7. Discreet with men (Ruth 3:6–13 // Prov. 31:11–12, 23)
the property as symbolized by the sandal, most likely that of the nearer relative.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:9 I have bought. Boaz exercised his legal option to redeem both the land and Ruth before appropriate witnesses.
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:10 the widow of Mahlon. Only here is Ruth's former husband identified (cf. 1:5 note). Therefore, it can also be assumed that Chilion married Orpah. I have bought to be my wife. Boaz exercised the spirit of the law and became Ruth's kinsman-redeemer (Deut. 25:5–6). the name of the dead. Perpetuation of the family name (1 Sam. 24:21) was an important feature that the levirate process provided (cf. Deut. 25:6).
RUTH—NOTE ON 4:11 We are witnesses. This affirmation signaled the strong approval of the city. like Rachel and Leah. Rachel, the most beloved wife of Jacob, was buried nearby (Gen. 35:19); Leah was the mother of Judah (by Jacob), their namesake descendant (Gen. 29:35). This remembrance went back almost 900 years to c. 1915 B.C. Ephrathah . . . Bethlehem. The ancient name of Bethlehem (Gen. 35:19; 48:7). See note on Ruth 1:2. Micah later prophetically wrote that this city would be the birthplace of Messiah (Micah 5:2).
Ruth: The Proverbs 31 Wife
Ruth: The Proverbs 31 Wife The "virtuous" wife of Prov. 31:10 is personified by "virtuous" Ruth of whom the same Hebrew word is used (Ruth 3:11). With amazing parallel, they share at least eight character traits (see below). One wonders (in concert with Jewish tradition) if King Lemuel's mother might not have been Bathsheba, who orally passed the family heritage of Ruth's spotless reputation along to David's son Solomon. Lemuel, which means "devoted to God," could have been a family name for Solomon (cf. Jedediah, 2 Sam. 12:25), who then could have penned Prov. 31:10–31 with Ruth in mind. Each woman was: 1. Devoted to her family (Ruth 1:15–18 // Prov. 31:10–12, 23) 2. Delighting in her work (Ruth 2:2 // Prov. 31:13) 3. Diligent in her labor (Ruth 2:7, 17, 23 // Prov. 31:14–18, 19–21, 24, 27) 4. Dedicated to godly speech (Ruth 2:10, 13 // Prov. 31:26) 5. Dependent on God (Ruth 2:12 // Prov. 31:25b, 30) 6. Dressed with care (Ruth 3:3 // Prov. 31:22, 25a) 7. Discreet with men (Ruth 3:6–13 // Prov. 31:11–12, 23) 8. Delivering blessings (Ruth 4:14–15 // Prov. 31:28–29, 31)