Eat of the bread and dip thy morsel in the vinegar— Under the name bread, as we have before remarked, is comprehended all kinds of provision. By חמצ chometz, rendered vinegar, is signified a kind of acid or strongly fermented wine, which was very cooling and refreshing in hot seasons, such as the time of harvest. So Pliny observes, lib. 23: chap. 1. "Vinegar, or sharp wine, is of a most refreshing nature." The Roman soldiers drank of this small wine; and some have thought that it was this which they presented to our Saviour on the cross. Nothing is more common with the poets, than to mention this vinegar, or acid wine, in their description of common repasts. For proofs, see Calmet and Grotius on the place. Dr. Shaw, speaking of the Arabs' manner of eating, observes, that,
"when their food is of a more liquid nature, such as oil and vinegar, robb, hatted milk, honey, &c. then, after they have broken their bread or cakes into little bits (ψωμια, or sops) they fall on, dipping their hands and their morsels together therein. (Matthew 26:23.Ruth 2:14.John 13:26.) At all these meals they feed themselves with their right hand." Travels, p. 232. The application which the rabbis make of this passage to the Messiah, is very singular. They say, that the words of Boaz to Ruth, come thou hither, are equivalent to come to thy kingdom; and that what is added, dip thy morsel in the vinegar, denotes the reproaches and torments of the Messiah; a commentary which, however absurd, abundantly proves to us the idea which the ancient Jews had of the Messiah. One would believe that the 21st verse of the 69th Psalm gave rise to this exposition. See Huet, Demonstr. Evang. pars 2: p. 925.
REFLECTIONS.—Boaz was a great man, but not too great to superintend his own business. The master's eye makes quick work. We have him here visiting his reapers. Observe,
1. The mutual salutations which passed between them; a proof that Boaz was as pious as prosperous, and that his servants under his care had partaken of their master's blessing. Note; (1.) Though a formal "God bless you" is often a profanation of the name of God, and a compliment of course; a thoughtful and serious benediction is the mark of truest regard. (2.) It is likely to go well with that family, where the master's kindness meets with an equal return in the servants' hearty regard for him and his concerns.
2. The inquiry that Boaz makes concerning a stranger whom he observed, probably, sitting in the booth erected in the field, and the answer given him by the overseer of the reapers. She was that Moabitish damsel, whose love for her mother, and regard for God, had brought her to Beth-lehem: she had modestly asked leave to glean, and, during the whole morning, had been industriously employed, till just now, that in the heat she had rested for a moment in the house, and was again returned to her labour. Note; They who are entrusted by their masters, as overseers, must look carefully to their masters' interests, and make a faithful report.
3. Boaz accosts the poor stranger with great kindness, calls her daughter, bids her continue in his field during the harvest, follow his maidens, and keep them company. He gives orders also to the young men to shew her no rudeness, nor give her any molestation; invites her to eat and drink with his reapers, and go as one of them to the booth whenever she was thirsty, and at meal-time share their entertainment. He adds the excellent character he had heard of her, as deserving every token of his regard; prays God to recompence her work of filial piety, and her adherence to the worship of Jehovah, under whose wing the had taken shelter: and then, turning to the reapers, bids them purposely drop a handful here and there behind them, and let her glean among the sheaves, and not reproach her for it, as if she took what was not allowed her. Note; (1.) There is a manner of doing a kindness that makes it doubly acceptable. (2.) They deserve commendation and regard, who, for the sake of God, leave all behind them. (3.) In the end they will be no losers. (4.) A generous heart is happy in an occasion to relieve the wants of the deserving.
4. Ruth, overcome with such kindness, is at a loss to express her gratitude, bows to the earth before him, in token of deepest respect, professes her unworthiness of the favour shewn her, admires his condescension, begs the continuance of his regard, and receives his speech as the most friendly and reviving cordial. Accordingly, at mealtime she accepts his invitation, and, to make it more welcome, he reaches her the parched corn, and by his own behaviour engages his servants to shew her every kind of civility. Note; (1.) A grateful heart often wants expressions to speak its sensibility. (2.) A kind look, or a good word from a superior, is often very useful: so cheap a charity then who need to grudge? (3.) They who are most deserving will have the lowest opinion of their own deserts.