Teks -- Ruth 2:1-11 (NET)
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Wesley: Rut 2:2 - Glean Which was permitted to the poor, and the stranger, Deu 24:19, nor was she ashamed to confess her poverty, nor would she eat the bread of idleness.
Which was permitted to the poor, and the stranger, Deu 24:19, nor was she ashamed to confess her poverty, nor would she eat the bread of idleness.
Wesley: Rut 2:2 - In whose sight For though it was their duty to permit this, yet she thought it might perhaps be denied her; at least, that it became her modestly and humbly to ackno...
For though it was their duty to permit this, yet she thought it might perhaps be denied her; at least, that it became her modestly and humbly to acknowledge their kindness herein.
Wesley: Rut 2:3 - Her hap It was a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered by God's providence. God wisely orders small events, even those that seem altogether contin...
It was a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered by God's providence. God wisely orders small events, even those that seem altogether contingent. Many a great affair is brought about by a little turn, fortuitous as to men, but designed by God.
Wesley: Rut 2:4 - Said, &c They expressed their piety, even in their civil conversation, and worldly transactions; which now so many are ashamed of.
They expressed their piety, even in their civil conversation, and worldly transactions; which now so many are ashamed of.
She did not boldly intrude herself, but modestly ask leave of us.
Wesley: Rut 2:7 - 'Till now She is not retired through idleness, for she hath been diligent and constant in her labours.
She is not retired through idleness, for she hath been diligent and constant in her labours.
Wesley: Rut 2:7 - The house 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 might retire...
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 might retire for a little repose or repast. Being weary with her continued labours, she comes hither to take a little rest.
Wesley: Rut 2:8 - Maidens Not by the young men, to avoid both occasion of sin, and matter of scandal. Herein he shews his piety and prudence.
Not by the young men, to avoid both occasion of sin, and matter of scandal. Herein he shews his piety and prudence.
So as to offer any incivility or injury to thee.
Wesley: Rut 2:10 - Fell This was the humblest posture of reverence, either civil when performed to men, or religious, when to God.
This was the humblest posture of reverence, either civil when performed to men, or religious, when to God.
That is, shew any respect and kindness to me.
JFB: Rut 2:2 - Ruth . . . said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean The right of gleaning was conferred by a positive law on the widow, the poor, and the stranger (see on Lev 19:9 and Deu 24:19). But liberty to glean b...
The right of gleaning was conferred by a positive law on the widow, the poor, and the stranger (see on Lev 19:9 and Deu 24:19). But liberty to glean behind the reapers [Rth 2:3] was not a right that could be claimed; it was a privilege granted or refused according to the good will or favor of the owner.
JFB: Rut 2:3 - her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz Fields in Palestine being unenclosed, the phrase signifies that portion of the open ground which lay within the landmarks of Boaz.
Fields in Palestine being unenclosed, the phrase signifies that portion of the open ground which lay within the landmarks of Boaz.
JFB: Rut 2:4 - Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you This pious salutation between the master and his laborers strongly indicates the state of religious feeling among the rural population of Israel at th...
This pious salutation between the master and his laborers strongly indicates the state of religious feeling among the rural population of Israel at that time, as well as the artless, happy, and unsuspecting simplicity which characterized the manners of the people. The same patriarchal style of speaking is still preserved in the East.
JFB: Rut 2:5 - his servant that was set over the reapers An overseer whose special duty was to superintend the operations in the field, to supply provision to the reapers, and pay them for their labor in the...
An overseer whose special duty was to superintend the operations in the field, to supply provision to the reapers, and pay them for their labor in the evening.
JFB: Rut 2:7 - she said . . . Let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves Various modes of reaping are practised in the East. Where the crop is thin and short, it is plucked up by the roots. Sometimes it is cut with the sick...
Various modes of reaping are practised in the East. Where the crop is thin and short, it is plucked up by the roots. Sometimes it is cut with the sickle. Whether reaped in the one way or the other, the grain is cast into sheaves loosely thrown together, to be subjected to the process of threshing, which takes place, for the most part, immediately after the reaping. Field labors were begun early in the morning--before the day became oppressively hot.
