John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And it came to pass at midnight , etc.] So long Boaz slept without knowledge of any person being at his feet, and so long Ruth had lain there; but awaking, and perceiving something at his feet, which pressed them, it made him look about and feel, and so affected him, that the man was afraid ; though a man, and a man of spirit, he was afraid, a panic seized him, not knowing but it might be a spectre, a spirit, or a demon, as Jarchi; and such an instance we have in history of an apparition, which seemed to put off clothes, and place itself in a bed where a man lay, etc. and turned himself ; to see who it was: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet ; which he knew by putting his hand upon her head, as Jarchi thinks, and so knew her by her headdress, or vail; or rather by her voice, as Aben Ezra, and who supposes the moon might shine, and he might be able to discern she had no beard, as well as also discover her by her clothes.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-13 - What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tel Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attempted not to take advantag of Ruth; he did not disdain her as a poor, destitute stranger, no suspect her of any ill intentions. He spoke honourably of her as virtuous woman, made her a promise, and as soon as the morning arrived sent her away with a present to her mother-in-law. Boaz made his promise conditional, for there was a kinsman nearer than he, to who the right of redemption belonged.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 בחצי2677 הלילה3915 ויחרד2729 האישׁ376 וילפת3943 והנה2009 אשׁה802 שׁכבת7901 מרגלתיו׃4772
