8 It happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward ; and behold , a woman was lying at his feet . 9 He said , "Who are you?" And she answered , "I am Ruth your maid . So spread your covering over your maid , for you are a close relative ." 10 Then he said , " May you be blessed of the Lord , my daughter . You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men , whether poor or rich .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 3:8-10
Commentary on Ruth 3:6-13
(Read Ruth 3:6-13)
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 tell 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 advantage of Ruth; he did not disdain her as a poor, destitute stranger, nor suspect her of any ill intentions. He spoke honourably of her as a 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 whom the right of redemption belonged.