JFB: Rut 2:7 - she tarried a little in the house That is, the field tent, erected for the occasional rest and refreshment of the laborers.
That is, the field tent, erected for the occasional rest and refreshment of the laborers.
JFB: Rut 2:8-9 - said Boaz unto Ruth, . . . bide here fast by my maidens The reaping was performed by women while the assortment of sheaves was the duty of men-servants. The same division of harvest labor obtains in Syria s...
The reaping was performed by women while the assortment of sheaves was the duty of men-servants. The same division of harvest labor obtains in Syria still. Boaz not only granted to Ruth the full privilege of gleaning after his reapers, but provided for her personal comfort.
JFB: Rut 2:9 - go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn Gleaners were sometimes allowed, by kind and charitable masters, to partake of the refreshments provided for the reapers. The vessels alluded to were ...
Gleaners were sometimes allowed, by kind and charitable masters, to partake of the refreshments provided for the reapers. The vessels alluded to were skin bottles, filled with water--and the bread was soaked in vinegar (Rth 2:14); a kind of poor, weak wine, sometimes mingled with a little olive oil--very cooling, as would be required in harvest-time. This grateful refection is still used in the harvest-field.
Clarke: Rut 2:1 - A mighty man of wealth A mighty man of wealth - We have already seen that some suppose Boaz to have been one of the judges of Israel; he was no doubt a man of considerable...
A mighty man of wealth - We have already seen that some suppose Boaz to have been one of the judges of Israel; he was no doubt a man of considerable property.
Clarke: Rut 2:2 - Glean ears of corn Glean ears of corn - The word glean comes from the French glaner , to gather ears or grains of corn. This was formerly a general custom in England a...
Glean ears of corn - The word glean comes from the French glaner , to gather ears or grains of corn. This was formerly a general custom in England and Ireland; the poor went into the fields and collected the straggling ears of corn after the reapers; and it was long supposed that this was their right, and that the law recognized it. But although it has been an old custom, I find that it is now settled, by a solemn judgment in the court of common pleas, that a right to glean in the harvest field cannot be claimed by any person at common law; see Law Dictionary, article gleaning. Any person may permit or prevent it in his own grounds. By the Irish acts, 25 Hen. VIII., c. 1, and 28 Hen. VIII., c. 24, gleaning and leasing are so restricted as to be in fact prohibited in that part of the United Kingdom. See the note on Lev 19:9
Clarke: Rut 2:2 - After him in whose sight I shall find grace After him in whose sight I shall find grace - She did not mean Boaz; but she purposed to go out where they were now reaping, and glean after any per...
After him in whose sight I shall find grace - She did not mean Boaz; but she purposed to go out where they were now reaping, and glean after any person who might permit her, or use her in a friendly manner. The words seem to intimate that, notwithstanding the law of Moses, the gleaners might be prevented by the owner of the field.
Clarke: Rut 2:3 - And her hap was And her hap was - So she was accidentally or providentially led to that part of the cultivated country which belonged to Boaz.
And her hap was - So she was accidentally or providentially led to that part of the cultivated country which belonged to Boaz.
Clarke: Rut 2:4 - Boaz came from Beth-lehem Boaz came from Beth-lehem - This salutation between Boaz and his reapers is worthy of particular regard; he said, יהוה עמחם Yehovah immache...
Boaz came from Beth-lehem - This salutation between Boaz and his reapers is worthy of particular regard; he said,
Clarke: Rut 2:5 - His servant that was set over the reapers His servant that was set over the reapers - This was a kind of steward or hind who had the under management of the estate. Some think that an office...
His servant that was set over the reapers - This was a kind of steward or hind who had the under management of the estate. Some think that an officer of this kind is intended in the description given by Homer of the labors of a harvest field, as represented by Vulcan on one compartment of the shield which he made for Achilles: -
Iliad xviii., v. 550
There too he form’ d the likeness of a fiel
Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil’ d
Each with a sharp-tooth’ d sickle in his hand
Along the furrow here, the harvest fel
In frequent handfuls; there, they bound the sheaves
Three binders of the sheaves their sultry tas
All plied industrious, and behind them boy
Attended, filling with the corn their arms
And offering still their bundles to be bound
Amid them, staff in hand, the master stood
Enjoying, mute the order of the field
While, shaded by an oak, apart his trai
Prepared the banquet - a well thriven o
New slain, and the attendant maidens mix’
Large supper for the hinds, of whitest flour
Cowper
This scene is well described; and the person who acts as overseer is here called
Clarke: Rut 2:7 - That she tarried a little in the house That she tarried a little in the house - It seems as if the reapers were now resting in their tent, and that Ruth had just gone in with them to take...
