Ruth 4:11

“And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, we are witnesses, etc.] Both of the purchase of the estate by Boaz being legally made, and of the marriage of Ruth to him, the condition of the bargain: the Lord make the woman that is come into thine house; not into his house, strictly and literally taken, the place of his habitation; for both he and she were now at the gate of the city, and as yet she was not introduced into his house; but by his marriage of her she was brought into his family, and was become a principal part of it, being his wife. This is a wish, prayer, or benediction of the elders, of one in the name of the rest, congratulating the married couple, and…”

“all the people and the elders, said, We are witnesses--A multitude, doubtless from curiosity or interest, were present on the occasion. There was no signing of deeds; yet was the transfer made, and complete security given, by the public manner in which the whole matter was carried on and concluded. the Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah--This was the usual bridal benediction.”

“See the margin. There is something of a poetical turn in this speech of the elders, and something prophetic in the blessing pronounced by them. It is unique and obscure. The Greek Version (lxx) is unintelligible. Jerome seems to have had a slightly different reading, since he applies both clauses to Ruth. “May she be a pattern of virtue in Ephratah, and have a name famous in Bethlehem.” The meaning of “be famous” seems to be, Get thyself a name which shall be celebrated in Bethlehem, as the head of a powerful and illustrious house: literally it is, “proclaim a name,” i. e. cause others to proclaim thy name, as in Ruth 4:14. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Rachel and Leah - Amiable and fruitful. These two are singled out, because they were of a foreign original, and yet ingrafted into God's people, as Ruth was; and because of that fertility which God vouchsafed unto them above their predecessors, Sarah and Rebecca. Rachel is placed before Leah, because she was his most lawful, and best - beloved wife. Did build - That is, increase the posterity. Ephratah and Bethlehem - Two names of one and the same place. Ruth 4:12”

“4:11 Rachel and Leah, Jacob’s two wives, were the mothers of Israel. • Ephrathah: See study note on 1:2.”

“the Lord: Gen 24:60; Psa 127:3-5, Psa 128:3-6 Rachel: Gen 29:32-35, 30:1-24, Gen 35:16-20, 46:8-27; Num. 26:1-65 build: Deu 25:9; Pro 14:1 do thou worthily: or, get thee riches, or power Ephratah: Rut 1:2; Gen 35:16, Gen 35:19; Psa 132:6; Mic 5:2; Mat 2:6 be famous: Heb. proclaim thy name Ruth 4:12”