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.
Ver. 10. And he said, Blessed be thou, &c.] He did not reproach her, for coming in that manner, and at that time of night, as a light housewife; nor harbour any evil suspicion of her, as unfit to make an honest man's wife; but considering her former behavior, which was commendable, Rth 3:11 and her present kindness to the living and to the dead, he candidly interpreteth what she had done, and calling her "daughter," comforteth and commendeth her, as here.
Blessed be thou.] Or, "Blessed art thou of the Lord." as Luk 1:28
My daughter.] She calleth herself his "handmaid," he calleth her his "daughter." There is nothing lost by humility. The humble shall have "riches, and honour, and life." Pro 22:4
For thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end.] True goodness is of a growing nature. Thyatira's works were better at last than at first. The righteous are "as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day"; Pro 4:18 when blazing stars go out in a snuff and infect the air; so apostates.
Inasmuch as thou followedst not young men.] More suitable to thy age, as being more vigorous and personable. Ruth followed not the law of lust, but the rules of reason and religion: this she is praised for.