That she tarried a little in the house - It seems as if the reapers were now resting in their tent, and that Ruth had just gone in with them to take her rest also.
Clarke: Rut 2:8 - Abide here fast by my maidens 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...
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.
Clarke: Rut 2:9 - The young men that they shall not touch thee The young men that they shall not touch thee - This was peculiarly necessary, as she was a stranger and unprotected.
The young men that they shall not touch thee - This was peculiarly necessary, as she was a stranger and unprotected.
Clarke: Rut 2:10 - Then she fell on her face 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 t...
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, that what the Lord hath decreed, he hath not decreed concerning the women but the men. And it hath been surely said to me by prophecy, that kings and prophets shall proceed from thee because of the good which thou hast done,"etc.
Defender: Rut 2:3 - gleaned The custom of gleaning (collecting what had been missed by the officially employed reapers), was a divinely ordained provision for the poor of the lan...
Defender: Rut 2:3 - hap To outward appearances, Ruth just "happened" to glean in the field of Boaz, but the entire context makes it clear that this was God's providential lea...
To outward appearances, Ruth just "happened" to glean in the field of Boaz, but the entire context makes it clear that this was God's providential leading. God is altogether sovereign; He is not a God of chance. A faithful believer, seeking honestly to know and do the will of God, especially in relation to His already revealed will in Scripture, can be confident that the circumstances around him are not dictated by the laws of probability but by the will and purpose of God (Rom 8:28).
Defender: Rut 2:3 - Boaz Boaz was considered a relative of Elimelech, the father of Ruth's first husband. The implication is that Boaz was old enough to be Ruth's father (Rth ...
Boaz was considered a relative of Elimelech, the father of Ruth's first husband. The implication is that Boaz was old enough to be Ruth's father (Rth 3:10). However, age is secondary if one's goal is a God-honoring marriage."
TSK: Rut 2:1 - kinsman // a mighty // Boaz kinsman : Rth 3:2, Rth 3:12
a mighty : Deu 8:17, Deu 8:18; Job 1:3, Job 31:25
Boaz : Boaz, according the Targumist, was the same as Ibzan. Rth 4:21; J...
glean ears : Lev 19:9, Lev 19:16, Lev 23:22; Deu 24:19-21
TSK: Rut 2:3 - gleaned // hap was gleaned : 1Th 4:11, 1Th 4:12; 2Th 3:12
hap was : Heb. hap happened, 2Ki 8:5; Est 6:1, Est 6:2; Mat 10:29; Luk 10:31
TSK: Rut 2:4 - The Lord // And they The Lord : Psa 118:26, Psa 129:7, Psa 129:8; Luk 1:28; 2Th 3:16; 2Ti 4:22; 2Jo 1:10, 2Jo 1:11
And they : Rth 4:11; Gen 18:19; Jos 24:15; Psa 133:1-3; ...
TSK: Rut 2:6 - the servant // It is the the servant : This seems to have been a kind of steward, who had the under- management of the estate. Gen 15:2, Gen 24:2, Gen 39:4; Mat 20:8, Mat 24:4...
TSK: Rut 2:7 - I pray // continued // in the house I pray : Pro 15:33, Pro 18:23; Mat 5:3; Eph 5:21; 1Pe 5:5, 1Pe 5:6
continued : Pro 13:4, Pro 22:29; Ecc 9:10; Rom 12:11; Gal 6:9
in the house : It see...
