Ruth 3:12

_AND NOW, MY DAUGHTER, FEAR NOT; I WILL DO TO THEE ALL THAT THOU REQUIREST: FOR ALL THE CITY OF MY PEOPLE DOTH KNOW THAT THOU ART A VIRTUOUS WOMAN._ No JFB commentary on these verses....

6-13 What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attempted not to take advantage of Ruth; he did not disdain her as a poor, destitute stranger, nor suspect her of any ill intentions. He spoke honourably of her as a virtuous woman, made her a promise, and as soon as the morning arrived, sent her away with a present to her mother-in-law. Boaz made his promise conditional, for there was a kinsman nearer than he, to whom the right of redemption belonged....

Verse Ruth 3:12. _THERE IS A KINSMAN NEARER THAN I._] It is very likely that Naomi was not acquainted with this circumstance. Some have supposed that there was a _brother_ of Elimelech remaining, who was nearer than Boaz, who is supposed to have been only a _nephew_; the former, therefore, must have a prior right....

By “kinsman,” understand the גאל _gā'al_ (Ruth 2:20 note)....

EXPOSITION RUTH 3:1 AND NAOMI, HER MOTHER-IN-LAW, SAID TO HER, MY DAUGHTER, SHALL NOT I SEEK OUT FOR THEE A REST, THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE? When Ruth had nothing more to do on the harvest-fields, where Boaz appeared daily, and was unremittingly gracious to her, she may have fallen into a pensive mood. Naomi was quick to note the varying '_nuances_'_ _of feeling, and said "_My _daughter, shall I not seek out for thee a rest?" The expression _rest_, or _resting-place_, though in itself of generic import, was, when used in such circumstances as environed Ruth, quite specific in application, and would be at once understood. It was _a home _to which Naomi pointed, a home for her daughter's heart. In such a home, if warm and pure, there would be repose for the affections. "That it may be well with thee," or

AND NOW IT IS TRUE, THAT I AM THY NEAR KINSMAN,.... Her husband and he being brothers' sons, so own cousins: HOWBEIT, THERE IS A KINSMAN NEARER THAN I, who was, the Jews say w, the brother of her husband's father, and so his uncle, which was a nearer relation than an own cousin. w Midrash Ruth, ut supra. (31. 4. 34. 2) Jarchi in loc....

CHAPTER 3 AT THE FEET OF BOAZ _ 1. Naomi instructs Ruth (Ruth 3:1)_ 2. At his feet (Ruth 3:6) 3. The discovery (Ruth 3:8) 4. The six measures of barley (Ruth 3:14) 5. He will not rest until he have finished the thing (Ruth 3:18) What follows in the realization of redemption must be connected with Leviticus 25, the law concerning the redemption of an inheritance and the other law about the marriage of a brother-in-law as given in...

RUTH 3. BOAZ AS A GOË L. Elimelech and his two sons were dead. Would any member of the family have enough right and proper feeling to save his name from extinction? The nearest relative was in this case silent and inactive. But, with the originality of love, Naomi devised a plan not merely for the redemption of her late husband's estate and the continuation of the family succession, but for the happy settlement of Ruth in a Judæ an home. Ignorant of the customs of Bethlehem, Ruth follows her mother-in-law's instructions to the letter. According to the sentiment of the time there was nothing immodest or unwomanly in their bold and unusual line of action. Rightly understood, it was only a gentle and delicate way of appealing to a kinsman's chivalry; and Ruth did not appeal in vain. Ruth 3:1. Better a resting-place (_mg._); the beautiful Heb. word (_mĕ? nûḥ?â_) has much the same ass

_there is a kinsman nearer than I_ with a better right to do the kinsman's part. Boaz displays a nice sense of honour, and a desire to adhere strictly to the rules of social usage....

HOWBEIT THERE IS A KINSMAN NEARER THAN I— He does not reject her petition; but, actuated by a strict regard to the law of Moses, informs her, that he could not properly take her to wife, as there was a person nearer to her than himself: till, therefore, that person could be consulted, it was their duty to wait. He assures her, that there shall be no longer delay than is absolutely requisite; that he will immediately take all necessary steps; and, in the mean time, advises her in quietness and security to remain there that night, under the protection of a man, whom inclination as well as religion led to preserve her virtue, reputation, and happiness. See Ruth 3:14 and Pfeiffer's Dubia Vexata, p. 360....