Matthew Henry on Ruth 4:1-8

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it.

In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world.

The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.

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Ruth Refused by Her Kinsman. (b. c. 1312.)Ruth 4:1-8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleRUTH REFUSED BY HER KINSMAN. (B. C. 1312.) Here, 1. Boaz calls a court immediately. It is probable he was himself one of the elders (or aldermen) of the city; for he was a mighty man of wealth. Perhaps he was father of…The Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1-22Ruth 4:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1Ruth 4:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryAnd Boaz went up, to the gate, and sat there. He "went up," for the city stood, as it still stands, on a ridge (see on Ruth 1:1; Ruth 3:6). "And sat there," on one of the stones, or stone benches, that were set for the…The Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1-12Ruth 4:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe bridal of Boaz and Ruth. I. THERE WERE SOME OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. There were none, indeed, in Boaz's heart; it was full of pure esteem and love for Ruth. There were none in his financial circumstances; he was able t…

commentaryRuth Refused by Her Kinsman. (b. c. 1312.)RUTH REFUSED BY HER KINSMAN. (B. C. 1312.) Here, 1. Boaz calls a court immediately. It is probable he was himself one of the elders (or aldermen) of the city; for he was a mighty man of wealth. Perhaps he was father of…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1-22EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1-12The bridal of Boaz and Ruth. I. THERE WERE SOME OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. There were none, indeed, in Boaz's heart; it was full of pure esteem and love for Ruth. There were none in his financial circumstances; he was able t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1And Boaz went up, to the gate, and sat there. He "went up," for the city stood, as it still stands, on a ridge (see on Ruth 1:1; Ruth 3:6). "And sat there," on one of the stones, or stone benches, that were set for the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:2And he took ten men of the elderly inhabitants of the city, and he said, Sit ye here; and they sat down. Boaz wished to have a full complement of witnesses to the important transaction which he contemplated.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:3-8The goel. Every nation has its own domestic and social usages. Among those prevalent in Israel was the relationship of the goel. He was the redeemer, or the next kinsman of one deceased, whose duty it was to purchase an…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:3And he said to the kinsman, Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, has resolved to sell the portion of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. Boaz, it is evident, had talked over with Ruth the entire deta…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:4And I said (to myself). There is little likelihood in the opinion of those who maintain, with Rosenmüller, that the expression, "I said," refers to a promise which Boaz had made to Ruth (see Ruth 3:13). It is a primitiv…Joseph S. Exell and contributors