John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself , etc.] On such a condition, because he had a wife, as the Targum suggests; and to take another would, as that intimates, tend to introduce contention into his family, and make him uncomfortable; so Josephus says f72 , he had a wife and children, for that reason it was not convenient for him to take the purchase on such a condition: lest I mar my own inheritance ; he considered, that as he had a wife and children already and as he might have more by marrying Ruth, his family expenses would be increased, and his estate diminished; and what would remain must be divided among many, and this estate in particular go to Ruth’s firstborn, whereby his own inheritance would be scattered and crumbled, and come to little or nothing; add to all which, he might suppose that her ancient mother Naomi would be upon his hands to maintain also: redeem thou my right for thyself which I am ready to give up to thee, for thou hast no wife, as the Targum expresses it: for I can not redeem it ; in the circumstances I am, and upon the condition annexed to the purchase.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, an doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. Thi kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. I like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willin 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 willin 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 an open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all mus make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 הגאל1350 לא3808 אוכל3201 לגאול1350 לי1350 פן6435 אשׁחית7843 את853 נחלתי5159 גאל1350 לך אתה859 את853 גאלתי1353 כי3588 לא3808 אוכל3201 לגאל׃1350