TSK: Rut 2:8 - my daughter // neither // abide my daughter : 1Sa 3:6, 1Sa 3:16; 2Ki 5:13; Mat 9:2, Mat 9:22
neither : Son 1:7, Son 1:8
abide : Mat 10:7-11; Phi 4:8
TSK: Rut 2:9 - touch thee // go touch thee : Gen 20:6; Job 19:21; Psa 105:15; Pro 6:29; 1Co 7:1; 1Jo 5:18
go : Gen 24:18-20; Mat 10:42; Joh 4:7-11
touch thee : Gen 20:6; Job 19:21; Psa 105:15; Pro 6:29; 1Co 7:1; 1Jo 5:18
go : Gen 24:18-20; Mat 10:42; Joh 4:7-11
TSK: Rut 2:10 - fell // Why have // seeing fell : Gen 18:2; 1Sa 25:23
Why have : Rth 2:2, Rth 2:13; 2Sa 9:8, 2Sa 19:28; Luk 1:43, Luk 1:48; Rom 12:10
seeing : Isa 56:3-8; Mat 15:22-28, Mat 25:3...
Why have : Rth 2:2, Rth 2:13; 2Sa 9:8, 2Sa 19:28; Luk 1:43, Luk 1:48; Rom 12:10
seeing : Isa 56:3-8; Mat 15:22-28, Mat 25:35; Luk 7:6, Luk 7:7, Luk 17:16-18
TSK: Rut 2:11 - all that // and how all that : Rth 1:11, Rth 1:14-22; Psa 37:5, Psa 37:6
and how : Psa 45:10; Luk 5:11, Luk 5:23, Luk 14:33, Luk 18:29, Luk 18:30; Heb 11:8, Heb 11:9, Heb...
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Poole: Rut 2:2 - In whose sight I shall find grace Gleaning was permitted to the poor and the stranger, Deu 24:19 , both which she was; nor was she ashamed to confess her poverty, nor would she eat t...
Gleaning was permitted to the poor and the stranger, Deu 24:19 , both which she was; nor was she ashamed to confess her poverty, nor would she eat the bread of idleness; whereby she showeth herself to be a prudent, and diligent, and virtuous woman, as she is called, Rth 3:11 .
In whose sight I shall find grace for though it was their duty to permit this, Lev 19:9 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 acknowledge their kindness herein.
Poole: Rut 2:3 - Her hap was Her hap was for it was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’ s providence.
Her hap was for it was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’ s providence.
Poole: Rut 2:4 - -- They expressed and professed their piety, even in their civil conversation and worldly transactions; which now so many are ashamed of, and call it h...
They expressed and professed their piety, even in their civil conversation and worldly transactions; which now so many are ashamed of, and call it hypocrisy or vain ostentation thus to do.
Poole: Rut 2:6 - -- 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.
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.
Poole: Rut 2:7 - She said, I pray you, let me glean // Hath continued even from the morning until now // In the house She said, I pray you, let me glean she did not boldly intrude herself, but modestly ask leave of us.
Hath continued even from the morning until now ...
She said, I pray you, let me glean she did not boldly intrude herself, but modestly ask leave of us.
Hath continued even from the morning until now she is not retired though idleness, for she hath been diligent and constant in her labours.
In the house not in Naomi’ s house, as many understand it, as may be gathered from Rth 2:18,19 , 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.
Poole: Rut 2:8 - -- Not by the young men, to avoid both occasion of sin and matter of scandal. Herein he shows his piety and prudence.
Not by the young men, to avoid both occasion of sin and matter of scandal. Herein he shows his piety and prudence.
Poole: Rut 2:9 - That they shall not touch thee That they shall not touch thee so as to offer any incivility or injury to thee. Touching is oft taken for hurting, Gen 26:11 Psa 105:15 .
That they shall not touch thee so as to offer any incivility or injury to thee. Touching is oft taken for hurting, Gen 26:11 Psa 105:15 .
Poole: Rut 2:10 - She fell on her face // Take knowledge of me She fell on her face: this was the humblest posture of reverence; either civil, when performed to men, or religious, when to God. See Gen 18:2 33:3 4...
She fell on her face: this was the humblest posture of reverence; either civil, when performed to men, or religious, when to God. See Gen 18:2 33:3 42:6 Mat 2:11 8:2 .
Take knowledge of me i.e. show any respect and kindness to me; for words of knowledge in Scripture commonly include affection.
