Ruth 3 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments
  • Ruth 3:2 open_in_new

    Threshing — floor — Which was in a place covered at the top, but open elsewhere, whither Ruth might easily come. And this work of winnowing corn was usually ended with a feast.

  • Ruth 3:3 open_in_new

    Raiment — Thy best raiment. Known — In so familiar a way, as thou mayest do hereafter.

  • Ruth 3:4 open_in_new

    Uncover his feet — Remove the clothes that were upon his feet; thereby to awaken him. Will tell thee — What course thou shalt take to obtain that marriage which belongs unto thee.

  • Ruth 3:9 open_in_new

    Spread thy Skirt — That is, take me to be thy wife, and perform the duty of an husband to me.

  • Ruth 3:10 open_in_new

    Shewed kindness — Both to thy deceased husband, the continuance of whose name and memory thou seekest; and to thy mother — in — law, whose commands thou hast punctually obeyed. Followedst not — To seek thy marriage here, or in thy own country, as thou wouldst have done if thou hadst not preferred obedience to God's command, before pleasing thyself.

  • Ruth 3:13 open_in_new

    Perform, &c. — Take thee to wife, to raise up seed to his brother. Bishop Hall sums up the matter thus. "Boaz, instead of touching her as a wanton, blesseth her as a father, encourages her as a friend, promises her as a kinsman, rewards her as a patron, and sends her away laden with hopes and gifts, no less chast, but more happy than she came. O admirable temperance, worthy the progenitor of him, in whose lips and heart there was no guile!"

  • Ruth 3:14 open_in_new

    Let it not, &c. — He takes care to preserve not only his conscience towards God, but his reputation, and hers also, among men.

  • Ruth 3:16 open_in_new

    Who art thou? — This is not a question of doubting, but of wonder, as if she had said, Art thou in very deed my daughter? I can hardly believe it. How camest thou hither in this manner, and thus early?