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Reading Plan · Day 77

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Ruth

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About Ruth

The Book of Ruth was the third of the twelve books that made up the historical section of the Old Testament. This book documented the events of David's great-grandmother, Ruth. The events of this book took place during the time Israel was led by Judges. It was believed the author of this book was either Samuel or Isaiah. It was written to show David's ancestry.

Day 77 Read

Where You Stopped

Ruth 1

1And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

1Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth–lehem–judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

Commentary · verse 1

In the days of Judges, a man from Bethlehem went to Moab with his wife and two sons. This book recorded events that took place sometime during the Book of Judges. Basically, the Book of Judges was a big picture perspective on this time in Israel's history. This book was a small picture perspective of events that occurred within the big picture.

2And 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 of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

3And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.

2And 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 of Beth–lehem–judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

3And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

Commentary · verses 2-3

Elimelech, the man from Bethlehem, died.

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

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

Commentary · verse 4

Elimelech's two sons took wives from Moab: Orpah and Ruth. Moab was from Lot.

5And Mahlon and Chilion died both of them; and the woman was left of her two children and of her husband.

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

Commentary · verse 5

The two sons died.

6Then 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 Jehovah had visited his people in giving them bread.

7And 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.

6Then 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.

7Wherefore 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.

Commentary · verses 6-7

Naomi took her two daughters-in-law and began returning to Judah. Remember, the lineage of Christ came through Judah.

8And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother’s house: Jehovah deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

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

Commentary · verse 8

Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to return to Moab.

9Jehovah grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

10And they said unto her, Nay, but we will return with thee unto thy people.

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

10And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

Commentary · verses 9-10

Orpah and Ruth told Naomi that they would go with her.

11And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

12Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should even have a husband to-night, and should also bear sons; 13would ye therefore tarry till they were grown? would ye therefore stay from having husbands? nay, my daughters, for it grieveth me much for your sakes, for the hand of Jehovah is gone forth against me.

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

12Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

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

Commentary · verses 11-13

Naomi tried to convince them to leave. She emphasized the importance of having a "husband." A husband wasn't merely a man in the marriage covenant, a "husband" was a "worker of the land." It was a husband's job to nourish and cherish the woman (Ephesians 5:25-30), to develop her into the woman God created her to be.

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

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

Commentary · verse 14

Orpah agreed to leave, but Ruth "clave" to Naomi. Notice, Ruth would be the eighth example of a woman bearing pain during the time of the Book of Judges, this time it was for another woman.

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

16And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and 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 people, and thy God my God; 17where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.

18And when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking unto her.

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

16And 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 people, and thy God my God:

17Where 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.

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

Commentary · verses 15-18

Ruth pleaded her case and convinced Naomi to let her stay with her.

19So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the women said, Is this Naomi?

19So they two went until they came to Beth–lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth–lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

Commentary · verse 19

The two of them went to Bethlehem and the people recognized Naomi.

20And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

20And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

Commentary · verse 20

"Naomi" meant "pleasant." "Mara" meant "bitter."

21I went out full, and Jehovah hath brought me home again empty; why call ye me Naomi, seeing Jehovah hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

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

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

Where You Stopped

Ruth 2

1And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.

1And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

Commentary · verse 1

Boaz was Naomi's kinsman/relative.

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

2And Ruth the Moabitess said unto 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.

Commentary · verse 2

Ruth asked if she could glean (to pick up, gather) the corn like was stated in Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy 24:21.

3And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

3And 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.

Commentary · verse 3

Ruth happened upon Boaz's field.

4And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, Jehovah be with you. And they answered him, Jehovah bless thee.

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

4And, behold, Boaz came from Beth–lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

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

Commentary · verses 4-5

Boaz wanted to know who Ruth was.

6And 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: 7and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house.

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

6And 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:

7And 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, that she tarried a little in the house.

8Then 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:

Commentary · verses 6-8

Boaz told Ruth to glean his field and to not go to another field, to stay near the other young women. Boaz took an emotional risk by recognizing her and requesting she not leave his field.

9Let 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? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

10Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found favor in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?

9Let 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? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

10Then 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?

Commentary · verses 9-10

Boaz did an excellent job "cherishing" her by providing a safe environment for her to glean from his field. Ruth asked Boaz why he had favor on her since she was a stranger. That was quite a response to an emotional risk. Ruth affirmed Boaz.

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

11And 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 heretofore.

Commentary · verse 11

Boaz's answer was that he had seen what she was doing for her mother-in-law. He looked up to Ruth for how she treated her mother-in-law. Boaz took another risk and admitted he was aware of her.

12Jehovah recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Jehovah, the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge.

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

Commentary · verse 12

More "cherishing" by pointing out the "refuge" she would experience from God, through Boaz.

Doctrines on this passage

13Then she said, Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken kindly unto thy handmaid, though I be not as one of thy handmaidens.

13Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

Commentary · verse 13

Again, Ruth affirmed Boaz.

14And at meal-time Boaz said unto her, Come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers, and they reached her parched grain, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left thereof.

14And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

Commentary · verse 14

Here, Boaz fed her. Boaz was providing her with physical food for her physical health. This was a physical representation of "nourishing" Ruth. A husband nourishes by providing spiritual food for the woman's spiritual health.

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

16And also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it, and let her glean, and rebuke her not.

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

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

Commentary · verses 15-16

Boaz commanded his young men to let Ruth glean and to drop handfuls on purpose so she could have them. Boaz consistently showed that, although Ruth and he were not married, he was an excellent man who knew how to care for people the right way.

17So she gleaned in the field until even; and she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.