Poole: Rut 2:11 - Which thou knewest not Which thou knewest not of whom thou hadst no experience; for otherwise in general she could not be ignorant of this people.
Which thou knewest not of whom thou hadst no experience; for otherwise in general she could not be ignorant of this people.
Haydock: Rut 2:1 - Booz Booz. The Scripture does not specify how nearly they were related. R. Josue says Elimelech, Salmon, and Tob (chap. iii. 13,) were brothers, and Boo...
Booz. The Scripture does not specify how nearly they were related. R. Josue says Elimelech, Salmon, and Tob (chap. iii. 13,) were brothers, and Booz was the son of Salmon, which cannot be refuted, (Serarius, q. 1.; Menochius) though the authority and proofs be very weak. It is not, however, more probable that Booz was the brother of Elimelech. Some think that he was not the immediate son of Salmon, as four persons seem too few to fill up the space of 366 years, from the marriage of Rahab till the birth of David. But this is not impossible. (Calmet) See chap. iv. 20.
Haydock: Rut 2:2 - To me To me. It was the privilege of the poor and of strangers to glean, Deuteronomy xxiv. 19., and Leviticus xix. 9. Yet Ruth asks leave, through civili...
To me. It was the privilege of the poor and of strangers to glean, Deuteronomy xxiv. 19., and Leviticus xix. 9. Yet Ruth asks leave, through civility. (Calmet) ---
This law is no longer in force, but it would be inhuman for the rich to deny this liberty to those who are in distress, and willing rather to work than to beg. (Tirinus)
Haydock: Rut 2:4 - With you With you. This blessing the Church still adopts in her service. (Worthington) ---
It was customary to bless one another during harvest, Psalm cxxv...
With you. This blessing the Church still adopts in her service. (Worthington) ---
It was customary to bless one another during harvest, Psalm cxxviii. 5, 8. (Calmet) ---
Booz did, as Cato advises, Ne opera parcas visere; "See what is going forward." The master's eye makes the servants diligent. (Haydock).
Haydock: Rut 2:5 - Man Man. Heb. nahar, a man in the prime of life. He had the care of all in the field, during the absence of his master; whence Josephus styles him a...
Man. Heb. nahar, a man in the prime of life. He had the care of all in the field, during the absence of his master; whence Josephus styles him agrocomos, or agronomos. (Menochius) ---
Homer mentions an officer or king, standing with his sceptre in the midst of the reapers, and silently rejoicing at the rich profusion of the field. (Iliad) ---
Thus we see the taste of the ancients, while agriculture was honourable.
Haydock: Rut 2:7 - Moment Moment. Hebrew, "her tarrying in the house is but small, or till now, that she remains a little in the house." She entered the house with the rea...
Moment. Hebrew, "her tarrying in the house is but small, or till now, that she remains a little in the house." She entered the house with the reapers, during the excessive heat of the day, and to avoid the suspicion of taking more than was allowed, during their absence. (Calmet) ---
Septuagint, "she hath not discontinued to work in the field even a little." Her diligence and modesty attracted the notice of Booz. (Haydock).
Haydock: Rut 2:9 - Thee // The waters Thee. The men tied the corn after the female reapers, (Calmet) and Ruth was authorized to follow, close at their heels, without fear. (Haydock) ---...
Thee. The men tied the corn after the female reapers, (Calmet) and Ruth was authorized to follow, close at their heels, without fear. (Haydock) ---
The waters. This is not expressed in Hebrew but it is in the Septuagint and the Chaldean. (Calmet) ---
The privilege of having water in those countries was very considerable. (Menochius)
Haydock: Rut 2:10 - Country Country. St. Elizabeth was impressed with similar sentiments, when she was visited by the blessed Virgin; (Haydock) and so was David, when he consid...
Country. St. Elizabeth was impressed with similar sentiments, when she was visited by the blessed Virgin; (Haydock) and so was David, when he considered the wonderful condescension of God, Psalm viii. 5., cxliii. 3., and Job vii. 17. (Calmet) ---
Frequent instances occur in Scripture of people worshipping, or shewing their gratitude to their fellow creatures, by this posture of the body. (Menochius) ---
Yet no suspicion of idolatry attaches to them, Genesis xxiii. '7., &c. (Haydock)
Heretofore, to embrace the same religion. (Menochius)
Gill: Rut 2:1 - And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's // a mighty man of wealth // of the family of Elimelech // and his name was Boaz And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's,.... That was her kinsman by her husband's side, who now lived at Bethlehem; and yet it does not appear that ...
