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.
Ver. 13. Tarry this night.] He saith not, Come up hither, for I mind to marry thee: but tarry till morning, lest thou suffer as a night walker, &c. Let none presume to leap into the married estate, or to abuse themselves unchastely before marriage; but deliberate, and be sure to come clear to it, if thou expect comfort.
If he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman.] Let "no man go beyond, or defraud his brother in any matter, because that the Lord is the avenger of all such," 1Th 4:6 and no man would himself be deceived or wronged.
As the Lord liveth.] This was an oath. Jer 4:2 A private oath may be taken, but sparingly and warily, not but upon a necessity, for the satisfaction of the other party, Mat 5:37 and in matters of great importance. Thus Jacob sware to Laban, the spies to Rahab, Jonathan to David, &c. But let such oaths be rare, reverent, well advised, &c.
Lie down until the morning.] She was risen up, it seemeth, to be gone; but he thought it not fit: and found in himself strength, by God's grace, to resist a temptation; though it be true that
“ Nox et amor vinumque nihil moderabile suadent:
Illa pudore vacat, liber amorque metu. ” - Ovid.