The Pulpit Commentary — Ruth — Section 66

HOMILETICS. Vera. 1-12.-T/te brulal of Boaz and Ruth. I. THERE WERE SOME OBSTACLES rn •rn:n: 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 to provide amply for her comfort, and for all hie own necessities and conveniences. There were none in his physical condition; he had been temperate in all things and was in the enjoyment of health and strength. Neither were there any obatacl~s m Ruth's heart. It had already sought for refuge under the wings of Boaz's protection and sympathy. Nor were there any in her physical, intellectual, or moral condition. She was exceptionally "capable " in every respect, and eminently virtuous and good. She was filled, and had for long been filled, with the love "that seeketh not her own things." Although reduced in circuipstances, she really belongP.d to the very class in society in which Boaz himself was moving. Nor were there obstacles on the part of Boaz's friends on the one hand, nor on the part of Ruth's one precious friend on the other. The obstacles were technical, arising out of the legal prerogative of a third party. Boaz set himself, in full concert with Ruth and Ruth's mother-in- law, to deal with these obstacles. II. HE DID NOT LOITER OVER THE MATTER, or protract the proceedings unfeelingly from day to day, week to week, month to month, and even year to year, until "hope deferred" ate out every atom of enthusiasm :from his own spirit, and made the heart of Ruth grow "sick." He took steps, without a single day's delay, to get his prospects and the prospects of Ruth righteously settled (see vers. 1--4). III. Yes," RIGHTEOUSLY SETTLED." For it was not so much the simple settlement as the righteousness of it that he longed for. He would not gratify his desire to obtain Ruth-greatly as he esteemed, prized, and desired her-if he could not get her righteously and honourably. Hence the forensic scene in the gateway of the city. IV. It is AN OLD-WORLD PICTURE that is drawn in the narrative, unveiling to view the grave, solemn manners of primitive but well-mannered times. The city had but one gate, through which, therefore, every one who went out or came in must needs pass. It would hence become the principal place of concourse for the townsfolk. It was the place of primitive marketing and bartering. It was the place of primitive judicature. It was, as it were, the senate-hall or parliament-house of the town. The elders and fathers "did congregate " there, in the presence of the casual public, to discuss the incidents that were transpiring, or the topics that were interesting the public mind. It was the place of morning and evening lounge. Boaz was careful to be early in the morning at this gateway, and immediately on arrival he took steps to secure a judicial settlement, if needed, and, at all events, a complete attestation of the facts of any nuptial arrangement that might be made. The people would begin to assemble leisurely. They would salute one another courteously. Every one would be of staid demeanour. There would be no rush, or push, or panting haste. The true Oriental likes to be self-possessed and leisurely. Some would be passing out, some passing in ; but all would be ready to pause and hail one another respect- fully. Kindly salutations would be directed to Boaz, and returned. It would be manifest from his countenance, from the tones of his voice, from his entire demeanou1 and manner, that he meant business that morning. See him as he moved about stable, yet elastic, and wound up. He invites certain venerated fathers to be seated on the stone benches set in a row at the base of the city wall, as he had an idfair to transact which he wished them by their presence to attest. Other citizens, mean- while, one by one, would be arriving on the scene, some of them younger men and aome older. They are grouped about. They feel that something unusual is in the air. At length there is a full conclave, and Boaz opens his case with his kinsman. It was this :-Naomi, who had so recently returned from the land of Moab, was now unfor- tunately in such reduced circumstances that she had resolved to sell the property which had belonged to her deceased husband. Now then was the opportunity of the nearest kinsman. In virtue of being the nearest in kinship, he was entitled to the first offer of the property. " Buy it, therefore," said Boaz, "before the inhabitantii, ;.nd before the elders of my people. If thou wilt act the part of the nearest kim,- l&UTH, r  THE BOOK OF RUTH. [CR. IV. 1-22,