Thou shalt keep fast by my young men— The word which we render young men, signifies all young people in general. We see by the following verse in what manner Naomi understood it. The LXX and Chaldee render it maidens, and so, doubtless, it should be read in our version.
REFLECTIONS.—Ruth, having refreshed herself at dinner, returns again with diligence to her work, and at even,
1. She beats out and winnows the corn that she had gathered, which was between six and seven gallons of barley, and, taking it up, carries it home to her mother. Note; Industry and plenty are twin-sisters; even the poor, if industrious, never need want.
2. On her arrival, she shews her mother what she had gleaned, gives her of the provision which she had left at dinner, and, in answer to Naomi's question, who was pleasingly surprised at the quantity she had brought home, relates the adventures of the day, and the kind providence which had directed her to the field of Boaz. Note; (1.) A good child will always divide his morsel with his aged parent. (2.) In all our ways we must acknowledge God. (3.) When we go out in the way of duty, we may hope to return and bring a blessing along with us.
3. Naomi hereupon blesses God for the mercy, and prays for his prosperity who had so kindly treated her daughter. The name of Boaz awakens her remembrance of former kindness to her family, and she now mentions what either she had forgotten, or had not told her daughter before, that he was a very near kinsman to them. This reflection, perhaps, now first struck her mind, and therefore, in hope of farther kindness, she bids her daughter accept the kind invitation she had received, and, during the harvest, follow his reapers, and go nowhere else. These directions Ruth carefully followed, and, when the harvest was ended, dwelt at home with her mother on the provision which her industry had collected. Note; (1.) The best returns for kindness are the prayers of the poor. (2.) Whatever mercies we receive from men, God must have the praise. (3.) Humility will make us silent with respect to our connections, rather than boast, as many do who are poor, the greatness of their relations. (4.) A casual word or hint, dropped undesignedly, is sometimes pregnant with strange consequences. (5.) They who have the blessed Jesus for their redeemer cannot keep too close to him and his reapers: his past favours are the earnest of greater still in store for them.