Bible Commentaries

Verse 3

gleaned. Compare Leviticus 19:9 , Leviticus 19:10 ; Leviticus 23:22 .Deuteronomy 24:19 .

hap. From Anglo-Saxon, good luck = happy. Hebrew "her chance chanced". Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6 .

Verse 4

they answered. This tells of a time of peace, prosperity, and quiet.

Verse 7

from the morning = all the morning.

Verse 8

fast. Anglo-Saxon = steadfast: i.e. cleave to.

Verse 10

take knowledge. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), put for "caring for". App-6 .

stranger = foreigner.

Verse 12

work . . . reward . . . trust. Note the order of these three words for a spiritual application.

wings. By Figure of speech Anthropopatheia ( App-6 ) attributed to Jehovah; denoting His tender care.

trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. App-69 .

Verse 13

friendly = to the heart.

though I be not. Or, Oh that I might be.

Verse 14

left = left thereof remaining.

Verse 16

of purpose = on purpose.

Verse 17

ephah. See App-51 .

Verse 20

kindness = lovingkindness.

one of = he [is].

Verse 21

the Moabitess. See note on Ruth 1:4 , Ruth 1:22 .

Verse 23

and of wheat harvest. Therefore near the Feast of Pentecost. This is why this book is read at that feast. See note on title.

dwelt with. Some codices read "returned unto". Vulgate commences the next chapter with this sentence.