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's,.... That was her kinsman by her husband's side, who now lived at Bethlehem; and yet it does not appear that Naomi made any application to him for assistance in her circumstances, though well known to her, as the word used signifies; which might arise from her modesty, and being loath to be troublesome to him, especially as he was a relation, not of her own family, but of her husband's; but, what is more strange, that this kinsman had taken no notice of her, nor sent to her, who yet was a very generous and liberal man, and had knowledge of her coming, for he had heard of the character of Ruth, Rth 2:11 but perhaps he was not acquainted with their indigent circumstances:
a mighty man of wealth; a man of great wealth and riches, and of great power and authority, which riches give and raise a man to, and also of great virtue and honour, all which the word "wealth" signifies; to which may be added the paraphrase the Targumist gives, that he was mighty in the law; in the Scriptures, in the word of God, a truly religious man, which completes his character:
of the family of Elimelech; the husband of Naomi; some say that his father was Elimelech's brother; see Gill on Rth 2:2,
and his name was Boaz; which signifies, "in him is strength", strength of riches, power, virtue, and grace; it is the name of one of the pillars in Solomon's temple, so called from its strength. This man is commonly said by the Jews to be the same with Ibzan, a judge of Israel, Jdg 12:8, he was the grandson of Nahshon, prince of the tribe of Judah, who first offered at the dedication of the altar, Num 7:12, his father's name was Salmon, and his mother was Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, Mat 1:5. A particular account is given of this man, because he, with Ruth, makes the principal part of the following history.
Gill: Rut 2:2 - And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi // let me now go to the field // and glean ears of corn after him, in whose sight I shall find grace // and she said unto her, go, my daughter And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi,.... After they had been some little time at Bethlehem, and not long; for they came at the beginning of barley ha...
And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi,.... After they had been some little time at Bethlehem, and not long; for they came at the beginning of barley harvest, and as yet it was not over, nor perhaps for some time after this; and knowing and considering the circumstances they were in, and unwilling to live an idle life, and ready to do any thing for the support of her life, and of her ancient mother-in-law; which was very commendable, and showed her to be an industrious virtuous woman: she addressed her, and said:
let me now go to the field; she did not choose to go any where, nor do anything, without her advice and consent; so dutiful and obedient was she to her, and so high an opinion had she of her wisdom and goodness; she desired to go to the field which belonged to Bethlehem, which seems to have been an open field, not enclosed, where each inhabitant had his part, as Boaz, Rth 2:3 though Jarchi interprets it of one of the fields of the men of the city; hither she asked leave to go, not with any ill intent, nor was she in any danger of being exposed, since it being harvest time the field was full of people: her end in going thither is expressed in the next clause:
and glean ears of corn after him, in whose sight I shall find grace; or "in" or "among the ears of corn" o; between the ears of corn bound up into sheaves, and there pick up the loose ears that were dropped and left. This she proposed to do with the leave of the owner of the field, or of the reapers, whom she followed; she might be ignorant that it was allowed by the law of God that widows and strangers might glean in the field, Lev 19:9 or if she had been acquainted with it by Naomi, which is not improbable, such was her modesty and humility, that she did not choose to make use of this privilege without leave; lest, as Jarchi says, she should be chided or reproved, and it is certain she did entreat the favour to glean, Rth 2:7.
and she said unto her, go, my daughter; which shows the necessitous circumstances Naomi was in; though perhaps she might give this leave and direction under an impulse of the Spirit of God, in order to bring about an event of the greatest moment and importance, whereby she became the ancestor of our blessed Lord.
Gill: Rut 2:3 - And she went, and came // and gleaned in the field after the reapers // and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech And she went, and came,.... That is, she went out of the house where she was, and out of the city, and came into the field; though, according to the M...
