Bible Commentaries

gleaned. Compare Leviticus 19:9, Leviticus 19:10; Leviticus 23:22. Deuteronomy 24:19.

hap. From Anglo-Saxon, good luck = happy. Hebrew "her chance chanced". Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6.

they answered. This tells of a time of peace, prosperity, and quiet.

from the morning = all the morning.

fast. Anglo-Saxon = steadfast: i.e. cleave to.

take knowledge. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), put for "caring for". App-6.

stranger = foreigner.

work . . . reward . . . trust. Note the order of these three words for a spiritual application.

wings. By Figure of speech Anthropopatheia (App-6) attributed to Jehovah; denoting His tender care.

trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. App-69.

friendly = to the heart.

though I be not. Or, Oh that I might be.

left = left thereof remaining.

of purpose = on purpose.

ephah. See App-51.

kindness = lovingkindness.

one of = he [is].

the Moabitess. See note on Ruth 1:4, Ruth 1:22.

and of wheat harvest. Therefore near the Feast of Pentecost. This is why this book is read at that feast. See note on title.

dwelt with. Some codices read "returned unto". Vulgate commences the next chapter with this sentence.