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

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

3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

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

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

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, 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, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

11 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.

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, well; let him do the kinsman's 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. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

15 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures 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 unto 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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows to assert this claim, (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Rest - A life of rest, and comfort, and safety, under the care of a good husband.
McArther Bible Commentary
Encouraged by Ruth's day in Boaz's field, Naomi instructed Ruth in the way she should go to insure a brighter future. Ruth carefully followed Naomi's directions to solicit redemption by Boaz, while the Lord had prepared Boaz to redeem Ruth. Only one potential obstacle remained-a relative nearer than Boaz.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 2:23 Ruth 3:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows to assert this claim, (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
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.
McArther Bible Commentary
tonight. Winnowing (tossing grain into the air to finish separating the grain from the chaff) normally occurred in late afternoon when the Mediterranean winds prevailed. Sifting and bagging the grain would have carried over past dark, and Boaz may have remained all night to guard the grain from theft. threshing floor. Usually a large, hard area of earth or stone on the downwind (east) side of the village where threshing took place (loosening the grain from the straw and winnowing).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 50:10 Deuteronomy 25:5 Ruth 3:1 Ruth 3:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows to assert this claim, (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Raiment - Thy best raiment. Known - In so familiar a way, as thou mayest do hereafter.
McArther Bible Commentary
Naomi instructed Ruth (1) to put on her best appearance and (2) to propose marriage to Boaz by utilizing an ancient Near Eastern custom. Since Boaz is a generation older than Ruth (Rth 2:8), this overture would indicate Ruth's desire to marry Boaz which the older, gracious Boaz would not have initiated with a younger woman.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 6:17 Ruth 3:2 Ruth 3:4 2 Samuel 12:20 Ezekiel 16:9

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows to assert this claim, (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
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.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:3 Ruth 3:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows to assert this claim, (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
Bible Cross References
Ephesians 6:1 Colossians 3:20 Ruth 3:4 Ruth 3:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:5 Ruth 3:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
McArther Bible Commentary
his heart was cheerful. Using the same language of Rth 3:1 ("security … be well"), Boaz is described as having a sense of well-being, which is most readily explained by the full harvest in contrast to previous years of famine (cf. Jdg 18:20; 1Ki 21:7).
Bible Cross References
Judges 19:6 Judges 19:9 Ruth 3:6 Ruth 3:8 2 Samuel 13:28 1 Kings 21:7 Esther 1:10

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
At midnight - He did not discover her sooner.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:7 Ruth 3:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Spread thy Skirt - That is, take me to be thy wife, and perform the duty of an husband to me.
McArther Bible Commentary
Take your maidservant. Ruth righteously appealed to Boaz, using the language of Boaz's earlier prayer (Rth 2:12), to marry her according to the levirate custom (Deu 25:5-10). See Introduction: Interpretive Challenges.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:8 Ruth 3:10 Ezekiel 16:8

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
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.
McArther Bible Commentary
kindness. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, the Lord, and even Boaz is commended by Boaz. go after young men. Ruth demonstrated moral excellence in that (1) she did not engage in immorality, (2) she did not remarry outside the family, and (3) she had appealed for levirate redemption to an older, godly man.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 24:31 Ruth 2:20 Ruth 3:9 1 Samuel 15:13

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
McArther Bible Commentary
virtuous. In all respects, Ruth personifies excellence (cf. Pro 31:10). This same language has been used of Boaz ("a man of great wealth" or more likely "a man of valor" in Rth 2:1), thus making them the perfectly matched couple for an exemplary marriage.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:12 Proverbs 12:4 Proverbs 31:10

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
McArther Bible Commentary
a relative closer than I. Boaz righteously deferred to someone else who was nearer in relationship to Elimelech. The nearer relative may have been Boaz's older brother (cf. Rth 4:3) or Boaz may have been his cousin. The fact that the neighbor women said, "There is a son born to Naomi" at Obed's birth would suggest the brother or cousin relationship to Elimelech (Rth 4:17).
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:11 Ruth 3:13 Ruth 4:1

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
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!"
McArther Bible Commentary
I will perform the duty. Boaz willingly accepted Ruth's proposal, if the nearer relative was unable or unwilling to exercise his levirate duty. as the Lord lives. This is the most solemn, binding oath an Israelite could vow.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 22:24 Deuteronomy 25:5 Judges 8:19 Ruth 3:12 Jeremiah 4:2 Jeremiah 12:16

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, (Isaiah 30:7). This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6). He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Let it not, &c. - He takes care to preserve not only his conscience towards God, but his reputation, and hers also, among men.
McArther Bible Commentary
lay at his feet. According to the text, no immorality occurred. Boaz even insisted on no appearance of evil.
Bible Cross References
Romans 14:16 2 Corinthians 8:21 Ruth 3:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, (Isaiah 30:7). This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6). He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Veil - Or, the apron.
McArther Bible Commentary
six ephahs. The Hebrew text gives no standard of measurement; ephah has been inserted by the translators only as a possibility. However, six ephahs would weigh about 200 pounds, which was far too much for Ruth to carry home in her shawl. Therefore, deemed most reasonable is six seahs (60-80 pounds), which would have been twice the amount Ruth had previously gleaned (see Rth 2:17).
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:14 Ruth 3:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, (Isaiah 30:7). This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6). He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
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?
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:15 Ruth 3:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, (Isaiah 30:7). This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6). He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:16 Ruth 3:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, (Isaiah 30:7). This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6). He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.
McArther Bible Commentary
this day. Naomi knew that Boaz was a man of integrity and would fulfill his promise with a sense of urgency. They needed to wait on the Lord to work through Boaz.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:17 Ruth 4:1