17So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

Commentary · verse 17

An ephah would have been about a bushel's worth.

18And she took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she was sufficed.

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

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

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

19And 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 man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.

20And 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. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

Commentary · verses 18-20

Naomi recognized Boaz's emotional risk because he gave to Ruth more than she would have normally got. It seemed Ruth was not aware of this. Naomi blessed God to Ruth because of the kindness shown to them by God, through Boaz.

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

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

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

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

22And 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.

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

Commentary · verses 21-23

Ruth was aware of the gesture from Boaz. Naomi concurred that Boaz had shown Ruth favor. Ruth, with Naomi's blessing, would continue to glean from Boaz's field.

Where You Stopped

Ruth 3

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

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

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

4And 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.

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

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

3Wash 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.

4And 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.

Commentary · verses 1-4

Naomi recognized that Boaz wanted Ruth. Naomi told Ruth to uncover Boaz's feet and lay down. This was a symbol of Ruth giving herself to Boaz in covenant. Ruth would have been showing Boaz that she was in agreement were him "husbanding" her.

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

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

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

8And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

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

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

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

7And 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.

8And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

9And 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.

Commentary · verses 5-9

Ruth now told Boaz to cover her with his skirt (probably his blanket). When Boaz did this, it was a symbol of his protection over her. This would be considered their proposal. Today, some writers attempt to interpret this passage as Boaz and Ruth consummating the Marriage covenant. Notice, nothing occurred before he discovered her at his feet.

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

11And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a worthy woman.

10And 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.

11And 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.

Commentary · verses 10-11

Boaz stated that he would do all that she asked because all the city knew that she was a worthy (virtuous) woman. This meant Boaz did not do anything that would remove her virtue after he discovered her at his feet.

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

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

Commentary · verse 12

There was a kinsman nearer than Boaz. This proved Boaz's virtue.

13Tarry 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 Jehovah liveth: lie down until the morning.

13Tarry 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.

Commentary · verse 13

Boaz would find out if the other kinsman wanted Ruth or not according to Deuteronomy 25:5.

14And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing-floor.

14And 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.

Commentary · verse 14

Ruth laid at his feet until she left. The KJV stated "...she rose up before one could know another." They did not consummate the Marriage covenant.

15And he said, Bring the mantle that is upon thee, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city.

15Also 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.

Commentary · verse 15

Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley (the Hebrew stated "six seahs," a seah contained about two and a half gallons) before he left to the city.

16And 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.

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

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

16And 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.

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

18Then 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 · verses 16-18

Naomi believed that Boaz would settle this matter before the end of the day.

Where You Stopped

Ruth 4

1Now Boaz went up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the near kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

1Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

Commentary · verse 1

Boaz went to the gate of the city. This was where the elders would meet.

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

3And he said unto the near kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth the parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s: 4and I thought to disclose it unto thee, saying, Buy it before them that sit here, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem 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.

5Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

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

3And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:

4And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.

5Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

Commentary · verses 2-5

Boaz told the other kinsman what would all be included in redeeming Naomi's field. Although there would be a benefit to this "inheritance," there would also be a great amount of responsibility.

6And the near kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it.

6And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

Commentary · verse 6

The kinsman gave Boaz the right to redeem.

7Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.

7Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.

Commentary · verse 7

The removal of a sandal was a symbol of an agreement (covenant) or transaction.

8So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.

9And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.

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

9And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.

Commentary · verses 8-9

Boaz told the elders that they were all witnesses.

10Moreover 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 among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

10Moreover 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 among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

Commentary · verse 10

Again, Boaz showed how he was a virtuous man. This "redeeming" of Ruth was not only for Boaz's benefit but would also benefit her former husband's family.

11And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Jehovah make the woman that is come into thy house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Beth-lehem: 12and let thy house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which Jehovah shall give thee of this young woman.

13So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and he went in unto her, and Jehovah gave her conception, and she bare a son.

11And 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, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth–lehem:

12And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

13So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.

Commentary · verses 11-13

Boaz "went in unto" Ruth. Marriage is consensual sexual intercourse. A blessing that referenced Tamar was pronounced over Ruth. Ruth had a son.

14And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be Jehovah, who hath not left thee this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel.

15And he shall be unto thee a restorer of life, and a nourisher of thine old age, for thy daughter-in-law, who loveth thee, who is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him.

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

17And the women her neighbors gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

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

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

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

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

Commentary · verses 14-17

Ruth's son was named Obed. The name "Obed" meant "serving." He was the father of Jesse who was the father of David. Ruth, a Moabitess, was in the lineage of Christ and mentioned in Matthew 1:5. Ruth was David's great-grandmother.

18Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez begat Hezron,

18Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

Commentary · verse 18

This genealogy began with Perez. Perez was the bastard son of Judah and Tamar: Genesis 38.

19and Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, 20and Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, 21and Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, 22and Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

19And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

20And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

21And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

22And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Commentary · verses 19-22

This genealogy only recorded the ten generations from Perez to David. Deuteronomy 23:2 was the reason David could not build the temple. He was the tenth generation from a bastard.

Commentary · verse 22

Notice, there were four generations from Abraham to Judah (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah). This made David the 14th generation of God's chosen people.

The Book of Ruth documented the story of a specific woman during the events documented in the Book of Judges. This book showed a man, Boaz, who acted as a godly husband to a woman: he nourished and cherished her. Boaz was a servant to his bride. This book also gave the circumstances surrounding the lineage of Israel's second king (David). The next book of the Old Testament presented the circumstances surrounding the first king of Israel. We will see this book gave the details of events that occurred prior to the events of the next book.

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