Ruth 1

Ruth 1:1

WHen the Judges ruled] Hebr. judged. Some of the learned, by comparing the end of this book with Matthew 1:5. do probably ghesse, That the things related in this story, were done in the dayes of Deborah: others refer them to the times of other of the Judges; so that there is no certainty hereof, in respect of the great variety of opinions, and no sure ground for any of them.

famine in the land] That is, of Canaan, See Judges 6:4; Judges 6:6.

Beth-lehem-judah] See Judges 12:8.

of Moab] Lying castward from Canaan beyond Jordan, being much champian, and full of plains, Deuteronomy 34:1; Deuteronomy 34:8.

Ruth 1:2

Ephrathites] In former times Beth-lehem-judah was called Ephrath, Genesis 35:19. and also the countrey adjoyning to it, Mic. 5. 2. Matthew 2:6.

continued] Hebr. were.

Ruth 1:4

was Orpah] Chilions wife.

Ruth] The wife of Mahlon. See Chap. 4. 10. Some think these Israelites sinned in marrying wives of an idolatrous nation, Ezra 6:1. Nehemiah 13:23. But it was lawfull to marry such, if they were converted to the true religion, as it is probable these were, at least Ruth, v. 26. and Chap. 2. 12. and it came to passe by Gods speciall providence, who would have Ruth, as also Rahab, types of the calling of the Gentiles, seeing he would have Christ to descend of them, who was to be the Saviour both of Jews and Gentiles.

Ruth 1:6

had visited] That is, by sending them plenty again. This phrase is used to signifie Gods fulfilling his word, either in his promises of good, or threatnings of evil. See Genesis 21:1. Luke 1:68. Job 35:15. Jeremiah 14:10.

bread] That is, all necessary food, and had ceased the famine.

Ruth 1:7

to return] To wit, Naomi, accompanied with her daughters in law. See v. 10. and Chap. 2. 6.

Ruth 1:8

with the dead] That is, my two sonnes your husbands.

Ruth 1:9

finde rest] A setled abode with all comfort and content, in the houses of those who are to be your husbands, Chap. 3. 1.

Ruth 1:10

we will return] That is, in thy returning to thy people we will accompany thee.

Ruth 1:11

your husbands] According to the law, Deuteronomy 25:5. So Gen. 38. 11, 14.

Ruth 1:12

If I should have an husband] Or, if I were with an husband.

Ruth 1:13

tarry] Hebr. hope.

it grieveth me much] Hebr. I have much bitternesse.

for your sakes] That is, that I have this heavie, yet necessary cause of parting with you, whom I so love, and who so love me.

hand of the Lord] That is, that God hath inflicted on me this sharp correction, to whose good pleasure, neverthelesse, I must submit, as you also ought to do.

Ruth 1:14

kissed her mother] And so departed and returned.

clave unto her] That is, would by no means leave her.

Ruth 1:15

her gods] That is, the Moabitish idolls whom she served. See Judg. 11. 14.

return thou] This she speaks not to perswade her, but to trie her faith and love both to the true religion, and also to her self, So Joshua 24:19.

Ruth 1:16

Intreat me not to leave thee] Or, be not against me.

thy God my God] Here she sheweth her true conversion from idolatry, to the worship of the true God, and from her society with idolaters, to the communion of Gods people.

Ruth 1:17

the Lord do so to me] A form of imprecation used among the ancients, wherein the evil wished is suppressed; as though she should have said, The LORD thus and thus punish me, yea, multiply his plagues and judgements according to my demerits, and as himself pleaseth, if I do intend otherwise then I say and professe. See 1 Kings 19:2. 1 Samuel 25:22. 1 Kings 2:23.

Ruth 1:18

was stedfastly minded] Hebr. strengthned her self.

Ruth 1:19

and they said] That is, the people of Bethelem, who had formerly known her in a better estate.

Ruth 1:21

out full] To wit, having a husband, two sons, and sufficient means of maintenance.

empty] That is, deprived of all these comforts.

testified against me] That is, declared his just displeasure, and convinced me of my sins, by inflicting these sharp afflictions. So Job 10:17. 13. 26. 16. 8. Malachi 3:5.

Ruth 1:22

which rened] See v. 7. 10. 1 Samuel 25. 26.

barley harvest] Which in Canaan used to be in the moneth Nisan, and with us answereth to part of March and part of April, Leviticus 23:10.