John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And she went, and came , etc.] That is, she went out of the house where she was, and out of the city, and came into the field; though, according to the Midrash f29 , she marked the ways as she went, before she entered into the field, and then came back to the city to observe the marks and signs she made, that she might not mistake the way, and might know how to come back again: and gleaned in the field after the reapers ; when they had cut down and bound up the corn, what fell and was left she picked up, having first asked leave so to do: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech ; the providence of God so ordering and directing it; for though it was hap and chance to her, and what some people call good luck, it was according to the purpose, and by the providence and direction of God that she came to the reapers in that part of the field Boaz, a near kinsman of her father-in-law, was owner of, and asked leave of them to glean and follow them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-3 - Observe Ruth's humility. When Providence had made her poor, sh cheerfully stoops to her lot. High spirits will rather starve tha stoop; not so Ruth. Nay, it is her own proposal. She speaks humbly in her expectation of leave to glean. We may not demand kindness as debt, but ask, and take it as a favour, though in a small matter. Rut also was an example of industry. She loved not to eat the bread of idleness. This is an example to young people. Diligence promises well both for this world and the other. We must not be shy of any hones employment. No labour is a reproach. Sin is a thing below us, but we must not think any thing else so, to which Providence call us. She wa an example of regard to her mother, and of trust in Providence. God wisely orders what seem to us small events; and those that appea altogether uncertain, still are directed to serve his own glory, an the good of his people.
Original Hebrew ותלך1980 ותבוא935 ותלקט3950 בשׂדה7704 אחרי310 הקצרים7114 ויקר7136 מקרה4745 חלקת2513 השׂדה7704 לבעז1162 אשׁר834 ממשׁפחת4940 אלימלך׃458
