and Retain Seed.
• ‡

  Heb. caused to cease unto thee.
• ‖

  Or, redeemer.
• z

  Which is understood, Either, First, Of the Son new Born. Or rather, Secondly, Of Boaz: For the Name of Goel, which is Translated Kinsman or Redeemer, is never, that I know of, given to the Child Born, but always to the Person Begetting him of his Brother's or near Kinsman's Wife. And whereas it is Objected, That there was no Cause for this Congratulation at this time in reference to Boaz, because that was done divers Months before this time: It may be Replied, That the Memory of that generous Action was revived upon this occasion, and therefore is fitly mentioned as the foundation of this Childs Birth; and this happy effect justly leads them to the Cause and Original of it, which was this, that Boaz had shewed himself to be a Kinsman or Re∣deemer, not only in Name and Title, as the other Kinsman was, v. 6. but in Truth and Reality. The words may be rendred, Which hath not made, or suffered thy Kinsman to fail to thee, i. e. To neglect or refuse the performance of his Duty to thee and thine, as the other Kinsman did.
• a

  Heb. and his Name shall be famons in Israel, for this Noble and Worthy Action, wherein he gave so great an Example of Piety, Charity, Humility, and self-Denial.
• b

  i. e. Of the comfort of thy life, which was in a great measure dead and gone.
• ‡

  Heb. to nou∣rish.
• ‡

  Heb. thy gray hairs.
• 1 Sam. 1. 8.
• c

  To wit, a Son: the Pronoun for the Noun, understood, which is frequent in the Hebrew Tongue. Or, Hath born to him, i. e. to thy Kinsman, to wit, a Son, which is easily understood: and so the Pronoun affix is put for the separate; of which there are Instances; as Ios. 15. 19. 1 King. 19. 21. Iob 31. 37. Ezek. •…•…9. 3.
• d

  i. e. They gave her advice about the Name; for other∣wise they had no power or right to do so.
• e

  A servant, to wit, to thee, to nourish, and comfort, and assist thee, which Duty Children owe to their Progenitors.
• 1 Chron. 2. 4. Matth. 1. 3.
• ‖

  Or, Salmah.
• f

  How can this be a true Genealogy, seeing by this means four Persons take up three hundred and eighty years, which were between Salmon and David, and consequently every one of them must beget a Son when he was very old? Ans. 1. It is not certain, that each of these was the imme∣diate Parent of him whom he is said to beget: for some∣times Grand-Fathers are said in Scripture to beget their Grand-Children, to wit, by the Intervention of their imme∣diate Sons; whereof Instances have been given. And some∣times in Genealogies whole Generations are omitted, as may appear by Ezra 7. 2. compared with 1 Chron. 6. 3. and by Matth. 1. 8. which might be done here for divers reasons now unknown. 2. There are many Examples even in pro∣fane Writers, both Ancient and Modern, of Persons that have not only lived 120, and 130 years and upwards, but have been Vigorous, and have begotten Children at above 100 years old; and of Women that have conceived and born Children at the age of 50, 60, yea, 70 years. And therefore if it were so in these more ancient times, when men were longer∣lived, and under the Law, when long Life was expresly pro∣mised to the Obedient, and in Persons of strong Constituti∣ons, and sober Conversations, such as some of these are known to have been, and the others may justly be presumed to be such, it is not strange, nor in the least incredible.