Ruth 1:12

“Turn again, my daughters, go your way, etc.] This she repeated still to try their affections to her, and especially whether there was any real love to the God of Israel, his people, and worship, but still proceeds upon the same topic: for I am too old to have an husband; and can never think of marrying again on account of age, nor can you surely ever think I should, at these years I am now arrived to: if I should say I have hope; of marrying, and bearing children; suppose that: if I should have a husband also tonight; be married to a man directly, suppose that: and should also bear sons; conceive and bear, not female but male children, allow that; all which are mere suppositions, and, could…”

“Turn again, my daughters, go your way--That Naomi should dissuade her daughters-in-law so strongly from accompanying her to the land of Israel may appear strange. But it was the wisest and most prudent course for her to adopt: first, because they might be influenced by hopes which could not be realized; second, because they might be led, under temporary excitement, to take a step they might afterwards regret; and, third, because the sincerity and strength of their conversion to the true religion, which she had taught them, would be thoroughly tested.”

“See marginal references and notes. The Levirate law probably existed among the Moabites, and in Israel extended beyond the brother in the strict sense, and applied to the nearest relations, since Boaz was only the kinsman of Elimelech Ruth 3:12. return to 'Top of Page'”

“too old: Gen 17:17; Ti1 5:9 I should have: or, I were with Ruth 1:13”