And she went, and came,.... That is, she went out of the house where she was, and out of the city, and came into the field; though, according to the Midrash p, she marked the ways as she went, before she entered into the field, and then came back to the city to observe the marks and signs she made, that she might not mistake the way, and might know how to come back again:
and gleaned in the field after the reapers; when they had cut down and bound up the corn, what fell and was left she picked up, having first asked leave so to do:
and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech; the providence of God so ordering and directing it; for though it was hap and chance to her, and what some people call good luck, it was according to the purpose, and by the providence and direction of God that she came to the reapers in that part of the field Boaz, a near kinsman of her father-in-law, was owner of, and asked leave of them to glean and follow them.
Gill: Rut 2:4 - And, behold, Boaz came to Bethlehem // and said unto the reapers, the Lord be with you // and they answered him, the Lord bless you And, behold, Boaz came to Bethlehem,.... Into the field, to see how his workmen went on, and performed their service, and to encourage them in it by h...
And, behold, Boaz came to Bethlehem,.... Into the field, to see how his workmen went on, and performed their service, and to encourage them in it by his presence, and by his courteous language and behaviour, and to see what provisions were wanting, that he might take care and give orders for the sending of them, it being now near noon, as it may be supposed; and though he was a man of great wealth, he did not think it below him to go into his field, and look after his servants, which was highly commendable in him, and which showed his diligence and industry, as well as his humility. So a king in Homer q is represented as among his reapers, with his sceptre in his hand, and cheerful. Pliny r relates it, as a saying of the ancients, that the eye of the master is the most fruitful thing in the field; and Aristotle s reports, that a Persian being asked what fattened a horse most, replied, the eye of the master; and an African being asked what was the best dung for land, answered, the steps of his master:
and said unto the reapers, the Lord be with you; to give them health, and strength, and industry in their work; the Targum is,"may the Word of the Lord be your help:"
and they answered him, the Lord bless you; with a good harvest, and good weather to gather it in; and though these salutations were of a civil kind, yet they breathe the true spirit of sincere and undissembled piety, and show the sense that both master and servants had of the providence of God attending the civil affairs of life, without whose help, assistance, and blessing, nothing succeeds well.
Gill: Rut 2:5 - Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers // whose damsel is this Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers,.... To direct them their work, what part each was to do, and to see that they did it we...
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers,.... To direct them their work, what part each was to do, and to see that they did it well; to take care for provisions for them, and to pay them their wages when their work was done. Josephus t calls him
whose damsel is this? to whom does she belong? of what family is she? whose daughter is she? or whose wife? for he thought, as Aben Ezra notes, that she was another man's wife; the Targum is, of what nation is she? perhaps her dress might be somewhat different from that of the Israelitish women.
Gill: Rut 2:6 - And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said // it is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi, out of the country of Moab And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said,.... Who had taken a great deal of notice of Ruth, and had conversed with her, and so ...
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said,.... Who had taken a great deal of notice of Ruth, and had conversed with her, and so was capable of giving answers to his master's question:
it is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi, out of the country of Moab; perhaps he had not got knowledge of her name, and therefore only describes her by the country from whence she came; and by her coming from thence along with Naomi, when she returned from Moab, with whose name Boaz was well acquainted, and of whose return he had been informed; and perhaps had seen her in person, and even Ruth also, though he might have forgot her; the Targum makes the servant to add, that she was become a proselytess.
Gill: Rut 2:7 - And she said // I pray you let me glean, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves // so she came // and hath continued even from the morning until now // she tarried a little in the house And she said,.... These are the words of the servant continued, who goes on with the account of Ruth, and her conduct, since she had been in the field...
And she said,.... These are the words of the servant continued, who goes on with the account of Ruth, and her conduct, since she had been in the field:
I pray you let me glean, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: for though by the law of Israel she had a right, as a poor widow and stranger, to glean, yet as the owner of the field, and his servants, by his appointment, under him, might have power of fixing the time when such might glean, and of judging who were the proper persons to be admitted, Ruth in her great modesty and meekness did not choose to enter on this work without leave:
so she came; into the field and gleaned, having obtained leave:
and hath continued even from the morning until now; had been very diligent and industrious in gathering up the loose ears of corn among the sheaves, as she followed the reapers cutting down and binding up the corn in sheaves; she began pretty early in the morning, and had stuck close to it till that time, which may be supposed to be about noon, or pretty near it, for as yet it was not mealtime, Rth 2:14. The Septuagint version is therefore very wrong, which reads"from the morning until the evening,''for that was not yet come, Rth 2:17 but
she tarried a little in the house; not that she went home to the city, and stayed a little in the house of Naomi her mother, and then returned again, for she went not home until the evening, Rth 2:17, but the meaning of the passage is, that she had been constant and diligent in gleaning all the morning, only a very little time that she was in the house, which was in the field; either a farm house of Boaz adjoining to the field; or rather a cottage or booth, as Aben Ezra interprets it, which was in the field, whither the reapers betook themselves when they ate their meals; or to shelter themselves under the shade of it, as Abendana, from the heat of the sun at noonday; and here Ruth set herself down awhile for a little rest, and ease, and refreshment; and some think she was here when Boaz came, and therefore took the more notice of her.
Gill: Rut 2:8 - 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 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:
...
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 w takes the particle to signify beseeching and entreating, and renders the words, "hear, I pray thee, my daughter". Some from hence conclude that Boaz was a man in years, and Ruth much younger than he, and therefore calls her his daughter:
go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence; which she might be inclined to, lest she should be thought to be too troublesome to be always in one man's field; but Boaz taking a liking to her, and willing to do her some favour, chose she should not go elsewhere:
but abide here fast by my maidens; not maidens that gleaned also as she did, poor maidens he permitted to glean; or that gleaned for the poor, and much less that gleaned for him; a person so rich and liberal as he was would never employ such for his advantage, and to the detriment of the poor; nor would it be admitted of it being contrary to the law as it should seem, and certain it is to the later traditions of the elders; for it is said x,"a man may not hire a workman on this condition, that his son should glean after him; he who does not suffer the poor to glean, or who suffers one and not another, or who helps any one of them, robs the poor.''But these maidens were such, who either gathered the handfuls, cut and laid down by the reapers, and bound them up in sheaves, or else they also reaped, as it seems from the following verse; and it was very probably customary in those times for women to reap, as it is now with us.
Gill: Rut 2:9 - Let thine eyes be upon the field that they do reap, and go thou after them // have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee // and when thou art athirst // go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn 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...
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 she should have no molestation nor any affront given her:
and when thou art athirst: as at such a season of the year, and in the field at such work, and in those hot countries, was frequently the case:
go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn; which they had fetched from wells and fountains in or near the city, and had put into bottles, pitchers, &c. for the use of the reapers and gatherers; we read of the well of Bethlehem, 2Sa 23:15 now she is ordered to go to these vessels, and drink when she pleased, without asking leave of any; and Boaz no doubt gave it in charge to his young men not to hinder her.
Gill: Rut 2:10 - Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground // and said unto him, why have I found grace in thine eyes // that thou shouldest take knowledge of me // seeing I am a stranger 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 g...
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 stranger? not a citizen of Bethlehem, nor indeed one of the commonwealth of Israel; but, as the Targum,"of a strange people, of the daughters of Moab, and of a people who were not fit and worthy to enter into the congregation of the Lord.''
Gill: Rut 2:11 - And Boaz answered and said unto her // it hath fully been showed me // all that thou hast done to thy mother in law since the death of thine husband // and how thou hast left thy father and mother // and the land of thy nativity // and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore 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;...
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 mother in law since the death of thine husband; how that, instead of going home to her father and mother, she continued with her; how tenderly she used her; what strong expressions of love she had made unto her; what care she had taken of her, and how she had fed and nourished her, as the Targum, and now was gleaning for her support, as well as her own:
and how thou hast left thy father and mother; in a literal sense, to go along with her mother-in-law, to assist her in her journey, and see her safe to the end of it: and in a figurative sense her idol gods, as in Jer 2:27 so the Midrash y:
and the land of thy nativity; the land of Moab, where she was born, and where her kindred, relations, and friends lived, dear and engaging to her:
and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore; but by hearsay, and what she learned of them from her husband and mother-in-law, even the people of Israel; to whom she was come to be a proselyte, and dwell among them, as the Targum.